Subject: c4 grand picasso towing coachman Author: andy Date: June 13, 2010 at 22:00
thinking of purchasing a c4 grand picasso 2.0 hdi to tow my coachman amara 340/4 mptlm 1455 kg.the matching computer returns 4 1/2 green stars & a good performance return.the c4 has a towing limit of 1500 kg and a towball noseweight of 70 kg,for such a big car i would think these figures would be slightly higher for my liking and would like to hear from anyone who has a similar weight outfit using this car & what sort of experience you have with it,stability/pulling power etc...ive also heard there can also b a bit of a lurch while manouvering either in auto or in manual mode using the egs system i.e not having the smoothness of slipping the clutch while manouvering.in general would like to hear from anyone that uses this car to tow an outfit near the cars towing limit & what your experiences are.thanks in advance.
Replies:
Author: Bert Date: June 14, 2010 at 02:24
The Picasso 2.0 HDi comes with either a 'traditional' automatic with torque converter or a robotised manual with a normal (but automated) clutch. I do not recommend the robotised semi-automatic. It does only move when hitting the throttle to some extent, if not, the clutch (coupling) disengage and you'll stop. When moenoeuvring even on the flat and on tarmac you will ruine the clutch eventually sooner (or later) because you have to use the right pedal. It starts smelling almost immediate... Citroën should have programmed a certain amount of creeping (is this english?) like any 'normal' automatic with torque converter does, and other s.a.'s do, like the VAG DSG boxes.
Both versions have a limited towing weight if MPLM of the car is reached!! Robotised s.a. 1300 kg and auto 1200 kg (3620 vs 3550 maximum trainweight. Also, maximum torque is reduced (270 Nm) with the s.a. in first and second gear at full throttle to keep the clutch in good condition (?). The 'traditional' autobox has no reduced torque limitation as far as we know thus allows engine torque of 320 Nm on the gearbox and axles. But it allowes a lower train weight! Why is that? Dunno Andy....
Do I need to say more? Have I experienced these cars as tow cars? Yes. Do they perform - computed - as 4 1/2 green stars suggest? Yes. Will the clutch burn? Will the torque converter heat up when moving too slow uphill?
Well, that depends on your abilities, not on the car's.... ;)
Author: andy Date: June 14, 2010 at 11:19
hi bert thanks for the reply,yes uv'e basically confirmed what queries i had with the c4,after reaserch i was a tad concerned over the clutch set up on the car and how it would be when manouvering and in slow traffic.by the way the handbook states 1500kg towing limit for the 2.0 hdi.i do consider my self a safe and knowledgable tower,tyre pressures,nose weight of van etc,basically would you recommend the c4 grand picasso as a good tow car in experienced hands or would you still have reservations over the car in the long run.you say u've experienced the car as a tow car,would you recommend it for towing my coachman 1455 kg mptlm.
Author: Paul Date: June 14, 2010 at 12:57
A friend of mine tows with a C4 Grand Picasso 2.0 and finds it handles very well, but tows in full auto mode. I believe his Lunar has an MTPLM of 1460kgs, so not very different to your Coachman Andy. He's quite an keen tourer and away often (retired).
He's not aware of any specific 'lurching' you mention, but the French cars can be soft on suspension which might contribute to this; (might be a difference of opinion due to different driving techniques); and all-in-all, he's very pleased with the C4.
Author: andy Date: June 14, 2010 at 15:22
cheers paul,seems the motor is a decent tow car and having read several reviews no one seems to have any quarms with it.as bert was saying about the way the clutch system works am i right in thinking in full auto mode there is more torque applied than in semi auto using the egs system ?...you also say about the suspension being soft and different driving styles,on the exclusive model there is adjustable suspension on the rear,say for instsnce if i were reasonably fully laden in the car while towing and at the hitch point the outfit was slightly dipped,i would raise the suspension so the outfit was more level does this have a stiffening effect on the suspension or does this put unnecassery strain on the whole thing.one more thing how does tour friend carry on with the 70 kg noseweight limit,as my van at the moment is weighted at around 75 kg.the more positives i can get from other people that use this motor would more convince me of the cars towing ability and persuade me to buy one although im still unsure of the whole semi auto mode and the strength of the clutch while manouvering and in stop/start traffic.so any more info would be gratefully taken on board.thanks.
Author: Paul Date: June 17, 2010 at 14:05
Hi Andy.
Friend away at the moment touring, so can't consult unfortunately.
My understanding is the full auto does overate with more efficient torque (don't fully understand the need for the 'pseudo robotic' mode).
I can't realy advise on the characteristics of the levelling feature. I have something similar on my company estate and it doesn't stiffen the suspension in anyway, however the C4 may operate differently (perhaps consult a friendly mechanic at the dealer).
As for noseweight, David is very particular on weights and I know he packs well to obtain the correct nose for his van (can't think of his model off hand, other than it's a Lunar). Most UK domestic cars; by that I mean your average family car and not Landy's etc; have a 75kgs noseweight generally and I'd be surprised you'd have difficulty in obtaing this with your van - would only need slight alteration to make an impact on the 5kgs you want to displace.
