2020 Citroen Grand C4 SpaceTourer Review

Today, the 7-seater MPV market in Malaysia is highly competitive. Most models are either practical but have simple features, or focus on luxury with a high price. The 2020 Citroen Grand C4 SpaceTourer targets the family market with a price of RM 144,980. Its core selling points are premium features, flexible space, and European driving quality. In this test drive, we aim to verify whether it can strike a balance between "practicality" and "refinement" to provide a fresh choice for families who value quality of life.

In terms of appearance, the Grand C4 SpaceTourer continues Citroen's iconic "double-chevron" chrome grille design, paired with sharp-looking xenon headlights on both sides, giving the front a highly recognizable look. The side profile is streamlined, with a waistline extending from the front fender to the tail, which prevents the 4602mm length from looking bulky. The 1826mm width ensures ample interior space. The rear design is simple, with horizontally arranged taillights connected by a chrome strip to enhance the visual width. The black protective panel below the rear bumper adds a hint of crossover styling. For the lighting system, the xenon headlights are bright enough, and automatic headlights along with front and rear fog lights come standard, making daily use convenient.

Entering the car, the interior quality is immediately noticeable. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch plastic, complemented by silver trims for a simplistic and practical design. The 9-inch central touchscreen is located at the center. While it’s not a large screen as per current trends, it functions smoothly. Below the screen, physical buttons are retained for easier operation without looking. The HUD (Head-Up Display) is a rare feature at this price point, displaying information such as speed and navigation to improve driving safety. The multifunction steering wheel includes paddle shifters, is wrapped in fine leather for a premium feel, and supports tilt and telescopic adjustment. In terms of features, keyless entry/start, dual-zone automatic climate control, independent rear air conditioning, sunshades, and more come as standard. The 220V/230V power socket is particularly thoughtful for charging electronic devices during long trips.

Space performance is key for a 7-seater vehicle, and while the Grand C4 SpaceTourer’s wheelbase is not explicitly stated, the actual experience reveals spaciousness in the front and second rows. A passenger of 180cm in height would find over two fists’ worth of legroom in the second row. The third row is more suitable for children or adults on short trips. Regarding storage, the car provides multiple cup holders and storage compartments. The second-row seats can slide forward/backward and adjust their recline angle, while the third-row seats can be completely folded down. When folded, the trunk space expands to over 1800L, meeting the loading needs of families. ISO FIX child seat anchors are standard, making it easy to install child seats on the second row.

The powertrain is equipped with a 1.6T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum output of 165PS with peak torque accessible as low as 1400rpm. It is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. During actual driving, the car starts off briskly, with strong low-end torque providing easy performance in city traffic. Switching to sport mode makes the throttle response more aggressive, and the gearbox shifts faster, making overtaking maneuvers confident. However, during highway cruising, the engine revs at around 2000rpm, and while the noise level is average, it remains within an acceptable range.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel is precise with minimal play, making it feel less cumbersome compared to traditional MPVs. The suspension system is tuned for comfort, filtering out most road vibrations. Over speed bumps, there's no obvious stiffness. While cornering, the body roll is well-controlled, and the chassis provides a solid feel consistent with European cars. Braking performance is stable with a linear feedback from the brake pedal, and the vehicle maintains a steady posture during emergency braking. Regarding fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 5.6L/100km. During actual test drives, urban fuel consumption is approximately 7.5L/100km, and highway consumption is around 6L/100km. These figures are fairly average for a 1.6T seven-seater vehicle.

In terms of ride comfort, the seats offer good support with soft padding, making them comfortable for long journeys without causing fatigue. As for noise control, the cabin remains quiet at low speeds, though wind and tire noise increase at high speeds without affecting normal conversation. The 6-speaker audio system delivers average sound quality, sufficient for everyday music listening needs. The independent rear air conditioning and sunshades enhance the rear passenger experience, especially useful for summer trips with children.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2020 Citroen Grand C4 SpaceTourer are its class-leading features, flexible space, and decent driving quality. Compared to the Toyota Innova in the same price range, it offers richer features, such as a HUD and 220V power outlet, which the latter lacks. Compared to lower trims of the Kia Carnival, it is more affordable while retaining the chassis quality of a European car. However, its third-row space and fuel economy are not class-leading. It is more suitable for families that prioritize features and driving experience, especially those frequently using the third row for short trips and seeking a higher quality of life.

Overall, the Grand C4 SpaceTourer is a "balanced and standout" seven-seater MPV with no glaring weaknesses. Its superior features enhance everyday satisfaction. If you're a practical individual who isn't content with traditional MPVs and doesn't want to pay for the premium of luxury brands, then this vehicle is worth considering.