NEED to move seven people in comfort or lug large loads in your motor? Then this could be just the car for you.
For 2019 Citroen have changed the name of their C4 Picasso to C4 Spacetourer, which better reflects what goes on inside this Tardis-like vehicle.
While I am sure Citroen still think their mid-size MPV is also a work of art, the name change does make sense as it is amazing just what you can get inside this car – despite it having a wheelbase little bigger than a Ford Focus.
We got our hands on the top of the range larger seven seat Grand C4 Spacetourer Flair Blue HDi 160 eight speed auto which is packed with quirky, clever design features like a second rear view mirror so you can keep an eye on what your tribe is up to in the back while on the move.
Citroen say the 2019 version brings ‘new levels of comfort and versatility’ which are both things the manufacturer has been known for over the years.
With that famous Citroen soft suspension set up and big comfy seats the former is there in spades and, as we have already said, this car also now ‘does what it says on the tin’ with that Spacetourer name.
And when it comes to tech and equipment the Spacetourer is up there with the best as standard kit on our test car includes a panoramic glass sunroof, hands free power tailgate, connected navigation, a big central infotainment display screen plus 7-inch touchscreen, 360 degree park assist and central fold down armrests for the driver and front seat passenger.
Also on the list are speed limit recognition, reversing camera, auto intelligent beam headlights, active blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, active safety brake and emergency collision alert plus an auto electronic handbrake with hill start assist.
The Grand Spacetourer is a full seven seater – no trying to cram 6 foot adults into child-sized seats here – and it boasts 704 litres of boot space. Also typical of Citroen is making the most of every little nook and cranny for extra storage space, like the large ventilated grove box plus a deep central compartment which also contains an audio jack plus USB and 230V sockets.
Engine wise there are a choice of two diesel and petrol engines with from 130 to 160bhp. Our bigger power 1997cc diesel version can return up to a claimed 66mpg while getting from 0 to 62 in 9.2 seconds and going on to a top speed of 130mph.
A week at the wheel proved the Grand Spacetourer to be a very easy vehicle to live with – in fact, including that panoramic roof, there is so much glass you do feel a little like you are driving around in a mobile greenhouse, but the up side is great all round visibility.
Price wise things start with the entry-level five seat Spacetourer Touch edition with PureTech petrol power at £22,775 on the road going up to our Flair Blue HDi 160bhp seven seat Grand C4 Spacetourer which is £32,965.
Now that is competing in a very competitive price section of the new car market but then you do get an awful lot of car (and space) for your cash with this car.
By Motoring Editor Steve Howarth