In the cockpit of the Citroen C4 Picasso

EVERY nation has its own characteristics. Americans are said to be brash and confident, while we Irish are famous for our friendly welcome. The French are known for, among other things, their reputation for style and I think that’s also one of the traits that can be found in French cars.

Last week I drove a five-seater version of the new Citroen C4 Picasso and there is no doubt that it’s very stylish externally with those LED lights and inside the cabin also. It’s a massive motor and very impressive to drive and travel in.

When reviewing the previous version of the Picasso a few years back I said that if everybody in Ireland drove one the number of accidents would almost certainly drop. I haven’t changed my opinion and the high driving position coupled with the amount of glass in your line of vision, would make you feel like you are in the cockpit of an airplane.

There is a huge amount of glass over the head of the driver and front seat passenger and the dash is dominated by an array of touch-screen information with which you would need to familiarise yourself with before driving off. There are several cubby holes for holding pens, phones and anything else you can think of. And you also get two secret under-floor storage areas between the front and back seats. I found one chocolate sweet in each one; how did Citroen know I love sweets? Nice touch but I cannot guarantee there will be a sweet for every Picasso buyer.

There is stop-start technology which gives you a better mpg fuel return. While I am familiar with the technology this one took a bit of getting used as I had to keep my foot on the clutch to keep the engine running if stopped at lights. The handbrake is neatly tucked away in the dash. You do get a red light when the handbrake is engaged; now call me old fashioned, but I would prefer the old fashioned type of handbrake any day.

In the rear you will find that this is first car to have three individual seats and that means you can use three child seats, which would be a major advantage for families with young children. Two of the three children will be very happy as they have flip-up tables plus reading lights. The middle child who is seated in the centre seat might not be so happy and may end up suffering some sort of

‘middle child syndrome.’

The boot is spacious, but unlike Citroen’s first cousin Peugeot, who like to cater for the Irish driver’s love of a spare wheel, Citroen don’t provide one.

At present the Picasso is only available in 1.6 litre diesel. Prices start at e24,495 for the entry level 90 bhp version. A seven-seater will be available next January.

If you buy a new car now it will be a

‘132’ registration and coincidentally Pablo Picasso was born 132 years ago this month in Malaga, but lived most of his adult life in France. And just in case you were wondering Citroen do have a licence from Picasso’s estate to use his name.