After dropping the Picasso name in favor of the Spacetourer name, the MPV version of the Citroen C4 range is now upgraded with the option of the new EAT8 automatic gearbox.

The new eight-speed automatic transmission will be initially offered only with the 2.0-liter BlueHDi 160 diesel engine, with Citroen saying that they will offer it with more engines later in the year.

Compared to the outgoing six-speed automatic transmission, the new, Aisin eight-speed unit offers up to 7 percent reduced fuel consumption thanks to the additional pair of gears, the extended operating range of the Stop & Start system. The new gearbox is also more compact and lighter by 2kg, compared to the previous six-speed transmission.

Citroen also claims that driving comfort is now improved, thanks to the new gearbox’s smoother shifting. A set of steering wheel-mounted “blades” allow the driver to manually change gears too.

The new Citroen C4 Spacetourer and the larger Grand C4 Spacetourer continue to offer room for up to nine passengers combined with very attractive styling and clever, family-friendly solutions in their cabins.

The first examples of the new Citroen C4 Spacetourer are expected to hit the roads this May in France, with prices kicking off from 33,850 euros ($41,620 in current exchange rates) for the 5-seat version and from 35,050 euros ($43,100) for the Grand C4 Spacetourer.