MPV of the Year 2018: Citroen Grand C4 SpaceTourer
The Citroen Grand C4 SpaceTourer is the 2018 Auto Express MPV of the Year, with the Renault Grand Scenic and SEAT Alhambra commended
While affordable seven-seat SUVs have stolen sales from traditional people carriers, if you’re after the most effective way of transporting seven adults and their gear, there’s no contest: you still need an MPV. And there’s no better choice than Citroen’s Grand C4 SpaceTourer.
Despite a recent name change, the model is our reigning MPV class champion and takes the title for the fifth year in a row. Any MPV has to be family friendly, and with the roomy seats in the third row, lots of space in the second row and a large windscreen flooding the cabin with light, the Citroen has space covered.
It also offers plenty of versatility, because you can slide the middle row of seats to prioritise legroom or boot space in five-seat configuration, while all five rear seats fold individually.
There’s a strong 165-litre luggage capacity with all seven seats in place, rising to a maximum of 793 litres in five-seat from. Fold the second row down, too, leaving a completely flat load space, and you get a small van-rivalling 2,181 litres.
New engines and an eight-speed automatic transmission are part of the overhaul and help to keep things fresh, while the connectivity available includes Apple CarPlay and a WiFi hotspot. A power tailgate is also offered.
The twin-screen infotainment looks great and is relatively easy to operate. The good-looking cabin has been thoughtfully designed as well, but doesn’t compromise on functionality.
There are efficient downsized turbocharged petrol units on offer, yet don’t discount the 1.6 and 2.0-litre turbodiesels; they serve up good torque, plus strong refinement and fuel economy.
The standard manual box isn’t the nicest shifter, but the auto suits the car’s relaxed character. With claimed economy of up to 74.3mpg and emissions as low as 100g/km, the frugal SpaceTourer has it all.
Our choice
Citroen Grand C4 SpaceTourer BlueHDi 120 Feel (£24,295)
The BlueHDi 120 engine has enough torque and means the Citroen delivers acceptable performance even when fully loaded, while Feel trim comes packed with kit for a fair price. These features make the most of its convincing refinement, so it’s worth spending the extra for a few more creature comforts.
Commended
Renault Grand Scenic
The Grand Scenic is a stylish MPV that mixes versatility with SUV-like design. It’s not as practical as the Citroen, but has a slick cabin with tablet-style infotainment. All this isn’t at the expense of usability; the Renault is a stylish, versatile seven-seater that’s surprisingly good to drive.
SEAT Alhambra
SEAT’s ageing Alhambra MPV still has lots of appeal as family transport. It doesn’t feel as fresh as the Renault, but it’s bigger than the Citroen and offers a charm that’s helped by the practical sliding rear doors. The SEAT mixes this with a rewarding chassis for an MPV because its handling impresses.
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