And while not to everyone’s artistic tastes, the Citroen people mover may yet prove a thing of beauty for those with a particular need.

Pleasing appearance isn’t usually a seven-seater people mover’s raison d’atre. Flair must take, not just a back seat, but perhaps even a third row one to functionality. 

However the Grand Picasso paints a different picture to most, with enough interesting design elements inside and out to make it stand out in a field where standing out isn’t always a priority.

That is especially true of the interior, which at first glance seems futuristic and complex with the instruments incorporated into an expansive, centrally-mounted colour screen.

It looks quite space-aged but within a couple of minutes of using it in a variety of different modes we can vouch for its ease-of-use and easiness on the eye.

The screen's location to the left of where an instrument cluster usually sits takes almost no time to get used to and the fact that the display can be flicked between trip computer functions, satellite navigation and even photos is extraordinary. If you don’t like the layout of the gauges or the colours, there are three entirely different looking themes. Very clever.

There is a second colour display underneath the main one which can also show climate, audio, communication and navigation information as well in a more conventional manner. There is not much going on that the driver will not be aware of.

It is good there are so many things to amuse the driver because the rest of the driving experience is decent without being special. It does exactly what it should for a people mover with a compliant ride and merely adequate handling.

The 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine is good for 110kW peak power and 370Nm of torque. It is quiet and well suited to the Grand Picasso, best described as cruisy rather than spritely. With a conventional six-speed automatic it delivers a combined fuel efficiency of 4.5-l/100km which is excellent given its internal dimensions.

The seating is comfortable in an office-like manner and long trips would not be unpleasant. That holds true for the passenger and second row seats, although the third row is best for children or short trips.

If and when carting a lot of people is unnecessary, the seats can be folded down and out of sight, creating volumes of room for cargo. 

Storage space is also a thing of wonder.

Ultimately the Grand Picasso is all about spatial efficiency which is a form of art in itself. Pablo Picasso developed the art-style known as “cubism” and, while Citroen may not have invented the cube-shaped people mover, the Grand C4 Picasso seems to be an impressively modern interpretation of it.

Your local dealer is Kings Cars: 5338 4000

Citroen Grand C4 Picasso

ENGINE: 2.0-litre turbo-diesel inline four

POWER: 110kW at 4000 revs

TORQUE: 370Nm at 2000 revs

TRANSMISSION: six-speed automatic

DRIVE: front-wheel-drive

FUEL: diesel, 4.5-l/100km (ADR 81/02)

BRAKES: front and rear disc brakes with electronic stability control, ABS and brake assist

ANCAP SAFETY RATING: five stars

FEATURES: panoramic sunroof, 12-inch full colour display instrument cluster, seven-inch colour touchscreen audio with digital radio and satellite navigation, dual-zone climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels.

PRICE (RRP): $43,990 plus on road costs

PRICE AS TESTED: 47,290 drive away

OTHERS TO CONSIDER:

HONDA ODYSSEY VTi-L: from $47,620

KIA RONDO SLi CRDi: from$ 36,490

FORD TERRITORY DIESEL: from $43,240