Citroen C4 SpaceTourer (2013–2019) review - Interior, design and technology

Even compared with the eye-catching new Renault Scenic, the boldly styled Citroen stands out. It proves that style can come in many different forms, and thanks to the car’s design elements, there’s lots to grab your attention here. All versions get alloy wheels and LED running lights, while the Flair model is identified by its larger 17-inch rims and panoramic glass roof.

The high-set chevron grille and LED running lights are combined with small headlamps and a wide lower air intake that give the C4 Picasso’s rounded nose a futuristic appearance that certainly stands out compared to some of the less adventurous choices in this market. Think of the front end of any of Citroen’s recent concept cars, and you’ll be half right.

The C4 SpaceTourer's rear end is a little less avant-garde – it’s not that dissimilar to the previous-generation model’s – but overall it fits well with the rest of the car, and the new 3D-effect lights are a nice touch.

Citroen’s smart use of glass on the C4 SpaceTourer adds to the space-aged feel established by the front end, and the C-shaped silver window trim looks like something from one of the upmarket DS models.

Styling cues from the DS range have also been carried over to the interior of the C4 SpaceTourer. The dashboard is a simple mixture of curves and angles, and has a centrally mounted instrument binnacle.

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Inside, the top-spec Flair model feels plush and upmarket. The cabin has a real high-quality ambience, thanks in no small part to the soft-touch plastics used to cover the dashboard and the hi-tech twin screen set-up. The lower touchscreen controls everything from the entertainment system to the climate control and navigation, while the top unit displays driving data. 

The flagship C4 SpaceTourer isn’t exactly short of kit, either. Parking sensors and a reversing camera are standard, as are cruise and climate control. In addition, there are massage seats, keyless go, sat-nav, USB, a DAB radio and Bluetooth.

The touchscreen centre console has a high-quality feel that helps the C4 SpaceTourer take the fight to rivals from Ford and Volkswagen, and it ensures the dash stays clutter-free. The steering wheel, however, can seem a little complex, as it has a lot of buttons to navigate.

In general, the C4 Picasso is well screwed together, while it features decent-quality plastics and comfortable seats. All models come with a panoramic windscreen that extends to just above the front seats, although blinds can be used to block out intrusive sunlight.

Citroen adds to the car’s airy and relaxed atmosphere by making good use of a large glass area that includes quarterlight windows in the A-pillars; these give the car a sense of space its rivals can’t match.

Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

The C4 Picasso's infotainment system received an even bigger update than the rest of the car in 2016. All models come with a seven-inch central touchscreen that controls all the major functions, from the climate control to the stereo.

Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Mirrorlink now feature across the range, making it a doddle to connect your smartphone and access its major functions – in the case of the iPhone, this means text messages, maps and music are beamed to the screen, as are apps like Spotify.

In addition, Feel and Flair models benefit from the separate, configurable 12-inch HD screen that sits higher up in the dashboard and displays all the driving data. Crucially, it also houses the standard sat-nav, which features an excellent 3D layout and crystal clear graphics.

Citroen's system isn’t perfect, however. As with earlier units, the touchscreen is often slow to react, requiring two or three prods to respond. The need to enter a separate menu just to adjust the climate control is also irritating.