I have a Citroen Grand Picasso 2lt Exclusive EGS HDi Diesel 2009.
It has been a good car, and genrally I have been very pleased with it. However it has a few qwerks. The Semi auto gear box is far from perfect. And the steering is a little too light and lacks feel / feedback. This is very noticable at 80 'plus MPH.
EGS Gear box. Gear changes from first to secoud are not very smooth. 'But worst still, is the fact that when you pull out of a side turning onto a main road 'You can experiance a momenty loss of drive "ie, hesitation in changing into second gear. This can also happen when you are about to enter a roundabout. It has nearly caused my wife and I, To have an accident. "Apparently 'this is quite normal" So you have to try and live with it!!! The gear box won't always kick down when you want to overtake! This can leave you out in the overtaking lane "Without suffisent power". The only awnser is to use manual gear selection!
The car has proved to be great for towing our '1250kg Caravan. The engine has loads of torque and can pull the car along in (Top gear) most of the time. In North Wales. it charged up the mountains with No problems at all. 'However, at around 11.000 miles the clutch completly failed. We had reported a burning / clutch smell / problem to Citroen, but they advised us it was ok! About two weeks later, the car had to be recovered, as we came back from a holiday! We have now done 28.000 miles without any further clutch problems. We have experiance several faults and defects, but these have been rectified under warrany. 'However the car seems to eat "Light Bulbs". I am a disabled guy 'We had a punture when the car was fairly new. "A large bolt had ripped though the rear tyre". We called out the RAC. There is No spare wheel with this model 'So we were stuck by the side of the road for 'Over 3 hours!! "Recommend you order the (Space saver wheel option".
The car is nice to drive. The brakes are excellent. The equipment level is 'Very good. It is quite on the Motorway, and eats up the miles wonderfully. It does around 37 MPG on short runs. But can manage ' 56 MPG on long motorway runs. Towing the Caravan 'It manages around 30 - 34 MPG. T^he car is large and very practical, Ideal for families or wheelchair users. Nice high drivers seat, makes it easy to get "In and out". I simply don't like the EGS transmission! You do 'Sort of get used to it, But you never take "Last minite chance's when "Pulling out on to main roads and Roundabout". It would be so much better 'If the car had a proper Automatic Transmission. Car is now '3 Years old! The interior hasn't worn very well, with various marks etc. The wheel nuts are very rusty. The drivers seat cusion has collapsed. The 'Rear Air susension has become very slow and shudders. Various electrical hick up's!. "Yes its time for a change".
"Would I have another one? I don't think so! This is a real shame 'As the car has "Lot's to offer". 'But I can't live with the "Semi Auto transmission and various hick ups any longer".
I am thinking of a Vauxhall Zafira Tourer 2lt Diesel Auto. Any thoughts or experiances 'regarding this model?
Paul London SE9
------------- hairy
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