When Citroen decided to enter the MPV market style was put at the top of the agenda so the newest model, the C4 Picasso, combines style and practicality in equal measure. Based on the C4, a totally underrated car, the five-seater slots in between the Zsara Picasso and the sevenseater Grand C4 Picasso and has distinctive sytling. The new model gives Citroen the broadest MPV range it its history . . . three compact MPVs and a full-size C8 people carrier.

The C4 Picasso is a real eyecatcher. It has a strong front end with a big bumper and oversized air intakes covered in black mesh. Rising from the steeply raked bonnet, the windscreen sweeps high into the roof while the body lines give a sleek profile.

The rear styling is equally dramatic with a huge rear glass area from the roof-mounted spoiler to the tailgate. There is an optional panoramic roof to shed even more light. The glass gives an airy feeling to the interior and, more importantly, is a strong safety feature by providing great visibility all round. Even at night Citroen adds extra light with "welcome lights" under the door mirrors which are activated by the remote central locking device. There are reading lights at the back of the front seats and there is even a plug-in portable torch in the boot which is always fully charged.

The interior space is comfortable for five adults. Everyone enjoys a high driving position and there are three fullsize seats in the rear. The flat floor gives plenty of leg room. The design allows rear seats to be folded easily into the floor but even with the rear seats up there is a 500litre boot under the luggage cover and this extends to 1,734 litres when the seats are folded.

The high roof line allows room for very bulky objects and there is a trolley supplied to transport items from the vehicle.

There are four levels of trim but even the entry level has dualzone air conditioning, automatic electronic parking brake, hillstart assist, electronic stability programme, traction control, emergency brake assist, antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce disribution, cruise control with speed limiter, trip computer and variable powerassist steering and automatic activation of hazard warning lights in case of rapid deceleration or impact.

The test car, which had Privilege level of trim, comes with dual-zone climate control, 17in alloy wheels, electric folding wing mirrors when parked, rear parking sensors and rain-sensing wipers. The Exclusive trim level has front parking sensors, laminated glass and, to cut down on road noise, tyre pressure sensors. It also has the option of a lane-departure warning system and 18in alloys.

Controls and driving position are good and there is a decent range of seat adjustment. The test car had automatic transmission with EGS which gives Formula One-type paddles at finger-tip reach behind the steering wheel.

The automatic transmission was a big disappointment with a lumpy change up and down unless the driver eases fully off the accelerator and allows a time lag. This should not happen as urban drivers prefer automatic transmission if offered at a reasonable price. But the paddles were more fun and gave the driver as much control as with clutch and manual change.

Otherwise the Picasso behaved well on corners and in motorway driving. The best aspect of the Picasso was the power unit under the bonnet.The 1.6-litre 110bhp is ideally suited to the car and gives 240Nm of torque at 1,750rpm. The economy is excellent, returning 6.8L/100 km around town and 5.7L/100km in mixed driving. This high pressure direct-injection unit is one of the best diesel engines around at present. Other engine options are a 1.8-litre 16v petrol engine and a 2-litre turbo-diesel unit.

The price is high for a compact MPV but this Picasso comes exceptionally well-kitted out.

VITAL STATISTICS

Model Citroen C4 Picasso Privilege
Engine 1.6L 110 bhp turbo-diesel EGS
Length 4,470 mm
Width 1,830 mm
Height 1,660 mm
Wheelbase 2,728 mm
Acceleration 0-100km . . . 13.4 secs
Top speed 180km/h
Transmission 6-speed auto EGS
Economy 5.7L/100 km
Price 35,450
C0 2emissions 150g/km