Citroen, long a vehicle maker known for being creative, will introduce the very creative C4 Picasso at the upcoming Paris Motor Show. I think the name is perfect for this 7-seat people mover, as the vehicle is just as creative as its namesake. Check out the following details:
• 2 mirrors on the windshield.
• A huge windshield that wraps up into the roof...
• A middle seat in the second row that actually looks comfortable, perhaps even as comfortable as the outboard seats.
• Dual climate control switches/readouts on the outboard edges of the dashboard.
• 6-speed electronic tranny.
• Stunning styling, which is tough to achieve in this type of vehicle.
jerrywimer says:
04:45 AM, 08/ 4/06
The name definitely fits it very well. The only thing that needs changed is the ugly steering wheel design.
mercedesman1 says:
08:17 AM, 08/ 4/06
I want one!!
cor says:
08:54 AM, 08/ 4/06
Too bad that American companies CAN'T produce anything near this...... the picasso almost makes me want to have a family just so I can buy one.
steve_ says:
03:12 PM, 08/ 4/06
That windshield looks like a real heat sink! The A pillar doesn't look too thick but the forward pillar would bother me I think (the '06 Espace has a similar treatment). Reminds me of the GM Dustbuster minivans a bit.
Nice having a handhold for the driver.
Seems like Caravans have had a second "conversation" mirror for years.
All these second row seats really could benefit from folding arm rests for the middle seat.
The exterior looks like a Caravan with some Previa on the front end (that's a good thing - the windshield is just a bit too tall). And the rear looks better than the Espace.
neil733 says:
03:32 AM, 08/ 5/06
In answer to jerrywimer, the steering wheel isn't ugly - what you're looking at is a fixed hub. This allows the switches to remain in a constant position no matter how much the wheel is turned, and also allows the use of a shaped (rather than circular) airbag to improve safety for the driver. It is already standard on the C4 hatchbacks, introduced at the end of 2004.
rsholland says:
06:40 AM, 08/ 5/06
Thanks Neil. Make that another "creative" (and functional) detail worth noting.
chrisducati says:
04:43 AM, 08/ 7/06
I like the fixed hub steering wheel idea. Over all I like the looks. I would buy a Ford S-Max over this because of the looks.
jerrywimer says:
10:44 AM, 08/ 7/06
That's interesting. It doesn't change my opinion of the appearance though. Actually it knocks my opinion of the wheel's functionality down a notch or two- I prefer that the buttons on my wheel move with the wheel when I turn it. That way the buttons are always in the same spot relative to my hands (which are moving with the wheel at 10 and 2 o'clock in normal driving).
Now if the hub itself stayed fixed allowing for that shaped airbag, but the switches and such still moved around it with the rest of the wheel- that would be something I'd be impressed with. And the styling could still be improved and have that functionality, imo. Or maybe not?