The Citroen C4 I Grand Picasso 2.0 HDi 136 Automatic, produced between 2006 and 2010, represents a significant offering in the compact minivan (MPV) segment. Part of the first generation (C4 I) of the Grand Picasso, this variant was positioned as a mid-range option, balancing fuel efficiency, practicality, and a comfortable driving experience. It was primarily marketed in Europe, where the demand for multi-purpose vehicles was strong, offering a spacious seven-seat configuration and a focus on family-oriented features. This model utilized the PSA Group’s EMP1 platform, shared with other Peugeot and Citroen vehicles of the era.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Citroen |
| Model | C4 |
| Generation | C4 I Grand Picasso (Phase I, 2006) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 HDi (136 Hp) FAP Automatic |
| Start of production | 2006 |
| End of production | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan, MPV |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.9 l/100 km (23.8 US mpg, 28.5 UK mpg, 10.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg, 47.9 UK mpg, 16.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.4 l/100 km (31.8 US mpg, 38.2 UK mpg, 13.5 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 195 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 195 km/h (121.17 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.1 kg/Hp, 82.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.2 kg/Nm, 193.9 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 136 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 68.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 2000 rpm (236.02 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | RHR DW10BTED4 |
| Engine displacement | 1997 cm3 (121.86 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 85 mm (3.35 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88 mm (3.46 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 17.6:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.25 l (5.55 US qt, 4.62 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8 l (8.45 US qt, 7.04 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1650 kg (3637.63 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2350 kg (5180.86 lbs.) |
| Max load | 700 kg (1543.24 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 trailer load with brakes (8%) | 1500 kg (3306.93 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 70 kg (154.32 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 | 11.85 m (38.88 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type 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 |
INTRODUCTION
The Citroen C4 I Grand Picasso 2.0 HDi 136 Automatic, launched in 2006, was a key model in Citroen’s lineup, designed to appeal to families seeking a spacious and versatile vehicle. It built upon the success of the original C4, adding a longer wheelbase and a third row of seats to accommodate up to seven passengers. This variant, equipped with the 2.0-liter HDi diesel engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, aimed to provide a balance between performance, fuel economy, and convenience. The Phase I models, produced until 2010, featured a distinctive front-end design and a focus on interior comfort and practicality.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the C4 Grand Picasso 2.0 HDi 136 Automatic lies the DW10BTED4 engine, a 1997cc four-cylinder diesel engine. This engine, commonly found in PSA Group vehicles, utilizes a common rail direct injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressure for improved combustion efficiency and reduced emissions. The engine code ‘RHR’ specifically denotes this configuration. The engine features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) design per cylinder bank (DOHC overall) and a turbocharger with an intercooler to boost power output. The six-speed automatic transmission, sourced from Aisin, was chosen for its smooth shifting and responsiveness. This transmission featured adaptive shift programming, adjusting gear changes based on driving style and road conditions. The FAP (Filtre à Particules) or Diesel Particulate Filter was standard, helping to reduce soot emissions and meet Euro 4 standards.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.0 HDi 136 Automatic offered a comfortable and relaxed driving experience, prioritizing usability over outright performance. With 136 horsepower and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque, acceleration was adequate for everyday driving, with a 0-60 mph time of around 11.5 seconds. The automatic transmission, while smooth, could sometimes feel hesitant during quick overtaking maneuvers. The gear ratios were tuned for fuel efficiency, resulting in a relatively relaxed cruising speed. Compared to the manual transmission version, the automatic offered greater convenience, particularly in urban traffic. However, it did result in a slight decrease in fuel economy and a marginally slower acceleration time. Compared to higher-output HDi variants (like the 163 hp version), this engine provided a more economical option, albeit with less power.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The C4 Grand Picasso 2.0 HDi 136 Automatic typically came equipped with a generous level of standard features. These included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, a CD stereo system, and ABS brakes. Higher trim levels added features such as alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights and wipers, and a panoramic sunroof. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with options for leather upgrades. The dashboard layout was modern for its time, featuring a centrally mounted instrument cluster and intuitive controls. Optional extras included a navigation system, a premium sound system, and a DVD player for rear passengers.
Chassis & Braking
The C4 Grand Picasso featured a McPherson strut front suspension and a semi-independent coil spring rear suspension. This setup provided a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road surface effectively. The front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were solid discs. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, enhancing braking performance and stability. The steering was a rack and pinion system, providing precise and responsive handling. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Citroen C4 Grand Picasso 2.0 HDi 136 Automatic was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and fuel efficiency. However, some critics noted the automatic transmission could be slow to respond at times. Compared to rivals like the Renault Scenic and Volkswagen Touran, the C4 Grand Picasso offered a distinctive design and a focus on practicality. The 2.0 HDi engine provided a good balance between performance and economy, making it a popular choice for families. Fuel economy figures of around 31.8 US mpg combined were competitive for the segment. Reliability was generally good, although some owners reported issues with the FAP system requiring periodic maintenance.
Legacy
The Citroen C4 I Grand Picasso 2.0 HDi 136 Automatic remains a popular choice in the used car market, particularly for those seeking a spacious and affordable family vehicle. The DW10BTED4 engine is known for its durability, although regular maintenance is essential, especially concerning the FAP system. The automatic transmission, if properly maintained, is generally reliable. While newer MPVs offer more advanced technology and features, the C4 Grand Picasso continues to provide a practical and comfortable transportation solution for families. Its blend of space, economy, and affordability ensures its continued relevance in the used car market.
