The Citroën C4 I Picasso (Phase II), specifically the 2.0 HDI 150 hp variant equipped with the electronically controlled gearbox (EGS), was produced from 2012 to 2013. This model represents a mid-cycle refresh of the first-generation C4 Picasso (internally known as the 2HX), a compact minivan designed to compete in the European MPV segment. The Phase II updates included revised styling, improved interior materials, and enhancements to the engine range, including this 150 horsepower diesel option. Positioned as a mid-range offering, it aimed to balance fuel efficiency, practicality, and a more refined driving experience compared to lower-powered versions.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Citroën |
| Model | C4 |
| Generation | C4 I Picasso (Phase II, 2010) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 HDI (150 Hp) EGS |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan, MPV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 US mpg, 42.8 UK mpg, 15.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.5 l/100 km (52.3 US mpg, 62.8 UK mpg, 22.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 US mpg, 53.3 UK mpg, 18.9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 137 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 195 km/h (121.17 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.1 kg/Hp, 90.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.5 kg/Nm, 180.7 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 150 Hp @ 3750 rpm |
| Power per litre | 75.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 2000 rpm (221.27 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | RHE DW10CTED4 |
| 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 | 16:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5 l (5.28 US qt | 4.4 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1660 kg (3659.67 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2140 kg (4717.89 lbs.) |
| Max load | 480 kg (1058.22 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 500 l (17.66 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1734 l (61.24 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (8%) | 1600 kg (3527.4 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1400 kg (3086.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 70 kg (154.32 lbs.) |
| Length | 4470 mm (175.98 in.) |
| Width | 1830 mm (72.05 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2100 mm (82.68 in.) |
| Height | 1660-1680 mm (65.35 – 66.14 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 | 747 mm (29.41 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.31 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.3 m (37.07 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 Picasso variant is the DW10CTED4, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine. This engine is a member of the PSA Group’s (Peugeot Citroën) HDi family, known for its efficiency and robust design. The DW10CTED4 utilizes a common rail direct injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressure for optimized combustion. A turbocharger with an intercooler further enhances performance by forcing more air into the cylinders. The engine produces 150 horsepower at 3750 rpm and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque at 2000 rpm. The EGS (Electronically Controlled Gearbox) 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 and improved fuel economy, but sometimes exhibiting less smoothness than a conventional automatic.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.0 HDI 150 hp EGS offered a noticeable step up in performance compared to the lower-powered engine options available in the C4 Picasso range. While not a sports-oriented vehicle, the engine provided adequate power for comfortable highway cruising and overtaking. The EGS transmission, while efficient, could sometimes feel hesitant or jerky, particularly at lower speeds. The gear ratios were tuned for fuel economy, meaning the engine didn’t always feel as responsive as a manual transmission variant. The relatively high kerb weight of 1660 kg (3659.67 lbs) did impact acceleration, with a 0-62 mph time of 10.9 seconds.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.0 HDI 150 hp EGS typically came equipped with a reasonable level of standard features. These included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, a CD/radio system, and ABS brakes. Higher trim levels, often denoted by names like “Exclusive” or “Sensium,” added features such as alloy wheels, automatic headlights and wipers, parking sensors, and upgraded interior trim. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with options for leather available. A panoramic sunroof was a popular optional extra.
Chassis & Braking
The C4 Picasso utilized a McPherson strut front suspension and a semi-independent coil spring rear suspension. This setup prioritized ride comfort over outright handling prowess. The front brakes were ventilated discs, providing good stopping power, while the rear brakes were solid discs. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard. The suspension was tuned to provide a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road surface effectively. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 2.0 HDI 150 hp EGS variant of the C4 Picasso was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its fuel efficiency, spacious interior, and practicality. However, the EGS transmission received mixed reviews, with some testers finding it less refined than traditional automatic gearboxes. Compared to the 1.6 HDI versions, the 2.0 HDI offered significantly more power and torque, making it a better choice for those who frequently carried passengers or luggage, or who regularly drove on motorways. Fuel economy was competitive within its class, averaging around 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 US mpg).
Legacy
The DW10CTED4 engine proved to be a reliable unit when properly maintained. The EGS transmission, however, could be prone to issues if not serviced regularly. Today, used examples of the 2.0 HDI 150 hp C4 Picasso are relatively common and can represent good value for money. Regular maintenance, including oil changes and timing belt replacements, is crucial to ensure long-term reliability. The C4 Picasso, in general, established Citroën as a key player in the compact MPV segment, and the Phase II updates further enhanced its appeal.
