Citroen Grand C4 Picasso

It might be named after a contrary painter, but the Picasso is as straightforward as you can get

• Comfort

  Adding air-suspension to the back of the C4's chassis means that kids in the back won't turn green, and the airy and spacious-feeling cabin makes taking trips really good fun. Huge panoramic windscreen makes it feel like a convertible.

  

• Performance

  A pair of 1.6-litre petrols offer 120bhp and 155bhp, while the 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre HDI diesels offer 110bhp and 150bhp but, crucially, more torques. 2.0-litre HDI offers 50mpg and takes less than 10 seconds to hit 62mph.

  

• Cool

  Not as cool as the C3 Picasso, sadly.

  

• Quality

  Citroen has tried hard here, so the Picasso feels more than able to stand up to the rigours of a three-toddler family, but tough-feeling plastics aren't necessarily the most tactile.

  

• Handling

  Not the thing for power sliding around the Nurburgring, but a competent and well-judged suspension, although it crashes into big potholes with a bang. Will settle the little ones into a deep and peaceful slumber on a straight road, though, and surely that's the point?

  

• Practicality

  So much thought has been poured in to the masses of storage in the Picasso that it's a delight. Pockets, storage bins, torches in the boot, umbrellas, flip, slide and fold seating, big sunroofs, rear air-con; this car has it all and it makes it all but irresistible.

  

• Running costs

  The Picasso makes a lot of sense as the 2.0-litre HDi. It's worth remembering that Citroen's incessant discounting is good for purchase, but softens residuals.