The French have a unique way with MPV's - and the Citroen range of Picasso minivans, each one based on an existing car platform, have always been among the most imaginative.
These, then, are the first official pictures of the new C4 Picasso, due for release in Europe in mid-2013; Citroen SA are hoping to have one on their stand at the Johannesburg International Motor Show later this year but no decision has yet been made as to whether or not it will be released on the SA market.
This is not an update - it's built on a whole new platform, the EMP2 (Efficient Modular Platform 2), with a 55mm longer wheelbase but 70mm less front overhang, 82mm wider track in front and 31mm wider at the rear. Even the engine has been lowered 40-50mm (depending on the engine) to lower the centre of gravity.
SMALLER OUTSIDE, BIGGER INSIDE
At 4430mm long, 1830mm wide and 1610mm high it's actually 40mm shorter than the previous model but manages to pack an extra 40 litres into the luggage compartment, which now holds 537 litres - or 630 if you push the rear seats forward as far as they'll go.
The New C4 Picasso is also 140kg lighter than its predecessor, thanks to an aluminium bonnet, very high yield strength steel and a composite tailgate and rear floor. In fact, the new C4 Picasso weighs the same as the current C3 Picasso.
The front treatment is drawn around new-look chevrons that extend out to slim LED daytime running lights, just above the headlights, while LED tail lights inspired by Citroën's concept cars, create a 3D effect.
5.3 SQUARE METRES OF GLASS
Citroen's designers say they've tried to create a 'loft-style' interior with a huge 5.3 square metre expanse of glass, including a panoramic windscreen and large glass roof.
And with the optional Lounge Pack, you fly first class with front massage seats, a 'Relax' seat that lets the front passenger stretch out their legs and a Relax headrest on all seats for comforting neck support.
The driver's side of the asymmetric design dashboard is primarily black, fading to a lighter shade on the passenger side with a sparkle effect finish, and satin-finish chrome and gloss black inserts.
the dashboard is laid out around two screens - a 180mm touchpad and a 300mm panoramic HD screen. The smaller screen has seven touch-sensitive buttons and controls all the in-car functions such as dual-zone air conditioning, navigation, audio, telephone and driving aids.
The 300mm screen displays essential driving information and can be configured by the driver 'on the move' to show either the navigation system or driving aids - and when it's not in use, you can upload a personal photo via the USB port to use as a screensaver.
CHOICE OF THREE DIESEL ENGINES
The C4 will be offered in Europe with what Citroen claims is the first MPV engine rated at less than 100g/km of CO2 emissions - the e-HDi 90 Airdream turbodiesel, which also returns a class-leading 3.8 litres per 100km average fuel consumption.
Then there's the proven e-HDi 115 engine, rated at 4.05 litres per 100km and 105 g/km of CO2, and the first Euro 6-compliant engine in a Citroen, the Blue-HDi 1590 turbodiesel engine with a selective catalytic reduction module that reduces nitrous oxide emission and cuts CO2 emissions to 110g/km.
A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, with a six-speed clutchless gearbox available on e-HDi 90 and e-HDi 115 models. A conventional automatic transmission will be available in Europe from the first half of 2014.