PARIS - Suzuki goes back to the future with the return of the Ignis, a global compact crossover.

• The new Ignis is a compact crossover designed to offer a stylish exterior along with versatile functionality that is convenient and easy to use.
• Its new styling features strong presence that skilfully blends a fresh new look with elements that remain true to its Suzuki heritage.
• Suzuki’s lightweight and highly rigid new-generation platform incorporates a newly designed suspension system that delivers excellent handling.
• The SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) system employed by the 1.2 DUALJET engine helps deliver powerful performance and excellent fuel economy.

Suzuki Motor Corporation today unveiled the Ignis at the Paris Motor Show as its new global compact crossover. The new Ignis wraps convenience and comfort in a stylish new exterior. It exudes Suzuki DNA from every pore, while at the same time introducing an entirely new design with unique character. In addition to its simple and iconic styling, this compact SUV offers the functionality and performance to provide confident driving in a wide variety of conditions. Sales are scheduled to begin in Europe in January 2017, after which the model will also be introduced in other markets. 

Concept

1.      Design and utility

In addition to its stylish exterior design, the Ignis features excellent visibility, an easy-to-drive size, a spacious cabin and ample luggage space, as well as a sense of confidence, even on rough roads. The development goal was to create purely iconic crossover styling that is undoubtedly Suzuki.

2.     Fusing a “simple and iconic” design with Suzuki DNA

While inheriting design elements of the first-generation Cervo and first-generation Vitara, as well as the previous generation Swift, the Ignis introduces simple straight lines and curves that accentuate its distinct personality and appeal, and that leave a strong impression at first sight.

3.     Powerful performance combined with excellent fuel economy

The Ignis adopts a larger percentage of lightweight and strong high-tensile steel, making it possible to reduce vehicle weight while still maintaining a high level of rigidity. Adding the SHVS mild hybrid system to this realises dynamic driving performance combined with excellent fuel efficiency.

4.     Advanced safety equipment

Two stereo cameras monitor the distance between the vehicle and other objects, as well as the shape of those objects. This becomes the basis for the following three advanced safety functions: Dual Camera Brake Support (DCBS), lane departure warning, and weaving alert.

5.    Display audio with navigation function

Support for various smartphone connectivity systems allows the driver to connect a smartphone and access compatible apps on the touch screen display. Inserting SD cards that contain map data also enables the use of the navigation function.

Design

• Despite the compact size, its body shape conveys an impression of strength.
• While emphasising its personality, the cabin environment speaks of quality.
• Customers can choose from a selection of smart, advanced body colours in combination with matching interior colours*.
  *The two interior accent colours are set in accordance with the selected body colour.

Exterior design

The impressive shape of the Ignis body begins with the distinctive front face that integrates the striking gaze of the LED headlamps and the strong lines of the front grille. It continues with the robust shoulders that suggest strength while the surface of the lower body exudes expressiveness. It is a simple design that at the same time presents a familiar, lovable expression. It also inherits the first-generation Cervo’s slit-like C-pillar design and the Swift’s distinctive blacked out A- and B-pillar design, as well as other distinctive Suzuki SUV design elements such as the fender garnish and clamshell bonnet. The resulting package carries Suzuki’s SUV heritage into a new era.

Interior design

In addition to its simple yet unique design, the characteristic image of the Ignis is further enhanced by its interior ambiance. The round shape of its air-conditioning system’s panel and the advanced feel of its distinctive meter cluster design combine to give the cabin environment a futuristic look.

The sweeping horizontal line of the instrument panel uses materials with rich texture to create a design that conveys breadth and roominess. The orange and metallic titanium accent colours add an extra touch of quality to the cabin and help establish an active image that befits a crossover.

Colour variations

The new Ignis offers a rich lineup of 14 colour patterns, including three new body colours and the two-tone offerings. Two accent colours available for the interior match the body colours and enable drivers to choose the new Ignis that best suits their individual tastes.

• Body colours (total of 14 colours available)
  • Three new colours
    Flame Orange Pearl Metallic: Expresses a bright, strong image resembling the colour of heated metal.
    Neon Blue Metallic: This luminous blue colour evokes an image of neon lighting.
    Helios Gold Pearl Metallic: An energetic colour that conjures images of the sun shining in space.
  • Six other colours
  • Five two-tone colours (with a black roof)
• Interior colours
  Two accent colours* further heighten the bold image of the black and white two-tone interior colour.
  Orange accent (on the floor console and inside door grips)
  Titanium accent (on the floor console and inside door grips)
  *The accent colour is paired to match the choice of body colour.

Utility

• A roomy cabin with a sense of freedom and large-capacity luggage space
• A tall eye-point that provides excellent visibility
• Display audio with navigation function

Capacity

Adopting Suzuki’s new-generation platform minimised the size of the engine room while maximising the space available for cabin occupants and luggage. Within its compact body size, Ignis features a roomy and comfortable cabin with space between occupants, ample headroom and legroom contributing to its relaxing environment.

Another feature is large-capacity luggage space of 267L*, (227L* for the ALLGRIP model). It also adopts sliding rear seat functionality that, combined with the ability to fold down the rear seatbacks, makes it possible to accommodate a wide variety of luggage.

* Measured using the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) method, with the rear seatback fixed in the raised position.

Storage

The cabin features extremely convenient storage space. In addition to the two-section glove box design, there are bottle holders in the centre and rear consoles as well as in the front and rear doors. The overall design goal was to maximise the ease of everyday use.

Visibility

With a tall 180mm of minimum ground clearance, the Ignis enhances driving performance on rough roads, while also enabling a seat position that provides clear visibility and makes driving easier. The tall seat position also contributes to the ease of entering and exiting the cabin.

Smartphone Linkage Display Audio (SLDA)

The audio incorporates a touch-panel display that is as intuitive as a smartphone. Connect your smartphone via Bluetooth® or USB cable to use compatible smartphone applications through the display, which is also equipped with radio, rear-view camera, and navigation* function.

• Android Auto extends the Android platform into the car in a way that's purpose-built for driving. It is designed to minimise distraction so you can focus on driving with Google™ services like Google Maps™, Google Search™.
• Apple CarPlay allows iPhone users to get directions optimized for traffic, make calls, send and receive messages, and listen to music, all in a way that allows you to stay focused on the road with Siri or a touch screen.
• MirrorLink lets various applications on your smartphone appear on the vehicle’s touchscreen display, allowing you to access your smartphone’s features.

Performance & Safety

• Achieves both powerful performance and excellent fuel economy.
• The new suspension provides excellent handling, and the new-generation platform contributes to roomier cabin space and better fuel economy.
• Adopts the latest safety technologies to mitigate damage caused by collisions.

Engines

A 1.2 DUALJET (K12C) petrol engine that delivers both powerful performance and excellent fuel economy powers the Ignis. This combines with the SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) mild hybrid system to realise even greater fuel efficiency.

SHVS

SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) is a lightweight, compact mild hybrid system that uses an ISG (Integrated Starter Generator) with an integrated power generator and electric motor, and a lithium-ion battery pack. It is an optimum system for use in a compact car that leverages the electric motor’s torque assist and the system’s efficient power regeneration to realise better fuel economy.

Transmissions

Five-speed manual transmission: The adoption of a convergent locating system increases the sense of suction when shifting for lighter and better feeling shift action.

Five-speed AGS (Auto Gear Shift) transmission: Based on the five-speed manual transmission, Suzuki’s own automated manual transmission automatically performs the clutch and shift operations for the driver.

4WD (ALLGRIP AUTO)

The Ignis adopts Suzuki’s ALLGRIP AUTO viscous coupling four-wheel drive system. By automatically distributing drive torque to the front and rear wheels when it detects the front wheel losing its grip of the road, the system achieves fuel economy while maximising performance. ALLGRIP AUTO gives the driver peace of mind in everyday driving, especially when driving on slippery roads or snowy surfaces.

Suspension

The suspension was newly designed to best match the new-generation platform. In addition to a lighter and stronger suspension, the suspension mounts, which are an important aspect of driving performance, have also been designed for increased rigidity.

Safety equipment

The Ignis adopts Suzuki's Total Effective Control Technology (TECT) concept that provides a high level of collision safety. Some of the features include collapsible structures that absorb impact energy in the event of a collision, a frame structure that effectively disperses impact energy, and rigid cabin structure.

Other safety features include ESP® (Electronic Stability Program), which helps ensure stability while driving, along with front, side and curtain airbags to protect occupants in the event of a collision from the front or side.

As an additional safety feature, stereo cameras mounted on the vehicle function like human eyes, detecting lane markings as well as objects ahead and their distance away. Based on the size and shape of the object, the cameras can determine whether it is a pedestrian or another vehicle. These capabilities enable the inclusion of the following three advanced safety functions:

• Dual Camera Brake Support (DCBS): When travelling at vehicle speeds of 5km/h or above, the stereo cameras detect vehicles and pedestrians ahead, helping avoid collisions and mitigate collision damage through warnings and automatic braking.
• Lane departure warning function: When the vehicle is traveling at vehicle speeds of approximately 60km/h or above and is departing the lane without the driver using a turn signal, the system vibrates the steering wheel and lights a warning indicator on the meter panel to draw attention to lane departures caused by factors such as inattention to the road.
• Weaving alert function: When the vehicle is traveling at vehicle speeds of approximately 60km/h or above and is weaving from side to side within the lane, the system sounds a warning buzzer and lights an indicator on the meter panel. This draws the driver’s attention to weaving caused by drowsiness or other factors. 

SAIC to consider phasing out brands due to sales slump in all new Marques.

SAIC Motor Corp. runs successful joint ventures with General Motors and Volkswagen AG, but its own brands are losing ground.

The state-owned automaker is making huge investments to improve products and revive its car business. But if it wants to ensure that the money is well spent, the company should reduce the number of its car brands.

In 2005, SAIC bought the Rover 75 platform from bankrupt MG Rover. It soon started developing sedans on that platform under the newly created Roewe brand.

Two years later, it acquired Nanjing Automobile Group Co., another state-owned automaker that had purchased the MG brand and the Rover 25 platform from the British carmaker.

SAIC President Chen Zhixin assured the press at the time that the Roewe and MG brands would start generating profits after combined sales reached 260,000 vehicles.

But after the two brands topped 230,000 sales in 2013, deliveries began to decline. In 2014, sales of Roewe and MG cars slumped 22 percent to 180,018 vehicles.

Not content with two brands, SAIC launched a third: Maxus. In 2013, a van and a multipurpose vehicle were introduced under the new brand.

The two models were based on a platform that SAIC had purchased in 2009 from LDV Group, a bankrupt British producer of commercial vans. China's car buyers have been unimpressed. Last year, Maxus generated sales of only 21,012 vehicles.

The Roewe and MG brands continue to fade, with combined China sales down 37 percent in the first two months of 2015 to 21,039 vehicles. And Maxus continues to struggle, with only 4,179 deliveries year to date.

What went wrong? Saddled with weak product development, SAIC must rely on obsolete MG Rover platforms. And that's why Roewe, MG and Maxus are not competitive.

To be sure, SAIC operates technical centers in China and England to enhance its products. The company is improving its powertrains and is developing a platform dubbed the A architecture.

Starting next year, future Roewe and MG compact sedans will be built on the new platform. But this alone is not enough to fix SAIC's problems; the company must also pare its multiple brands.

SAIC is a newcomer in a sedan market dominated by global giants such as VW and GM. It lacks the technology and product development needed to support three passenger vehicle brands.

In recent years, Chery Automobile Co., Great Wall Motor Co. and Geely Automobile Holdings all phased out multiple brands so that they could sell vehicles under one brand.

Those moves produced the desired results, and each company has begun to rebuild sales. Now it is time for SAIC to follow suit.

REPORT HERE

Mitsubishi to Stop Lancer Evolution Production

Perhaps another setback for U.S. Mitsubishi dealers, the automaker announced that it will stop production on the Lancer Evolution performance sedan when the current generation comes to an end. This marks the death of the last sporty vehicle in the company's U.S. lineup, and as of yet, there are no plans to introduce a successor.

Spokeswoman Namie Koketsu told Automotive News that "Mitsubishi Motors does not have any plans to design a successor with the current concept, as a high-performance four-wheel drive gasoline-powered sedan. Mitsubishi Motors will explore the possibilities of high-performance models that incorporate electric vehicle technology." The automaker is shifting its focus from performance sedans to crossovers and SUVs along with electric vehicles.

There will definitely be a hole left in the Mitsubishi lineup when the Lancer Evo leaves, but the company believes it will be able to increase global sales 29 percent by March 31, 2017. Between now and then, the automaker plans to introduce many new or refreshed SUVs, vans, and crossovers globally, along with narrowing its nine-platform lineup down to two, and reducing its portfolio from 18 models to just 13. Looking to sedans, Mitsubishi will explore sourcing them through the Renault-Nissan Alliance, focusing the majority of its budget on utilities and electric drivetrains.

By 2020, Mitsubishi hopes to have 20 percent of its lineup all-electric or plug-in hybrids, keeping with the upcoming emission regulations. While a Renault-based midsized sedan is in the works for the U.S., we're curious to see how the automaker will do without a high performance vehicle in its lineup.

REPORT HERE

The Jaguar XS, the ACTUAL CAR, NO XF disguise.

This is the long-awaited Jaguar small saloon car, codenamed: X760. We’ve spied Jaguar testing elements of the car in hacked-about XF test mules, but that’s all over now.

This is the actual car, and CAR is first to clap eyes on it. Jaguar is testing the X760 on British roads – and these are the first pictures.

Jaguar X760 – the styling

It’s clear this is no shrunken XF. The compact front overhang and chopped backside give the baby Jag an agile, dynamic look in profile. The slim LED headlights and grille are low-set for a snouty feline face, but the bonnet actually rises quite high – blame pedestrian impact legislation for that feature.

Jaguar has disguised the car’s roofline with a fake rear section to make its new baby look boxier than it really is. Don’t be fooled by the Skoda Superb rear pillar, however. A closer look at that steeply raked rear screen reveals the true nature of that seductive roofline, tailing off to a pert bootlid with a small upturned lip at its edge.

Taillights wrap around into the sides of the car, as per the XF saloon and F-type sports car. The bold ‘shelf’ down the car’s flanks hides a more subtle styling line that fires down the side of the car from a front wing vent, again following F-type cues.

So it should be a looker, the baby Jag?

Indeed – it’s based on the same ‘iQ Al’ aluminium platform as Jaguar’s forthcoming 4x4, previewed by the C-X17 SUV concept shown at the 2013 Frankfurt motor show (pictured, right). The well-received design will donate many cues to the X760, including the muscular bonnet, squared-off grille, and big alloys – an Ian Callum classic formula.

Jaguar says it hasn’t pursued a BMW 4-series Gran Coupe/Audi A5 Sportback template for the X760 – a true four-door ‘coupe’ could arrive later instead, along with a drop-top X760 cabriolet.

What else do we know about the Jaguar X760?

The range will stretch from a four-cylinder turbodiesel good for 99g/km to a supercharged 550bhp V8 ‘R’ model that’s capable of 186mph. Using aluminium rather than steel for the body saves Jaguar around 100kg, allowing the British-built engines from Jaguar’s new £500m Wolverhampton facility to offer optimum frugality and performance.

The entry-level car is purported to cost less than £30,000 – a BMW 320d saloon makes the cut at £28,410.

And no, it won’t be called X-type: the badge of the folly from last decade conjures up too many negative connotations. With Jaguar looking to build on its 19 per cent sales rise in 2013, which saw it sell 425,000 cars, a fresh start with a new name is needed.

With a sumptuous XJ-inspired cabin, refreshing styling and massive investment in chassis and powertrain tech, the new baby Jag will enter the small sports saloon party with a bang in late 2014. Over to you, Jaguar…

With thanks to CAR MAGAZINE

By Ollie Kew and Phil McNamara

REPORT HERE

Citroën launches New C4 Picasso MPV in the UK

• On sale now, priced from £17,500 to £24,455
• First model on the new PSA Peugeot Citroën EMP2 platform
• New C4 Picasso weighs 140kg less than its predecessor, now weighs the same as C3 Picasso
• First conventionally powered compact MPV to deliver sub-100g/km CO2 emissions
• Five-star EuroNCAP safety rating with 88% in the Child Occupant category
• Class-topping boot space of 537-litres & 2.5m load length with front passenger seat folded forward
• Bright uncluttered cabin with combined glazed area of up to 5.3m2
• First-class comfort with massaging front seats & an electric footrest available for the front passenger

The New C4 Picasso is the latest incarnation in a bold tradition of innovative MPVs - which began with the Xsara Picasso in 1999 - and is a true expression of Citroën’s ‘Créative Technologie’.

New C4 Picasso embodies a bold, expressive design with dynamic, high-tech styling. This latest Picasso model features a bright, uncluttered interior and technologies that innovate, comfort and protect.

The first model using PSA Peugeot Citroën’s new EMP2 platform (Efficient Modular Platform 2), the new-generation C4 Picasso is more compact on the outside, yet offers benchmark interior space and class-leading boot capacity.

Weighing 140kg less than its predecessor, with improved aerodynamics and a new efficient range of engines - including a new Euro 6 compliant ‘BlueHDi’ powerplant from November production - the New C4 Picasso delivers record CO2 emissions from just 98g/km and fuel economy of up to 74.3 mpg.

Optimised running gear also provides a new balance between comfort and road holding for a smooth, engaging ride in all driving situations.

BUYER PROFILE

New C4 Picasso prospects will be from two main demographics:

The first group are expected to be younger families with one or two children. Style is important to these consumers and they do not want to compromise on desirability when looking for a practical family vehicle.

The second group are older couples with grown-up children. These buyers value space, practicality, flexibility and ease of access.

STYLING & DESIGN

New C4 Picasso is the first Citroën on the new EMP2 platform. More compact than the outgoing model, this new generation C4 Picasso is 4cm shorter in length with reduced overhangs, wider tracks, a lower position for the engine block and vehicle floor, and the roofline is 4cm lower.

The sleeker, more dynamic styling is complimented by an assertive front end with new look chevrons and slim LED daytime-running lights set high above new hi-tech headlights. Fog lamps complete the very original light signature.

Along the side of the car, a signature ‘C’ shape trim in chrome adds personality to the sculpted body panels, whilst underlining the space available to occupants.

The rear LED lights feature a futuristic and novel 3D effect, which is fast becoming a Citroën hallmark. A new enveloping tailgate suggests roominess and strength, and is a dynamic touch to the rear view.

The New C4 Picasso is available in a range of eight body colours and all versions are fitted with alloy wheels as standard, with a range of original designs from 16 to 18 inches.

LOFT-STYLE CABIN

The New C4 Picasso features an uncluttered, loft-style interior ambience with a combined glazed area of up to 5.3m2. This includes a standard specification panoramic windscreen - unique to the segment - and an optional large glass sunroof that bathes the New C4 Picasso’s cabin in light.

The bright and airy interior is also complemented by the quality of the materials used and the attention to detail. The dashboard design combines several colours and materials, including glossy blacks and sparkle-effect finishes. The door panels feature a laser engraved pattern and the asymmetric graphic on the front seats gives the appearance of a one-piece bench. Light-coloured Nappa leather, an attractive upholstery option, is a premium styling cue taken from the world of interior design.

Travelling in the New C4 Picasso is a first class experience thanks to the availability of front massaging seats, ‘Relax’ headrests on all seats and a ‘Relax’ front passenger seat that lets the occupant raise, stretch and rest their legs.

INTELLIGENT ARCHITECTURE

The New C4 Picasso is more compact on the outside, yet offers more space on the inside. The new modular EMP2 platform features a wheelbase that is 6cm longer than the outgoing model, providing improved rear leg room of 2cm compared to the outgoing model - making it amongst the best-in-class. Headroom is also maintained, despite the 4cm reduction in the height of the car. Elbow and shoulder room are virtually identical despite the more compact exterior dimensions. The front and rear doors open wide to a 65° angle for excellent access.

Boot capacity is increased by 40-litres to 537-litres VDA - the best in segment - and expands up to 630-litres with the rear seats pushed forward.The electric tailgate’s clamshell design means it can be closed even when loads protrude past the open aperture. The front passenger seat also folds flat to create a load floor length of 2.5m.

Rear passengers benefit from three individual, full size, adult seats that can be tilted or fore-and-aft adjusted for increased flexibility and comfort.

Six clever and convenient storage options include LED illuminated compartments, one of which includes a jack and USB port. On the ETG6 (Efficient Tronic Gearbox 6-speed) versions, there is also a removable console mounted between the driver and front passenger seats. There are storage spaces under the seats and in the doors, and trays with LED lighting are available on the front seat backs. Conveniently located around the car, there are three 12v sockets conveniently located in the front, rear and in the boot.

Also available are dark tinted rear windows, integrated retractable rear side window sun blinds and a rear facing conversation mirror - a smart touch to make family driving more convenient and enjoyable.

COMFORT & ROAD HOLDING

Driveability is a key strength of the New C4 Picasso. Whilst maintaining and improving upon the recognised comfort of the model line, the reduced weight and lower centre of gravity - as well as a new modular rear suspension design - establish a new balance between comfort and road holding.

Acoustic and vibration comfort are also optimised through a series of refinements, made possible by the new EMP2 platform, for a more enjoyable occupant experience.

For confident road holding and braking in all circumstances, the New C4 Picasso is fitted as standard with intelligent traction control, as well as ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) & emergency braking assistance (EBA).

The compact dimensions (4.43m L, 1.83m W & 1.61m H), variable power steering and a 10.8m turning circle make New C4 Picasso an agile and manoeuvrable companion, even in built-up urban environments.

DRIVING INTERFACE

New C4 Picasso’s intuitive and uncluttered driving interface can feature two digital screens - a ‘tablet’ style 7 inch touchpad and a 12 inch panoramic HD screen.

The brand new, standard specification, 7 inch Touch Drive interface controls all the vehicle settings and in-car functions such as the dual-zone air conditioning, satellite navigation, Bluetooth® connectivity and DAB digital radio.

The panoramic 12 inch screen enhances the driving experience still further and can be configured to display a range of additional driving information such as the cruise control and speed-limiter settings. There’s even the option of changing the theme and uploading a personal photograph as a backdrop.

Available as an option on all versions, New C4 Picasso can provide users with access to Citroën’s Multicity Connect, a portal of connected applications, controlled from the 7 inch touchpad. The system lets users find the nearest service station, a hotel or restaurant, get weather updates or traffic information.

ENJOYABLE & RELAXING

Alongside keyless entry and start, a programmable motorised tailgate and a reversing camera displayed on the HD screen, New C4 Picasso also features a range of innovations to make driving easier and more enjoyable, including;

360° VISION, an exclusive feature in the segment that uses four cameras to give the driver a bird’s eye view, rear view or panoramic front view through the integrated 12 inch screen
PARK ASSIST, which provides automatic assistance when manoeuvring into a tight space, whether parallel parking or reversing straight back. All the driver has to do is manage acceleration and braking

CLASS-LEADING EFFICIENCY

Thanks to innovative design and the advances of the new EMP2 platform, New C4 Picasso is 140kg lighter than its predecessor, meaning it weighs the same as the current C3 Picasso.

The platform’s aluminium and steel construction, and composite rear floor, reduces the vehicle weight by 70kg, whilst the body style with its optimised dimensions and new materials - such as the aluminium bonnet and composite tailgate - cut a further 70kg.

The reduced mass, improved aerodynamics and optimised drivetrains significantly improve efficiency with CO2 emissions an average 30g/km less than the previous generation model.

New C4 Picasso is the first conventionally powered compact MPV to deliver sub-100g/km CO2 emissions. The e-HDi 90 Airdream engine with the new ETG 6-speed gearbox emits just 98g/km. Fuel economy is up to 74.3mpg - a record in the class. Stop & Start technology is also fitted to most models.

New C4 Picasso will be the first Citroën available with a Euro 6 compliant BlueHDi engine. The BlueHDi 150 unit will emit as little as 110g/km of CO2. This new engine features an SCR (selective catalytic reduction) module to treat NOX and limit CO2 output.

A new 6-speed clutchless manual gearbox, the ETG6 (6-speed Efficient Tronic Gearbox), is offered on e-HDi 90 and e-HDi 115 versions. At the core of the range, the e-HDi 115 engine will emit from 104g/km of CO2 with this new transmission and will deliver up to 67.3 mpg combined cycle fuel economy.

With the ETG6 ‘box, drivers can switch from manual to automated mode at any time. The system features a creep function and optimised pedal mapping, adjusting power effectively for smoother start-ups and enhanced driveability. Gear changes are optimised for efficiency and modulated more precisely for improved performance and comfort.

ACTIVE SAFETY

Safety and well-being go hand in hand with the New C4 Picasso thanks to a high level of equipment to protect occupants of all ages.

As with the outgoing model, the New C4 Picasso has been awarded a five-star EuroNCAP rating with an impressive 88% score in the Child Occupant category.

The New C4 Picasso’s safety equipment includes;

• Radar guided active cruise control, which maintains a constant distance with the vehicle in front and acts on the accelerator or engine braking to reduce or increase speed
• A video lane departure warning system (LDWS) that vibrates the driver’s seatbelt if the car drifts out of a lane without indicating
• Active driver and front passenger seatbelts that pull tight in the event of danger for maximum protection
• Intelligent beam headlights (auto dip/full beam)
• Ultrasonic blind spot monitoring system with door mirror LED warning lights
• Driver and front passenger airbags, front lateral and curtain airbags (including row 2)
• Isofix anchor points on all three rear seats for the secure fitment of child seats

PRICES & AVAILABILITY

Now on sale in the UK, New C4 Picasso is available in four trim levels - VTR, VTR+, Exclusive & Exclusive+. Ownership starts at just £17,500 for the VTi 120 manual VTR, rising to £24,455 for the Exclusive+ e-HDi 115 ETG6.

With an anticipated 90% diesel/10% petrol mix, the top-selling model is forecast to be the VTR+ e-HDi 115 6-speed manual. The sales split is expected to be approximately 50% retail, 50% fleet/business.

A generously specified model across all trim levels, standard equipment includes:

VTR

• ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) & Emergency Braking Assistance (EBA)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with traction control
• Air conditioning with dual zone temperature setting
• Automatic electronic parking brake
• Driver’s and front passenger’s airbags with cut-off device
• Front lateral and curtain airbags (including row 2)
• Automatic door and boot locking (when vehicle in motion & in case of accidental unlocking)
• Electronic child lock control and indicator
• Panoramic windscreen (with sliding interior sun blinds)
• Daytime-running LEDs
• Twin optic headlamps
• 16” ‘Viper’ alloy wheels (set of four)
• Two-tone soft touch upper dashboard and white back-lit dashboard illumination
• 3 separate full size rear seats with adjustable recline angle
• Individual fold flat seats with retractable rear head restraints
• Cruise control with speed limiter
• Engine start button
• Gear Efficiency Indicator (GEI)
• 7 inch Touch Drive interface (used to control all vehicle functions)
• 7 inch full colour touch screen
• six speakers
• FM radio
• Aux-in jack, USB (in central storage cubby) & Bluetooth® with media streaming
• Steering wheel controls
• Electronic fuel filler flap release
• 12 volt accessory power socket in central storage cubby and additional 12 volt sockets in row 2 and boot

VTR+ adds:

• Automatic activation of lights and windscreen wipers
• Front fog lights
• Electrically heated and folding body colour door mirrors with LED indicators
• Automatic digital air conditioning with dual zone temperature setting
• Height and tilt adjustable, flat folding front passenger’s seat
• Adjustable armrests for driver’s and front passenger’s seats
• Drawer under driver’s seat and under front passenger’s seat
• Fold-down aircraft style tray tables (integrated in to back of front seats)
• Rear underfloor storage (row 2)
• Air vents for rear seat passengers
• DAB digital radio
• Rear parking sensors

Exclusive adds:

• 12 inch panoramic HD display
• LED front indicators
• Fog lights with cornering function
• Kerb lighting (lights in door mirrors)
• Chrome side signature
• 17” ‘Anaconda’ alloy wheels (set of four)
• Aluminium dashboard trim and air vent surrounds
• High-quality leather steering wheel with satin chrome inserts and 4 control zones
• Kids Pack - Integrated retractable rear side window sun blinds, rear seat conversation mirror
• Reversing camera (displayed on upper 12 inch HD screen)
• Keyless entry and start
• Satellite Navigation with additional USB socket
• Removable and rechargeable boot light/torch

Exclusive+adds:

• Active radar guided cruise control with collision alert
• Active seatbelt safety system
• Blind spot monitoring system
• Panoramic sunroof (with dark tinted glass & electric sliding blind)
• LED 3D effect rear lights
• Body colour, electrically heated, folding reverse-dipped door mirrors with LED indicators
• Aluminium front and rear sill scuff protectors
• 18” ‘Python’ alloy wheels (set of four) - excludes e-HDi 115 versions
• Dark tinted windows
• Automatic dimming electro-chrome interior rear-view mirror
• Fan speed adjustment for rear seat passenger air vents
• Integrated dashboard scented air freshener
• Reading spot light for rear aircraft style tray tables
• Driver’s seat electric massage function with adjustable lumbar support
• Extra support head rests
• Front passenger seat RELAX function (electric footrest & massage function)
• Luxury velour carpet mats
• Slate grey half leather with black ‘Ondulice’ cloth
• Front parking sensors
• Park Assist
• Motorised rear tailgate (with programmable opening height memory)

INSURANCE GROUP RATINGS

New C4 Picasso is offered with competitive insurance ratings from as low as 14A for the VTi 120 manual VTR.

The rating for each model is shown below: