The C4 Picasso

The application and release of the brake is totally transparent to the driver. A message is displayed on the multifunction screen and a backlit "P" appears for 30 seconds on the instrument cluster and the brake control.

An electric control, located within easy reach of the driver in the middle of the dashboard, can be used to apply the parking brake in a conventional manner whenever necessary. When the vehicle is stationary with the engine running, for example, it can be immobilised simply by pulling the control paddle. The brake is always released automatically, providing valuable assistance to the driver when starting or manoeuvring on gradients.

The automatic braking and release functions can be disabled using the multifunction screen, without deactivating hill start assistance. A yellow indicator light on the control cluster lights up when the engine is started and remains on until the engine stops, reminds the driver that the automatic parking brake function has been switched off. The automatic parking brake function can be switched off in the severe weather conditions encountered, for example, in cold regions, where the parking brake may become jammed as a result of water freezing in the brake callipers.

For safety reasons, the electric parking brake can only be released manually when the driver's foot is on the brake pedal.

Hill start assistance (standard)

In addition to the automatic parking brake, C4 Picasso is also fitted with a hill start assistance function that helps the driver to set off or manœuvre on gradients. This function is standard with all gearbox versions. When the brake pedal is released, the ESP automatically maintains the vehicle in position for up to two seconds so that the driver has the time to move a foot from the brake to the accelerator, without the vehicle moving forwards or backwards down the slope. Hill start assistance is active on gradients of 3% or more (facing up the hill in forward gear or facing down in reverse).

A parking space measurement system

C4 Picasso is the first vehicle  on the market to feature a parking space measurement system (depending on the level of trim). This function helps the driver find a place to park by informing him/her whether the available space is big enough for the vehicle and even indicating the degree of difficulty of the parking manoeuvre. The system uses two ultrasonic sensors located at either end of the front bumper.

1)   The driver simply presses the "P" pushbutton on the fixed-centred controls steering wheel.

2)   He/she then switches on the left or right indicator light to tell the system the side on which it must measure the available spaces.

3)   The driver then simply drives along the row of parked vehicles at a speed of less than 20 kph. The measurement is interrupted when the front of the vehicle progresses beyond the end of an empty space. Spaces measuring less than 4 meters or more than 7 meters are ignored. A message appears on the multifunction screen accompanied by an audible "beep" informing the driver whether the parking manoeuvre is possible, difficult or inadvisable.

This function can be disabled:

• manually, by again pressing the space measurement button on the steering wheel,

• automatically, when reverse gear is engaged,

• after five minutes if no measurements are requested,

• if vehicle speed exceeds 70 kph for one minute,

• when the ignition is switched off.

The function is not disabled when vehicle speed temporarily exceeds 20 kph. Further measurements can be made as soon as the vehicle slows down to less than 20 kph again.

Front and rear parking assistance

The parking space measurement system supplements the front and rear parking aids, which are particularly useful to drivers.

Sensors located in the front and rear bumpers detect any obstacles close to the vehicle. Audible bleeps from the loudspeakers and a representation of the parking manoeuvre on the central dashboard screen provide drivers with precise information on the presence and proximity of obstacles in the detection zone.

Lane departure warning system (LDWS)

Like the C4, C5 and C6, the C4 Picasso can be fitted with an LDWS, one of the first systems to address the issue of drowsiness at the wheel.

When activated, this driver aid warns drivers of an accidental lane change, if the vehicle crosses a road marking, with the indicator off. The system functions on motorways or fast roads at speeds of more than 80 kph.

Drivers are alerted by a vibrating system in the seat cushion on the side corresponding to the direction of vehicle drift. They can then take corrective action.

Xenon dual-function directional headlamps

The C4 Picasso can be fitted with Xenon dual-function directional headlamps that improve visibility when cornering.

These smart headlights include an elliptical bi-Xenon directional module, active in full-beam and low-beam modes, that provides clear vision at night or in poor weather. These headlights allow drivers to view the road more clearly and to see other users and obstacles sooner. This is an important advantage in terms of safety since, at a speed of 110 kph, the car covers more than 30 meters every second.

Cruise control and speed limiter (standard)

The range of comfort and safety equipment fitted on the C4 Picasso also includes speed limiter and cruise control functions, which are now widely available across the Citroën range.

Cruise control regulates vehicle speed at a pre-set value, without the driver pressing the accelerator pedal.

The speed limiter prevents the vehicle from exceeding a given speed that is set by the driver. He/she can temporarily exceed this speed when required, using the accelerator kick-down function.

For both the standard cruise control and speed limiter on the C4 Picasso, the driver programmes the speed settings using a simple function on the fixed-centred controls steering wheel. The settings and the status (on/off) of both systems are displayed on the central screen on the dashboard.

Tyre pressure monitor

The safety features available on the C4 Picasso are further enhanced by the tyre pressure monitor already available in C4, C5, C8 and C6, which measures the pressure of each tyre. All the tyres are equipped with a pressure sensor and transmitter that send data to the central ECU.

When the pressure in one of the tyres drops below the pre-set value, the driver is immediately informed by an audible warning and a message on the central display. In the event of a puncture, a "Stop" light also comes on. In this way, the system detects low tyre pressure that could affect vehicle stability, jeopardising the safety of the vehicle's occupants.

The system also encourages drivers to keep the tyres at the right pressure, thereby reducing road noise, fuel consumption and tyre wear.

"Bluetooth" hands-free telephone system

The C4 Picasso can be equipped with a "Bluetooth" hands-free telephone system, enabling drivers to make calls without taking their eyes off the road or their hands off the wheel.

This wireless technology is built into the passenger compartment so that drivers can make calls from their vehicle, with their mobile phones safely in their pockets. The system features easy-to-use steering wheel controls and a microphone built into the ceiling. Conversations are relayed using the C4 Picasso's audio system. Drivers can access numbers stored in the directory of their mobile phone using the steering wheel-mounted controls. They can also use voice recognition to make a call. The directory and the name of the contact are displayed on the vehicle's multifunction screen.

Stress-free driving with NaviDrive

The NaviDrive system combines a 7-inch 16/9 screen with a built-in GSM telephone (not Bluetooth compatible), audio system (radio, MP3 CD player, 5-CD stacker) and a GPS navigation system. The main functions can all be accessed via the easy-to-use controls on the steering wheel, that also activate the voice synthesis and recognition functions. The system can also be controlled directly from the NaviDrive unit built into the dashboard beneath a removable radio cover. Mobile devices can be connected to the audio/video socket in the glovebox.

The NaviDrive system also offers a range of additional services, such as Citroën Emergency, Citroën Assistance and Citroën On Line. Depending on the country, the Citroën Emergency service can be used in combination with the GPS and telephone functions to locate the vehicle if an accident occurs or the driver is taken ill, or to access call centre services.

Automatic fuel flap for easy fill-ups

The C4 Picasso features a new automatic, plug-free filler flap so that drivers can top up without having to touch the filler cap. The flap is copened by pressing a button inside the passenger compartment on the lower left-hand side of the driving position. The grill that replaces the conventional cap and seals the system is opened when the pump nozzle is inserted. Once the tank is full, drivers simply push the filler flap shut. The filler flap control is disabled at speeds above 10 kph to prevent it from opening accidentally when the vehicle is in motion.

DRIVING PLEASURE

Four engines: performance, fuel economy and respect for the environment

From launch, the C4 Picasso will be available with a choice of four responsive, high-performance Euro4-compliant engines. The engine range comprises:

• two petrol engines: the 127 bhp DIN 1.8i 16V and the 143 bhp DIN 2.0i 16V,

• two HDi diesel engines fitted as standard with a particulate filter (DPFS): the 110 bhp DIN 1.6 HDi DPFS and the 138 bhp DIN 2.0 HDi DPFS.

Depending on the market, these engines are mated with a broad range of gearboxes that meet the needs of every customer: manual, automatic and the new 6-speed electronic gearbox system.

Petrol engines

• 127 bhp DIN 1.8i 16V at entry level

The entry-level petrol engine on the C4 Picasso is the 1.8i 16V engine that is already fitted on the Citroën C5. This powerplant develops maximum power of 92 kW EEC (127 bhp DIN) and 170 Nm of torque at 3,750 rpm.

Highly responsive even at very low revs, this engine is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The gearshift of the manual transmission is mounted on the dashboard, imitating the highly popular layout of the Xsara Picasso.

• 143 bhp DIN 2.0i 16V

The second petrol engine powering the C4 Picasso was first introduced on the C5 in September 2004. This 16-valve 2-litre unit develops 103 kW EEC (143 bhp DIN) with maximum torque of 200 Nm available at 4,000 rpm. The engine features variable valve timing (VVT), to optimise filling of the combustion chambers, irrespective of engine speed.

This engine can be mated to the new 6-speed electronic gearbox system or to an automatic 4-speed transmission, depending on the market.

Diesel engines

• HDi 110 DPFS: powerful and compact

The 16-valve 1560 cm3 HDi 110 engine, fitted as standard with a particulate filter, develops 80 kW EEC (110 bhp DIN) for torque of 240 Nm from 1,750 rpm. This can be boosted by up to 260 Nm through an “overboost” function that temporarily raises the turbocharger pressure.

Depending on vehicle trim, the HDi 110 DPFS can be mated to the 5-speed manual gearbox or the new 6-speed electronic gearbox system.

• HDi 138 DPFS

The HDi 138, fitted as standard with a particulate filter, develops 100 kW EEC (138 bhp) at 4,000 rpm. With the new six-speed electronic gearbox system, it generates maximum torque of 270 Nm at 2,000 rpm. Like the HDi 110 DPFS, the HDi 138 features a second-generation injection system and a variable-geometry turbocharger.

Driveability and fuel economy with the new 6-speed electronic gearbox system

Application extended to three engines

From launch, the C4 Picasso is available with the new 6-speed electronic gearbox system introduced on the C4 Hatchback and Coupé HDi 110 in June 2006. On the C4 Picasso, this new transmission is available across an extended range of three engines: the 143 bhp 2.0 i 16v petrol unit, and the HDi 110 DPFS and HDi 138 DPFS diesel units.

The 6-speed electronic gearbox system is a highly attractive alternative to conventional manual and automatic transmissions, in terms of driveability, fuel economy and affordability.

The technology is based on a 6-speed manual gearbox with an electro-hydraulic actuator control system delivering a fast, precise response for smooth, instant gearshifts.

Driving pleasure in manual and automatic modes

• Steering-wheel mounted controls

C4 Picasso models equipped with the six-speed electronic gearbox system feature steering-wheel mounted gearshift paddles, plus a mode selector on the steering column. This highly ergonomic arrangement puts all controls within fingertip reach, regardless of driver position. The system is adjustable for height and reach. The gearbox selector switches between forward, neutral and reverse.

• Choice of two driving modes

The 6-speed electronic gearbox system lets the driver choose between manual and automatic mode at any time, based on personal preference or changes in the roadway environment (road, motorway, built-up area, traffic jam, etc.).

• Manual mode

In manual mode, the driver maintains manual control over gearshifts, although there is no clutch pedal. Gears are selected using the steering-wheel paddles, and the instrument cluster shows the currently selected gear at all times.

For a true manual response, the transmission offers no assistance on upshifts, even if the engine is revved into the red zone on the rev counter. However, for optimum driveability during downshifts into standstill (as when approaching traffic lights or a Stop sign), the gearbox will run through the gears automatically, right down into first at slow speed. Automatic downshift points are determined by the ECU on the basis of criteria including under-revving, road gradient sporty driving style, etc.).

• Automatic mode

In automatic mode, gearshifts are managed electronically to optimize driveability and fuel economy. When this mode is selected, the letter A appears on the instrument panel alongside the currently selected gear. The gearbox ECU selects the most suitable gear speed, in line with auto-adaptive patterns determined by driver behaviour, journey type, engine speed, vehicle speed and grip conditions.

By avoiding under-revving and over-revving, automatic mode brings considerable fuel savings. With optimized gearshifts, the car consumes between 3% and 5% less fuel than with a conventional manual gearbox (depending on the type of cycle).

The driver can override automaticmode and resume manual control at any time (in an emergency situation, or when overtaking, for example) by simply operating one of the paddles. This switches the controller back into manual mode immediately. Unless a paddle is operated again, the controller will switch back to automatic mode after around twenty seconds.

Six speeds for a smooth response and fuel economy

With its six speeds, the new electronic gearbox system takes full advantage of the engine's properties, in both manual and automatic modes, to deliver a superbly smooth response, low fuel consumption and acoustic comfort.

Electro-hydraulic control, for smooth, precise gearshifts

New electro-hydraulic actuators ensure smooth, precise gearshifts, in both manual and automatic modes. This jerk-free gear is achieved with no compromise on speed. The 6-speed electronic gearbox system combines speed and precision, with the following response times:

• 650 ms for a gearshift in manual mode

• 750 ms for a gearshift in automatic mode.

In addition, the 6-speed electronic gearbox system ensures fine-tuned fluid and jerk-free power take-up during manoeuvring. This is especially noticeable in reverse.

Exemplary road manners

Exemplary road manners are another prerequisite for a relaxed, enjoyable drive. To meet this need, the C4 Picasso features highly efficient running gear and powerful, reassuring brakes.

Efficient running gear

The C4 Picasso’s running gear affords precise on-road behaviour and contributes effectively to active safety. The front axle features MacPherson-type suspension with lower wishbones and an anti-roll bar. This system, based on that of the C4, features reinforcements on the wishbones, steering and subframe, to support the additional load at the front, characteristic of an MPV. The rear axle is completely new. Based on a flexible transverse beam and anti-roll bar, it features inclined shock absorbers to prevent encroachment on boot space. Generous sizing and load bearing capacity (up to 1,200 kg) ensure a high level of stiffness for top-class road manners. At the same time, the system fits in smoothly with versions using conventional springs and tyres.

Damping is adapted to optimise both comfort and handling. Depending on the trim and engine, the C4 Picasso ships with 15” wheels fitted with 205/65R15 tyres, 16” wheels with 215/55R16 tyres, or, on option, 17” wheels with 215/50R17 tyres or 18” wheels with 215/45R18 tyres. It has an anti-puncture kit as standard and can also be fitted with a temporary spare wheel for some markets.

Another standard feature on the C4 Picasso is variable-assistance power steering driven by a new electric pump unit. This unit is more powerful than on the C4, owing to the heavier load on the front axle. Assistance is adjusted to vehicle speed and steering wheel angle, to deliver a response matched to driving conditions. More specifically, the steering is stiffer at higher speeds for safety, and lighter at slow speeds, for manoeuvrability.

High-performance braking system

The C4 Picasso features large-diameter (302 mm) ventilated disc brakes at the front, and disc brakes at the rear with 12 mm thick specially reinforced hub-discs specific to C4 Picasso. ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution are standard, as is ESP (electronic stability programme). At speeds below 30 kph, the ESP can be switched off from the dashboard; it then switches back in automatically once the speed rises above 30 kph, or the next time the engine is switched on. ESP is coupled with ASR traction control. The braking performance of the C4 Picasso is among the best in its segment, with precise ABS/ESP regulation. Other braking-related safety features fitted as standard on the C4 Picasso include emergency braking assistance (EBA) and automatic illumination of hazard warning lights.

PASSENGER Protection

The C4 Picasso provides excellent protection for vehicle occupants in the eventuality of collision, with seven airbags as standard and a specially reinforced structure, among other features. Particular emphasis has been placed on child safety, and four seats are fitted with Isofix Top Tether three-point childseat anchor points. The C4 Picasso also includes effective protection against intrusion.

A complete, dependable range of features to protect all the occupants

Seven airbags as standard

• Driver knee airbag

The C4 Picasso is the first MPV to feature a steering column airbag protecting the driver’s knees and shins in the event of impact.

• Two front airbags, including a driver airbag designed to always deploy at the right angle

The driver and front passenger are protected by front airbags whose inflation pressure and volume adjust automatically to the force of collision. The presence of the fixed-centred controls steering wheel means that the driver’s airbag always deploys at the right angle.

• Two side airbags and two curtain airbags

Two side airbags in the front seats provide chest protection and two curtain airbags provide head protection for passengers in the first two rows of seats.

Emphasis on child safety

• Four Isofix seats

The C4 Picasso is the only compact MPV to feature four Isofix seats, including three in the second row. This means that a childseat can be fitted in the central place at the rear, this being the place most easily accessible from the front. This arrangement also provides easier access to the third row, since the side places can be left free. Alternatively, the user can fit two seats in the second row, or install a rearward-facing childseat on the front passenger seat (with the front passenger airbag switched off). The Isofix system includes a third “top tether” anchor point”, so an Isofix seat can simply be clipped in at the required place in the vehicle.

• Seatbelt warning indicators at front and rear

The C4 Picasso features audible and visual seatbelt warning indicators. It also alerts the driver if a seatbelt in any of the rear seats (rows 2 and 3) is unbuckled when the car is in motion. This information is displayed on a car seat diagram on the central dashboard display.

All seats are fitted with three-point seatbelts. The belt on the central seat in the second row has two buckles, on either side of the seat. The belts on the rear-most seats can be wound up above the luggage cover, for unimpeded access to the luggage compartment. The front seatbelts are height-adjustable and fitted with dual pyrotechnic pretensioners with load limiters.

• Child-watch mirror

A special child-watch mirror located above the main rearview mirror lets the driver or front-seat passenger keep an eye on children in the back without having to turn round or alter the position of the main rearview mirror.

• Child-lock system for doors and windows

 The electric controls for rear doors and windows can be disabled from the driver’s position or the remote control. The windows and shutter blind are fitted with an anti-pinch safety system to prevent a child’s finger being trapped.

Reinforced structure

To meet the toughest passive safety standards, the C4 Picasso has a specially reinforced structure to optimise energy absorption on impact. Programmed crumple zones at front and rear absorb impact energy to keep the passenger compartment intact.

• The front impact absorbers were redesigned on the C4 Picasso in order to make the front pillars thinner. Impact energy is absorbed via the substructure and doors.

• The sizing of the front suspension is optimized to transfer energy under the body in the event of frontal impact.

• The lower impact absorber has been reinforced, with a stronger engine cradle and mounts, and an additional clamp. As on the C4, the C4 Picasso features a second lower impact absorber at the bottom of the front end, for more effective energy transfer under frontal impact. This absorber takes the form of a lower front bumper beam and engine cradle extensions.

• For greater overall stiffness, the front doors are reinforced with very-high-yield steel tubes and crumpling impact dampers.

• Particular attention was given to the movement of hard incompressible masses in the engine compartment, in order to minimise the risk of intrusion into the passenger compartment.

• The body is stiffened by large structural inserts at the bottom of the front pillar, at the top and bottom of the central pillar, and in the cross-member above the rear axle. These composite assemblies, made of polyamide and structural foam, adhere to the sheet metal at the electrocoat dip stage. In this way, they block strategic nodes in the body structure to afford improved stiffness. They replace the heavier reinforcements used in conventional body design.

To reduce vehicle weight and the cost of repairing minor impacts, the C4 Picasso has front wings made of plastic and front and rear beams made of aluminium. In the event of frontal impact, the upper beam and dampers crumple while the cantrails remain intact. Similarly, the lower bumper will crumple leaving the engine cradle and its extensions intact.

Protection against theft and break-in

The C4 Picasso offers excellent protection against theft and break-in. The main features include the following:

• laminated glass windscreen and side windows, to protect vehicle occupants and their belongings;

• selective door opening mode, with restricted access programmed by the driver using the onboard computer (only the driver door unlocks);

• superlocking, making it impossible to open a door from the inside after a window has been broken, for example.

• a perimetric alarm, which detects if a door is opened other than via the central control, and a volumetric alarm, which detects movement inside the car. The volumetric alarm can be disabled from a switch positioned bottom left of the steering wheel. (This can be useful, for example, when leaving an animal in the vehicle, since it maintains the perimetric alarm);

• a transponder-based electronic engine immobiliser;

• a tamper-proof electric boot lock;

• an anti-theft nut on each of the aluminium wheels;

• automatic vehicle lock-up if no door is opened within 30 seconds of the vehicle being unlocked;

• automatic locking of doors and boot when the vehicle is in motion.