CITROEN GRAND C4 SPACETOURER DIESEL ESTATE 1.5 BlueHDi 130 Sense 5dr

Citroen's Grand C4 Space Tourer proves that owning a large MPV needn't mean forgoing a certain element of style. Jonathan Crouch reports on the improved model.

Ten Second Review

The Citroen Grand C4 SpaceTourer offers sharp styling that does a good job in disguising the fact that, like all seven-seat MPVs, you're basically buying a big box. With economical BlueHDi and PureTech engines, great safety provision and lots of glass, this Gallic MPV feels several notches above the class average, especially since the introduction of a more sophisticated top-spec engine and auto gearbox combination, plus extra safety kit.

Background

Buying a seven-seat MPV is usually an exercise in sacrifice. You accept the fact that in return for three seating rows, you'll get something boxy, boring and bland. Or will you? With this Grand C4 SpaceTourer model, Citroen beg to differ on that score. A few years back, the brand ditched the Picasso name that had been synonymous with Citroen People Carriers since the turn of the century and with 7-seat MPVs since the first generation Grand C4 Picasso model was launched in 2006. That car tapped into the major growth area in this segment amongst buyers who really only needed five seats but wanted the occasional versatility of a couple of extra fold-out chairs in the boot. This Grand C4 SpaceTourer makes that arrangement more usable, thanks to generous interior space released without the extra vehicle length buyers in this sector don't want. This comes courtesy of the class-leadingly long wheelbase conferred upon this car by a clever, multi-patented EMP2 platform that's also claimed to sharpen up the handling. It all sounds very promising, particularly as Citroen has recently moved to improve the C4's safety technology and has trimed prices, introduced a fresh trim structure and improved the efficiency of its PureTech petrol engine. In prospect then, what we have here is a very clever People Carrier indeed, with a glassy, futuristic combination of hi-tech style and efficient practicality that ought to set new standards in this segment. Does it? Let's find out.

Driving Experience

The Citroen Grand C4 SpaceTourer offers sharp styling that does a good job in disguising the fact that, like all seven-seat MPVs, you're basically buying a big box. With economical BlueHDi and PureTech engines, great safety provision and lots of glass, this Gallic MPV feels several notches above the class average, especially since the introduction of a more sophisticated top-spec engine and auto gearbox combination, plus extra safety kit. Stick with the diesel and you'll find that the 130hp unit offers reasonable acceleration, the engine note is muted and it shares the same improved body control and sharper steering that's engineered into all of the latest Grand C4 SpaceTourer models. Citroen also claim that the suspension has been tuned to work with a variety of wheel sizes, so you won't be punished with an unduly harsh ride if you opt for a bigger set of alloys. On the move, don't be put off by initial unfamiliarities of design and drive. After all, you probably wouldn't be looking at this Citroen in the first place if you didn't want something just that little bit different from the usual character-free compact people carrying experience. Just enjoy this car for what it is as you float over road imperfections, marvel at the unusually hushed levels of refinement and enjoy the benefits of a commanding driving position that's a huge help at roundabouts or when parking and, with the standard panoramic screen, makes it seem like you're suddenly viewing the world in high definition.

Design and Build

The change of name hasn't come with a change of look, so these Grand C4 SpaceTourer models keep the previous Grand C4 Picasso's three-tiered light signature at the front, which is synonymous with Citroen's contemporary design language. The grille is separated into two parts by the body-coloured bumper and sports a glossy black registration plate mount and a second air intake. Plus there are smart 3D-effect rear lights, classy 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels and buyers get the option of a black two-tone roof, with the option of a silver coloured roof bar option. Otherwise, it's much as before, with clever interior packaging that designer Frederic Soubirou is clearly proud of. We like the optional lounge-style front passenger seat that features an extendable foot rest and massage function. On a more practical note, you get up to 793-litres of bootspace when the third row of seats is pushed into the floor, a total that can rise as high as 2,181-litres with the middle row also folded. Those middle row seats can be slid back and forth, reclined or folded flat independently of one another. What's more, the floor is devoid of a raised tunnel, aiding utility still further. The side windows do angle in fairly sharply which can make taller rear seat passengers feel a little pinched - and the rearmost pews are really only suitable for kids. Other than that it's hard to find fault. Materials quality in the cabin is smart, with classy metal finishes and simple yet effective ergonomics, something we have rarely been able to say of previous Citroens.

Market and Model

The Grand C4 SpaceTourer has marched surreptitiously upmarket but perhaps that's no bad thing. The prices are still reasonable, with an entry-level model costing from around £29,000 and the BlueHDi 130 diesel setting you back from just over £30,000. There's a £1,600 premium if you want to specific automatic transmission. You'll be offered two trims: 'Sense' and 'Shine'. All models are well specified, with 17-inch wheels, a 12-inch panoramic HD central display, a 7-inch Touch Drive interface with Bluetooth and DAB radio, rear parking sensors, and Citroen Connect Nav including a 3 year subscription to Connected Navigation Pack services, including Real Time Traffic & Speedcam standard on all versions. Mid-level 'Sense' models go further with a reversing camera, dark tinted side and rear windows, keyless entry and start, Active Safety Brake and Driver Attention Alert. Range topping 'Shine' models enjoy a large glass panoramic sunroof, Xenon headlights, motorised tailgate, active cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.

Cost of Ownership

It's virtually impossible to compete in this sector without some standout economy and emissions figures and the Grand C4 SpaceTourer steps up to the plate in this regard. Recent engine updates have seen a 3g/km of CO2 improvement on PureTech 3-cylinder petrol automatic variants. The developments come in the form of a new battery and the fitment of a new high-efficiency alternator to optimise performance. In addition to the increased efficiency of these selected variants, customers will also benefit from a £285 on the road cost reduction as a result of a lower CO2 output placing the vehicle in a lower VED tax band. For company car drivers, the lower CO2 emissions result in a BIK tax band reduction of 1% on 'Live' and 'Sense' trim levels - as an example, this reduces the monthly tax bill of a 40% tax payer by over £110 in the 2021-22 tax period (when driving a Sense PureTech 130 Stop & Start EAT8 automatic model). Across the range, all the Euro 6.3 (6d) engines are RDE2-compliant. Although some of the power outputs at first look a little underwhelming for such a big vehicle, the diesels develop such torque that you won't need to thrash the engines to make respectable progress. Even the entry-level BlueHDi 130hp unit pulls its weight, emitting just 129g/km with a combined fuel consumption of 70.6mpg. The PureTech 130 petrol unit puts out 140g/km of CO2. The Benefit-in-Kind taxation rating you're looking at for the 2.0-litre diesel is group 29. What else? Well maintenance costs will be aided by the option of an affordable three year servicing plan. Plus there are reasonable insurance groupings rand the usual three year / 60,000 mile warranty.

Summary

Whether this French MPV will appeal depends upon your priorities. There may be some buyers in this segment for whom ultimate driving dynamics dictate the choice of a Ford or a Vauxhall in this segment. I can only imagine these people to be in the minority though. Most in search of a modern People Carrier prioritise practicality, running costs and clever design. If, as here, they can have all of this with class-leading style and technology thrown in, then so much the better. This Grand C4 SpaceTourer offers perfect proof, if you ever doubted it, that an MPV can do more than just provide comfortable, efficient transport. It can be.. Well, what Citroens once were: clever, futuristic, expressively designed. Cars you'd be genuinely proud to own.