The French are renowned for making stylishly quirky cars. They are also well-known for producing MPVs (multi-purpose vehicles) that are stylish, spacious and comfortable. The three Gallic models we have gathered here are closely matched, too, as each one is a seven-seater powered by a turbo-diesel engine.
Looking sharper than before is the updated Peugeot 5008 – the brand’s most popular people-mover. Compared to the pre-facelift model, this French “lion” has better “claws” thanks to its revised design and improved infotainment.
Also looking sharper than its predecessor is the 5008’s cousin from sister company Citroen: the all-new Grand C4 Picasso. Targeting the pragmatic family man with an artistic streak, the distinctive MPV offers plenty of standard features and a cabin that’s even roomier now.
Eager to display its Parisian abilities, too, is the facelifted Renault Grand Scenic. Apart from its revised exterior that now sports the carmaker’s latest brand identity, it also boasts improvements to the cockpit plus a slick powertrain that’s claimed to be more efficient than ever.
Which of these French MPVs will the average Singaporean family say “Yes!” to? Keep reading and discover our answer! 
Renault’s enhancements to the Grand Scenic have definitely paid off. The drive is smoother and marginally more economical than before, while the second-row seats are some of the plushest in the MPV business. But to really appeal to families, the car needs to have cleaner ergonomics and a roomier third row. After all, even children need their space.
The Peugeot 5008 may be less energetic than its identically engined Citroen cousin, but makes up for this with its nimbler handling and more eager drivetrain. This sportiness, however, comes at the expense of refinement. In other words, daddy will enjoy driving the 5008 alone, but his family won’t enjoy it as much on a driveaway holiday.
When it comes to cruising comfort for a family of six or seven, the new Citroen Grand C4 Picasso has few peers. Its “homely” attributes include a roomy interior, an efficient drivetrain and generous on-board amenities. If the transmission’s manual function is faster and the infotainment is more immediate, even more families would say oui (yes) to this French people-mover masterpiece.
SPECIFICATIONS
Citroen Grand C4 Picasso 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Inline-4, 16-valves, turbo-diesel
CAPACITY 1560cc
BORE X STROKE 75mm x 88.3mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 16:1
MAX POWER 115bhp at 3600rpm
MAX TORQUE 270Nm at 1750rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 87.1bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 6-speed
automated manual
DRIVEN WHEELS Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 12.6 seconds
TOP SPEED 189km/h
CONSUMPTION 25km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 105g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT MacPherson struts,
coil springs
REAR Torsion beam,
coil springs
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
TYPE Michelin Primacy HP
SIZE 205/55 R17
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 6
TRACTION CONTROL ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4597mm
WIDTH 1826mm
HEIGHT 1638mm
WHEELBASE 2840mm
KERB WEIGHT 1320kg
TURNING CIRCLE 11.4m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $155,988
(after $15k CEVS rebate)
WARRANTY 5 years/100,000km
WE SAY
+ Roomiest cabin, best all-round visibility, most family-friendly boot
– Highest sticker price, least responsive infotainment, overly light steering
* BEST OF THE THREE IN REFINEMENT
SPECIFICATIONS
Peugeot 5008 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Inline-4, 16-valves, turbo-diesel
CAPACITY 1560cc
BORE X STROKE 75mm x 88.3mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 16:1
MAX POWER 112bhp at 3600rpm
MAX TORQUE 270Nm at 1750rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 73.7bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 6-speed
automated manual
DRIVEN WHEELS Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 13.3 seconds
TOP SPEED 183km/h
CONSUMPTION 23.3km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 113g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT MacPherson struts,
coil springs, anti-roll bar
REAR Torsion beam,
coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
TYPE Michelin Primacy HP
SIZE 215/55 R16
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 6
TRACTION CONTROL ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4529mm
WIDTH 1837mm
HEIGHT 1647mm
WHEELBASE 2727mm
KERB WEIGHT 1520kg
TURNING CIRCLE 11.6m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $144,900
(after $15k CEVS rebate)
WARRANTY 3 years/100,000km
WE SAY
+ Lowest sticker price, most intuitive controls, greatest practicality
– Jerky drivetrain, average headroom, fewest amenities on board
* BEST OF THE THREE IN HANDLING
SPECIFICATIONS
Renault Grand Scenic 1.5 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Inline-4, 16-valves, turbo-diesel
CAPACITY 1461cc
BORE X STROKE 76mm x 80.5mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 15.2:1
MAX POWER 110bhp at 4000rpm
MAX TORQUE 240Nm at 1750rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 71.2bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 6-speed dual-clutch
with manual select
DRIVEN WHEELS Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 14.3 seconds
TOP SPEED 180km/h
CONSUMPTION 21.3km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 124g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT MacPherson struts,
coil springs
REAR Torsion beam,
coil springs
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
TYPE Continental
ContiPremiumContact 5
SIZE 205/55 R17
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 6
TRACTION CONTROL ABS with ESC
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4573mm
WIDTH 1845mm
HEIGHT 1671mm
WHEELBASE 2770mm
KERB WEIGHT 1544kg
TURNING CIRCLE 11.3m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $145,999
(after $10k CEVS rebate)
WARRANTY 3 years/100,000km
WE SAY
+ Smoothest gearbox, ultra-cushy second-row seating, competitive pricing
– Comparatively cramped third row, least frugal engine, weakest air-con
* BEST OF THE THREE IN DRIVEABILITY
