The Citroen C4 II Picasso 1.6 THP 165 Automatic, produced between 2016 and 2018, represents a mid-cycle refresh of the second-generation C4 Picasso (internally designated B78) – a compact minivan (MPV) designed to appeal to families seeking practicality and comfort. This variant occupied a significant position in the C4 Picasso lineup, offering a balance between performance, fuel efficiency, and convenience thanks to its turbocharged engine and automatic transmission. It was primarily marketed in Europe, where the MPV segment remained popular, offering a more spacious and versatile alternative to traditional hatchbacks and sedans. The Phase II update brought styling revisions, enhanced technology, and refinements to the powertrain options, including this 1.6 THP variant.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Citroen |
| Model | C4 |
| Generation | C4 II Picasso (Phase II, 2016) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 THP (165 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2016 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan, MPV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.4-7.5 l/100 km (31.8 – 31.4 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.6-4.9 l/100 km (51.1 – 48 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.6-5.8 l/100 km (42 – 40.6 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 130-134 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 210 km/h (130.49 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 165 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 1400 rpm (177.01 lb.-ft. @ 1400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | EP6FDTM |
| 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 |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.25 l (4.49 US qt | 3.74 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.5 l (6.87 US qt | 5.72 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1310 kg (2888.06 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1930 kg (4254.92 lbs.) |
| Max load | 620 kg (1366.87 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 630 l (22.25 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1851 l (65.37 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 57 l (15.06 US gal | 12.54 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 80 kg (176.37 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1400 kg (3086.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 685 kg (1510.17 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 70 kg (154.32 lbs.) |
| Length | 4438 mm (174.72 in.) |
| Width | 1826 mm (71.89 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 1971 mm (77.6 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2117 mm (83.35 in.) |
| Height | 1610-1625 mm (63.39 – 63.98 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2785 mm (109.65 in.) |
| Front track | 1573-1587 mm (61.93 – 62.48 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1576-1590 mm (62.05 – 62.6 in.) |
| Front overhang | 889 mm (35 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 764 mm (30.08 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.1 m (36.42 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 |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 205/55 R17; 225/45 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 17; 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this C4 Picasso variant is the EP6FDTM 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine. This engine, part of the Prince engine family developed jointly by PSA Peugeot Citroën and BMW, utilizes direct fuel injection and a twin-scroll turbocharger to deliver a respectable 165 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque at 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 11:1 compression ratio and four valves per cylinder, optimizing combustion efficiency. The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle.
Paired with the engine is a six-speed automatic transmission. This transmission, while offering convenience, was not known for its particularly rapid shifts compared to some dual-clutch transmissions available in other vehicles. However, it provided smooth operation and contributed to the overall ease of driving, especially in urban environments. The automatic transmission was tuned for fuel economy and comfort rather than outright performance.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6 THP 165 Automatic C4 Picasso offers a comfortable and composed driving experience. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 8.4 seconds, which is adequate for everyday driving but doesn’t provide particularly sporty performance. The engine’s peak torque, available from just 1400 rpm, provides good low-end responsiveness, making it easy to navigate city traffic. However, the automatic transmission can sometimes feel hesitant during quick overtaking maneuvers. Compared to the more powerful 1.6 THP 180 hp version, this variant feels noticeably less energetic. Compared to diesel variants, it lacks the low-speed grunt of the HDi engines, but offers a smoother and quieter driving experience.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The C4 Picasso 1.6 THP 165 Automatic typically came equipped with a generous level of standard features. These included air conditioning, a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, and electric windows. Higher trim levels, such as Exclusive, added features like panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, parking sensors, and a more advanced infotainment system with navigation. Interior upholstery was typically cloth on lower trims, with leather options available on higher-spec models. The dashboard layout was modern and functional, with a focus on ergonomics and ease of use.
Chassis & Braking
The C4 Picasso utilizes an independent McPherson strut suspension at the front and a semi-independent coil spring suspension at the rear. This setup provides a comfortable ride quality, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road effectively. The front brakes are ventilated discs, while the rear brakes are solid discs. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard, providing enhanced braking performance and stability. The steering is electric power-assisted, offering light and precise control.
Market Reception & Comparison
The C4 Picasso 1.6 THP 165 Automatic was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and fuel efficiency. However, some critics noted that the automatic transmission could be slow to respond at times. Compared to the diesel-powered C4 Picasso variants, the 1.6 THP offered a quieter and smoother driving experience, but with slightly higher fuel consumption. Against competitors like the Renault Scenic and Volkswagen Touran, the C4 Picasso stood out with its distinctive styling and comfortable interior.
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 automatic transmission, while durable, may require servicing at higher mileages. Today, the C4 Picasso 1.6 THP 165 Automatic represents a relatively affordable and practical option in the used car market. Its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and decent fuel economy make it a suitable choice for families seeking a versatile and reliable MPV. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for carbon buildup on the intake valves and ensure the vehicle has been properly maintained.
