Used 2012 Citroen C4 Picasso Wagon Review & Ratings

Citroen have been producing their small family car, the Citroen C4 Picasso, since 2004. The C4 Picasso is the successor to the Citroen Xzara and has inherited it's predecessor's legacy of funky design and practical, if unspectacular and, in some reviews, even boring handling and power. While reviews state it lacks some of the funkiness of its smaller cousin, the Citroen C3 Picasso Sedan, it is nonetheless undoubtedly on the cooler side of the market when it comes to family vehicles. It has the C3's ladylike eyelash style headlights, and its sleek lines draw a lithe and elegant body from front to back. Without a doubt, the Citroen C4 Picasso will stand out in a parking lot full of drab and unspectacular family vehicles.

As cool as it is on the outside, it's when you step behind the wheel that the abundance of technological wizardry crammed into the Citroen Picasso C4's design becomes apparent. Its landmark Lane Departure Warning System tells the driver if he or she crosses a road marking without using the turn signals. The ease of use of the system, as well as its practicality, has been singled out for praise in reviews. Other nice features include directional headlights, an electronic stability program and, in true French style, an optional perfume dispenser as part of the ventilation system. Options, however, may be somewhat limited. The 2012 Citroen C4 Picasso only comes with one engine option: a 2.0 liter turbo diesel engine. While the engine rips and roars impressively, going from 0-100kph in about 10 seconds, the extra power has come at the cost of fuel efficiency, averaging around 8 liters to 100km in an urban environment.

Comparatively, this is no great waste compared to other seven seaters on the market. The most popular in its class, the Kia Grand Carnival Platinum, has abysmal fuel efficiency in comparison, as does the Hyundai iMax. While the Volkswagen Caddy Maxi Life is streets ahead of all these people movers in terms of fuel efficiency which, as primarily a family car, is of paramount importance in this class, it lacks the spacious interior of the C4 Picasso. All retail at around the $40,000 mark, so which you choose will come down to what aspect of the design you want to prioritize. In terms of features and options, the Kia and Hyundai products are the leaders of the pack. Volkswagen's mini people mover has the most efficient engine. If it's style, smart design, a wealth of technological features and irresistible charm you're after, the Citroen C4 Picasso reigns above all.