EurotaxGlass's queries Citroen's MPV branding

Following the launch of its seven-seat C4 Picasso late last year, Citroen has introduced another MPV with the same name but sporting a different exterior design and only five seats. To coincide with the launch Citroen renamed the larger model as the Grand C4 Picasso but EurotaxGlass's believe the carmaker has made a mistake. The analysts said that despite modifying the name, the similarities still introduced an element of confusion for dealers and future buyers of used cars. “This appears to demonstrate a lack of foresight from Citroen and it will lead to confusion in the used car market, when both five and seven-seat models will be referred to by the same name for a period,” said Jason King, forecasting editor at Glass's.

Despite the naming problem, King said that good packaging and build quality had raised Citroen's brand perception in the UK. “New models are being considered by a much wider circle of prospective buyers,” he added. The Grand C4 Picasso is expected to retain around 38 per cent of its original cost after three years or 60,000 miles compared to 37 per cent for the five-seater model.