The latest addition to the C4 MPV range is the Picasso 5-seater which now slots in between the Xsara Picasso, the 7-seater Picasso and the even bigger C8 MPV. It is the final addition to the range . . .

there is already a C4 coupe and a 5-door hatchback.

The new compact MPV is 20cms longer than the Xsara and 12 cms shorter than the 7-seater. It is in the rear that differences with the 7-seater appear.

Doors, roof, rear bumper and tail-lights are different, while up front the wide angle panoramic windshield, automatic parking brake, 6-speed electronic gearbox are all carried in the new vehicle.

The new 5-seater enters a growing segment of the market. The M1 portion, at 36%, is the largest in new vehicle sales and over 15% of sales here (10,000) were MPVs. It is interesting that 60% of the sales go on seven-seater vehicles, with the five-seaters taking just 37% and six-seater vehicles a mere 6%. In the fiveseater segment, the Ford C-Max and Renault Scenic account for 50% of sales with Xsara Picasso accounting for 10%.

Compared to the competition, the new Citroen is more spacious.

It is wider, longer and higher than either of the leading players, Ford or Renault.

Citroen will be looking at diesel power in the future to win sales. According to market analysis, 70% of new model purchases will be diesel and here there are two engines on offer . . . a very economical 1.6-litre HDI 110 bhp and a 2-litre 138 bhp with a choice of full automatic transmission and clutchless steering mounted paddle shift.

All models come with ESP, traction control with EBD and EBA added to the anti-lock brakes. There are seven airbags, an electronic parking brake, hill start assist, cruise control with speed limiter, remote central locking and heated door mirrors.

The price of the diesel models start at 29,800 rising to 41,000. Petrol models . . . there is a 1.8 and a 2-litre option . . . run from 26,400 to 35,650.

Also launched this week was a new Dispatch van which slots in between the Berlingo and Relay vans launched some months ago.