bhp: Citroën C3 Picasso vs. Citroën C4 Picasso

I’ve checked out quite a number of hothatches from different manufacturers till date and some are fiesty little 3dr creatures like the Renault Twingo including more practical 5dr versions like the Suzuki Swift and the Volkswagen Golf. Then again, what about the family? Well, buying a car in Singapore isn’t exactly what I would call cheap. So swapping cars every few years can be quite taxing literally. Now, I have no need for a family car so to speak but if I needed one tomorrow, the Citroën C3 Picasso would be something I would be very interested in.

Let’s face it. Take away Sébastien Loeb in his Citroën C4 WRC, the only thing that sits in my mind is if you are crazy enough, you could jolly well drive a Citroën on 3 wheels. The manufacturer used it in their adverts in the 80′s showcasing the unique suspension design. In extreme real world scenarios, it should prove useful for a quick getaway. So, unless you are a diplomat who has been ambushed by terrorist; your bodyguards throw you into your car and speed off on a blown off tyre. The other time driving on 3 wheels will come in handy will be on the highway with a blown tyre.

Unless driving on 3 wheels is your thing, or you just love Sébastien Loeb, I don’t see why someone will really consider getting a Citroën. Let’s face it. It’s French, subsidary of Peugoet since 1976 when it went bankrupt and still cost a heck load just to get one on the road today. The only Citroëns I see occasionally on the roads is the Berlingo which is a cross between a passenger car and a commercial van. Otherwise known as the strange ‘bubble carvan’.

For the family man, space is probably a primary concern when getting a new family car. There’s the kids, wife, kid’s stuff, wife’s stuff, maybe a dog and dog’s stuff. All that needs to fit in the car with ample space for kids to roll around in the back. Most family man I know, don’t really have much stuff. Only stuff they have are their wallet, mobile phone and keys. If there’s one thing the French are good at, it’s to perfect the art of space management. Maximum modular storage space in any given space available. All thanks to narrow French streets in Paris.

My personal preference would be the Citroën C3 Picasso. Though it’s much better looking than a Berlingo, it still looks like a bubble on 4 wheels to be honest and being so doesn’t make it the sexiest looking car. Definitely no sense of ‘cool’ or ‘funky’ and I haven’t quite considered what my mates would say if I was caught driving one. Yet, in all practical sense, this would be a great car for a small family and even a bachelor looking to make runs to IKEA and move inventory around. Something that work requires me to do on quite a regular basis.

Fifth Gear – Citroën C3 Picasso Exclusive

Get the Flash Player to see the wordTube Media Player.

All said, the Picasso appeals to me on 2 grounds. First being the incredible modular space available in various permitations and the innovative A-pillars that allow for dramatically improved road visibility. For folks who curse and swear at the huge A-pillars found in most cars (japanese especially) blocking your view of what’s 45 degrees ahead, I think you would understand what I mean. Unfortunately, the C3 Picasso is not available in the local market. I guess Cycle & Carriage doesn’t see a market for the smaller Picasso in Singapore.

For the real family man travelling with a maid in tow and grandparents, the Citroën C4 Picasso would be the best option. It replaces the Citroën Xsara Picasso and if need be, transforms from a 5 seater into a 7 seater with minimal fuss. Even granny can pull up the 2 extra seats in the back.

Fifth Gear – Citroën C4 Picasso Exclusive

Get the Flash Player to see the wordTube Media Player.

The C4 Picasso starts at SGD89,988 up to SGD103,988 for the top spec Citroën C4 Grand Picasso Exclusive. From C&C”s product specification page, all 5 variants comes standard on a 1.6 (A) 16v engine producing a mere 143bhp. It’s not a lot of power for a full size MPV to be pulling around 7 adults with shopping. I would think it’s nearest european competitor would be the Škoda Octavia Combi 1.4 TSI DSG. The basic Octavia Combi model produces 120bhp is currently priced at SGD92,800 with the 2.0 TSI DSG model with 197bhp at 115,800. In terms of practicality, the family considering a Picasso isn’t going to look for sporty off the line performance. With the overall design, practicality and pricing of both the Combi and Picasso, I have to say Citroën is the clear winner even if the road tax costs an additional SGD122 a year, base-to-base.