The Citroen C4 I Grand Picasso 1.6 THP (140 hp) Automatic, produced between 2008 and 2010, represents a significant iteration within the first generation (Phase I) of Citroen’s popular MPV. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the Grand Picasso lineup, this variant aimed to balance performance, fuel efficiency, and practicality for families. It was a key model in Citroen’s strategy to offer a versatile and modern people carrier in the European market, competing with vehicles like the Renault Scenic and Volkswagen Touran. The C4 Grand Picasso, built on the PSA Group’s Emp2 platform (though often referred to as the 1HX0 platform), prioritized interior space and modularity, making it a popular choice for those needing seven-passenger capability.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Citroen |
| Model | C4 |
| Generation | C4 I Grand Picasso (Phase I, 2006) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 THP (140 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2008 |
| End of production | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan, MPV |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 11.9 l/100 km (19.8 US mpg, 23.7 UK mpg, 8.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg, 43.5 UK mpg, 15.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.5 l/100 km (27.7 US mpg, 33.2 UK mpg, 11.8 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 200 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 192 km/h (119.3 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.2 kg/Hp, 89.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.5 kg/Nm, 153.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 140 Hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 87.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 1400 rpm (177.01 lb.-ft. @ 1400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 5FT EP6DT |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 77 mm (3.03 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 85.8 mm (3.38 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 11:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.25 l (4.49 US qt | 3.74 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.2 l (6.55 US qt | 5.46 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1568 kg (3456.85 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2235 kg (4927.33 lbs.) |
| Max load | 667 kg (1470.48 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 208 l (7.35 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1951 l (68.9 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 80 kg (176.37 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 60 kg (132.28 lbs.) |
| Length | 4590 mm (180.71 in.) |
| Width | 1830 mm (72.05 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2100 mm (82.68 in.) |
| Height | 1660-1710 mm (65.35 – 67.32 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2728 mm (107.4 in.) |
| Front track | 1505 mm (59.25 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1539 mm (60.59 in.) |
| Front overhang | 995 mm (39.17 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 867 mm (34.13 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.31 |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.33 m (37.17 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE, Front wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Gearbox type | automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 215/50 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this C4 Grand Picasso variant is the 5FT EP6DT, a 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol engine. This engine, part of the Prince engine family developed jointly by PSA and BMW, utilizes direct fuel injection and a twin-scroll turbocharger to deliver a respectable 140 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque from a low 1400 rpm. The direct injection system, coupled with the turbocharging, contributes to both improved power output and enhanced fuel efficiency. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The automatic transmission is a four-speed unit, designed to provide smooth shifts and ease of driving, particularly in urban environments. While not as sophisticated as modern multi-gear automatics, it was a common choice for this class of vehicle at the time.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6 THP Automatic C4 Grand Picasso offered a comfortable and generally capable driving experience. The 140 hp engine provided adequate power for everyday driving and highway cruising, although acceleration was not particularly brisk – 0-60 mph taking around 11.1 seconds. The automatic transmission, while smooth, could sometimes feel hesitant during quick overtaking maneuvers. Compared to the manual transmission versions of the same engine, the automatic resulted in a slight performance decrease and a marginal increase in fuel consumption. The gear ratios were tuned for fuel economy and comfort rather than outright performance. The relatively high kerb weight of 1568 kg (3456.85 lbs) also contributed to a less sporty feel.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6 THP Automatic trim typically included features such as air conditioning, electric front and rear windows, a CD stereo with steering wheel-mounted controls, and ABS brakes. Higher trim levels, often available as optional packages, added features like alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, a panoramic sunroof, and upgraded interior upholstery. Interior materials were generally of good quality for the price point, with a focus on practicality and durability. The modular interior, a key selling point of the Grand Picasso, allowed for flexible seating configurations to accommodate varying passenger and cargo needs.
Chassis & Braking
The C4 Grand Picasso utilized an independent McPherson strut suspension at the front and a semi-independent coil spring suspension at the rear. This setup provided a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road surface effectively. Front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were solid discs. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, enhancing safety during emergency braking situations. The steering was a rack and pinion system, providing reasonably precise control, although it lacked the feedback of more performance-oriented steering setups.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Citroen C4 Grand Picasso 1.6 THP Automatic was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and practical features. However, some reviewers noted the automatic transmission could be slow to respond and the engine, while adequate, wasn’t particularly exciting. Compared to other MPVs in its class, such as the Renault Scenic and Volkswagen Touran, the C4 Grand Picasso offered a compelling blend of value, space, and comfort. Fuel economy was competitive, averaging around 27.7 US mpg in combined driving, but some rivals offered more fuel-efficient diesel options.
Legacy
The 1.6 THP engine, while generally reliable, has been known to exhibit issues with carbon buildup on the intake valves, particularly if not regularly driven on longer journeys. The four-speed automatic transmission, while durable, is not as refined or efficient as more modern automatic gearboxes. Today, the C4 Grand Picasso 1.6 THP Automatic can be found on the used car market at relatively affordable prices. Its spacious interior and practical features continue to make it an appealing option for families, but potential buyers should be aware of the potential for carbon buildup in the engine and factor in the cost of regular maintenance.
