Citroen C4 Picasso 1.6 HDi (2006) CAR review

That looks a fancy bit of modern art.

Very funny. But you’re right – it’s the latest success from C4/C6 designer Jean-Pierre Ploué. And a crucial new seven-seat compact MPV. Thanks to romping parents, Zafira, Touran and Grand Scenic are romping up the sales charts and Citroen wants a bit of that – particularly given sister company Peugeot’s disinterest in Europe’s fastest-growing car sector. Basing it on a stretched C4 platform has freed up cash to splash on gadgets, gizmos, and probably the best-quality interior ever to wear the double chevron badge.

But I’m confused. It’s a new Picasso – so how come it still has the same name as the old one, which remains on sale until 2009?

Because Citroen reckons it’s onto a good thing with the Picasso name - “our ‘Verso’ brand,” said the MD. And it can hardly rename the old car: throw in a deal it somehow struck with the Picasso estate to extend its licence, and suddenly you’ve emphasis on the ‘Xsara’ and ‘C4’ parts preceding the cubist’s name. No, we’re not fully convinced, either. Particularly as this is so much better than the old 306-based clingon, primarily though its extra rear seats. Not that we argue with Citroen showing a child using them in the press shots, mind – as per the breed, they’re not for adults. The middle row is much better, and wider than any rival, though the seat’s firm bases leave you feeling perched.