Citroen C4 Picasso: a closer look at the interior and space

Dashboard design and storage

The dashboard layout is clean, smart-looking and genuinely practical. On either side of the instrument console there are two bins that hinge upwards; the one on the passenger side is largely taken up by the CD changer when it’s specified.

If the semi-auto 'box is fitted, you also get a large, refrigerated central bin that opens downwards. It’s big enough for a 1.5-litre bottle of water, or three smaller bottles. That same gearbox setup also opens up plenty of clear floor space between the front seats, which makes the cabin feel notably airy.

Lighting details and everyday practicality

Storage is well catered for elsewhere too, with a generously sized glovebox and broad, deep door bins. Those door bins illuminate automatically as soon as you reach into them. The optional lighting pack goes further still, adding strip lighting across the headlining behind the sunvisors, lighting along the doors and inside the door-handle pockets, plus footwell lamps and downward wash lights from the large wing mirrors.

Overall, the interior lighting theme is striking and very inviting. By now you should get the idea: this cabin feels like a real piece of design.

Seating, space and Isofix in the C4 Picasso

Move to the seats and the impression continues. The front chairs are exceptionally comfortable: they’re soft, wide and supportive, and they come with easy armrests and large headrests (and, in fact, there are headrests on all seven seats).

In the middle row, all three seats are the same width, so there’s no family argument about who’s stuck in the narrow centre perch. They tilt forward without fuss and slide on runners, which makes it simple to climb into the rearmost row.

Third-row passengers benefit from a good sideways view thanks to the large rear side windows, and headroom and legroom are better than you might expect. Isofix child-seat mountings are fitted to all three middle-row seats, and also to the front passenger seat.

Folding seats, boot space and rear convenience

Raising or stowing the back row is straightforward and takes seconds: you just pull a strap. Folded away, the floor sits flat and you’re left with a massive boot. Better still, nearly all the seats fold down to an almost level surface, creating a load area so big it could give a typical Transit van something to worry about.

The second-row seats don’t just fold; they also slide back and forth on their runners to increase rear legroom, and they recline into a position that’s much more suitable for sleeping.

There’s plenty more to note. The car uses a four-way air-conditioning setup, and the two outer middle-row passengers get their own fan-speed controls, backed up by highly effective B-pillar vents.

Behind the front seats you’ll find aircraft-style pull-down trays. These incorporate cup holders, and on some versions they’re illuminated by dedicated reading lights. Sun blinds are included for every rear side window as well as the rear screen.

At the very back, the boot lamp also works as a removable torch and recharges when it’s slotted back into place. With the third-row seats upright, there are sizeable cubby spaces behind them. The rear hatch glass can be opened independently, which is handy for loading in tight spots, and there’s a button in the boot that drops the rear air suspension to cut the loading height.

UK availability, trims and pricing

Citroen is taking orders now for the C4 Picasso, with UK sales beginning early next year. It will be offered in LX, SX and Exclusive trims, and prices will sit between £15k and £20k.

It’s an outstanding car and could well be the class leader - Touran, C-Max et al should watch out. And, if you know Citroen, you’ll expect it to arrive with an offer. And yes, it drives well too - as if there was any doubt.