So much technology is packed into the new Citroën C4 Picasso that it is tempting for a self-confessed gadget geek like me to witter on about it endlessly throughout this entire piece.

To save you from that, I have decided to keep the tech talk to an absolute minimum and instead focus on what the Picasso is like to live with. And the answer to that, in a nutshell, is that it is a family-friendly delight.

With suspension erring on passenger comfort, while still delivering decent road-holding and driving pleasure, the Picasso is a perfectly pleasant place for both driver and passengers.

Much of its appeal to families lies in the versatility of the cabin and the sizeable boot. The three second row seats are all the same width and independent of each other. They can fold down flat, recline for more comfort and slide back and forth for extra boot space or legroom.

Comfortable seats are guaranteed on any Citroën but the Picasso moves comfort up a grade with optional heated front seats, and a ‘relax pack’, which includes wraparound extra-support headrests and massaging front seats.

The cabin, with the standard panoramic windscreen, is light and airy, especially when fitted with the optional panoramic glass sunroof.

Storage spaces are vital in a family car and the Picasso is packed with them, including a lit compartment in the centre of the lower dashboard and a removable modular console between the driver and passenger seats on versions equipped with an automatic gearbox.

Both the Picasso driven here, and the larger Grand version, is available with a hands-free tailgate that allows you to open the boot even when you have your hands full. You simply waggle your foot under a sensor located under the rear bumper to open or close the tailgate.

The latest model with its new front end, 3D-effect rear lights and new 17-inch alloy wheels, offers a two-tone roof option, new body colours and a further two new petrol engines to the engine choice.

Since its launch in 2013, the second-generation Citroën C4 Picasso range has proved a sales success, selling more than 300,000 worldwide. But no look at the latest Spanish-built model would be complete without mentioning the mass of technology on board that is designed to make driving simpler, improve safety and even automatically park the car.

Much of it is controlled by a seven-inch touchscreen that links to a larger 12-inch digital display on the top part of the dashboard and ranges from speed limit sign recognition and recommendation, adaptive cruise control with stop function and active lane departure warning, to active safety braking, driver attention alert and blind spot monitoring.

A new 3D, touch-operated navigation system displays speed limits for main roads and motorways, gives you access to text messages and emails, and allows you to send quick messages hands-free from the car.

As with the SpaceTourer, the system also gives access to real-time traffic information, alternative route suggestions and local weather forecasts, along with the display of car parks and petrol service stations plus their prices. And that, to be honest, is just the start of it.

Auto facts

Model: Citroën C4 Picasso Flair BlueHDi 120

Price: £26,460

Insurance group: 25E (1-50)

Fuel consumption (combined): 65.7mpg

Top speed: 117mph

Length: 443.8cm/174.7in

Width: 182.6cm/72in

Luggage capacity: 22.2 cu ft

Fuel tank capacity: 12.1 gallons/55 litres

CO2 emissions: 111g/km

Warranty: Three years/ 60,000 miles