Sometimes a new generation of a car just brings that certain level of improvement to tip it from being good to more than better, writes Brian Byrne.
And though an afternoon's short drive in the new Citroen C4 Picasso isn't enough to give a proper judgement, the signs are promising.
The latest version of the compact MPV from the Citroen half of the PSA Group has a good start by being on a newly developed platform. It's also got improved styling in a smaller footprint than its predesessor. Yet the people packaging is better and the new car also gets a class-leading boost in cargo capacity.
The car I drove yesterday was the very top of the line in spec, so the leather seats and other trim aren't what the buyer of standard or mid-range versions will get. But the underlying build quality feels very strong, and all cars get a new touch-screen unit to manage almost all systems, including heating and cooling.
The power from the 115hp 1.6 diesel seems more than ample to cruise this one along in a comfort that matches the elegance of the overall package. Very quiet, little road or engine noise.
Shifting with the 6-speed box is a tidy and pleasant experience, and there's a fine big footrest for the left foot which reflects a very uncramped footwell.
The ambience for the driver is a seriously modern one, with — in the Exclusive grade I drove — the larger 12" panoramic upper information screen that adds functionality such as playing your favourite photographs as you drive (some would figure that beats the perfume dispenser previous Citroens introduced).
Quick thoughts on the drive reflect a typical Citroenic ability to build good suspensions even in traditional designs. My overall experience leaves me quite happy about getting the car for a full review period next week.
From €24,495, one of Citroen's most successful nameplates across Europe will likely continue to gain customers throughout Ireland too.
