The Citroen C4 I Grand Picasso (Phase II), specifically the 1.6 THP (156 hp) EGS variant produced between 2010 and 2013, represents a significant iteration of Citroen’s popular multi-purpose vehicle (MPV). Positioned as a mid-range offering within the Grand Picasso lineup, this version aimed to balance performance, fuel efficiency, and practicality for families. It falls within the first generation of the C4 Picasso (2006-2013), designated internally as the 1HX0/A3 platform, and benefited from the Phase II facelift which included styling updates and revised equipment levels. This model was primarily marketed in Europe, catering to the demand for spacious, comfortable, and technologically advanced family transport.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Citroen |
| Model | C4 |
| Generation | C4 I Grand Picasso (Phase II, 2010) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 THP (156 Hp) EGS |
| Start of production | 2010 |
| End of production | 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan, MPV |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.1 l/100 km (25.8 US mpg, 31 UK mpg, 11 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.7 l/100 km (41.3 US mpg, 49.6 UK mpg, 17.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.0 l/100 km (33.6 US mpg, 40.4 UK mpg, 14.3 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 162 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 204 km/h (126.76 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.7 kg/Hp, 102.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.3 kg/Nm, 158.2 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 156 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 97.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 1400 rpm (177.01 lb.-ft. @ 1400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 5FV EP6CDT |
| 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 l (6.34 US qt | 5.28 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1517 kg (3344.41 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2220 kg (4894.26 lbs.) |
| Max load | 703 kg (1549.85 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) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (8%) | 1500 kg (3306.93 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1200 kg (2645.55 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 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 (turning diameter) | 11.85 m (38.88 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission EGS |
| 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 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this C4 Grand Picasso variant is the 1.6 THP (Turbo High Pressure) engine, specifically the 5FV EP6CDT code. This engine is a member of the Prince engine family, co-developed by PSA Peugeot Citroën and BMW. It’s a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder engine featuring direct fuel injection and a twin-scroll turbocharger. The direct injection system, coupled with the turbocharger, allows for a high compression ratio of 11:1, contributing to both power and efficiency. The engine utilizes a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The EGS (Electronically Controlled Gearbox) transmission is a six-speed automated manual transmission. Unlike a traditional automatic with a torque converter, the EGS uses actuators to shift gears, offering quicker shifts but sometimes exhibiting a less smooth driving experience compared to conventional automatics.
Driving Characteristics
The 156 hp and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque provided by the 1.6 THP engine, coupled with the EGS transmission, resulted in a respectable, though not particularly sporty, driving experience. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) took around 10.4 seconds. The EGS transmission, while offering manual override, prioritized fuel economy over outright performance. Gear changes could be noticeable, and the transmission sometimes hesitated during kickdown maneuvers. Compared to the more powerful 2.0-liter HDi diesel variants, the 1.6 THP offered less torque at lower RPMs, requiring more frequent downshifts. However, it provided a smoother and quieter driving experience than the diesel, and its lighter weight contributed to slightly better handling.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6 THP EGS trim typically included features such as air conditioning, electric windows, a CD/radio system with steering wheel-mounted controls, and ABS brakes. Higher trim levels added features like alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, a panoramic sunroof, and a more advanced infotainment system. Interior upholstery was generally cloth, with options for leather upgrades. The Grand Picasso’s modular interior allowed for flexible seating configurations, with the ability to fold or remove the second and third-row seats to maximize cargo space. Safety features included multiple airbags, electronic stability control, and traction control.
Chassis & Braking
The C4 Grand Picasso utilized a McPherson strut front suspension and a semi-independent coil spring rear suspension. This setup prioritized ride comfort over sharp handling. The front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were solid discs. The steering was a rack and pinion system providing adequate, though not particularly communicative, steering feel. The vehicle’s relatively high weight (1517 kg / 3344.41 lbs) contributed to a noticeable body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 1.6 THP EGS variant of the C4 Grand Picasso was generally well-received by critics as a practical and comfortable family vehicle. However, the EGS transmission received mixed reviews, with some testers finding it jerky and unresponsive. Fuel economy was considered good for a petrol-powered MPV, averaging around 7.0 l/100 km (33.6 US mpg). Compared to the diesel variants, the 1.6 THP offered lower running costs in terms of maintenance (due to the absence of a diesel particulate filter and complex fuel injection system) but higher fuel consumption. The petrol engine was also generally considered more refined and quieter than the diesel.
Legacy
The 1.6 THP engine, despite some early issues with carbon buildup in the intake valves (addressed in later revisions), proved to be a relatively reliable unit when properly maintained. The EGS transmission, however, remains a potential weak point, with some owners reporting issues with actuator failures. Today, the 2010-2013 C4 Grand Picasso 1.6 THP EGS can be found on the used car market at relatively affordable prices. It remains a viable option for families seeking a spacious, comfortable, and reasonably efficient MPV, provided a thorough inspection of the transmission is conducted before purchase.
