Citroën's new C4 hatchback is set to restore some of the French marque's reputation for individuality. With its boomerang headlights, prominent chevron grille, and a hint of the iconic 2CV, the newcomer packs considerably more "wow factor" than the conservatively styled Xsara it replaces.
Continuing the revolution inside is a centre dash pod with LCD readouts replacing conventional gauges and a fixed boss multi-function steering wheel. Adding even more pizzazz was our test car's panoramic full length glass roof.
Value for money
Pricing
Buyers have a choice of 1.6 or 2.0 litre engines, but manual drivers will have to be content with the smaller powerplant - the 2.0 is only available in automatic form.
Prices start at $25,990 for the entry level 1.6 manual, add $2,000 for the automatic. Our 2.0 Exclusive test car starts at $33,990 but came with a host of options.
These included the panoramic glass roof ($1,500), metallic paint ($700), 5 stack CD ($800), premium leather interior ($3,500), Bi-directional xenon headlights ($1,500) and front and rear parking sensors ($800). That totals $42,790 before on-road costs, placing the car amongst some premium mid size competitors.
Standard features
Buyers are still well catered for without resorting to the options list. Amongst the standard items are dual zone airconditioning with scented air freshener, power windows, six-speaker CD system, cruise control with speed limiter, rain sensing wipers, remote activated "follow me home" headlights, alloy wheels and even an airconditioned glovebox.
Design & function
Space & practicality
Storing bits and pieces is easy thanks to the generous door pockets and a sliding tray under the passenger's seat. While it might be airconditioned the glovebox's volume is limited. Small pop out trays under the air vents are a good place for loose change. There's a decent sized boot, and if you need more room the 60/40 rear seat folds completely flat. One handy feature is the boot divider. Standard across the range, you can configure it to keep the shopping in one piece on the way home.
Comfort
Wide opening front doors make getting into the C4 easy. The deeply scalloped sports buckets are nicely shaped with excellent side support. They definitely keep you in place as the road becomes more winding, but over longer distances the firm cushions can wear a bit thin. The rear seat's short cushion doesn't offer much support and leg room is limited but its deep contours help improve the situation. As expected there is really only room for two, three would be straining the friendship.
One of the sealed glass roofs biggest pluses is the open air feel it gives the interior. Stretching front to back without any cross bars, it drew many favourable comments. Unlike a conventional sunroof, the panoramic roof doesn't reduce head room, and as it can't open there isn't any buffeting or wind noise.
Ergonomics
Generally the futuristic looking instrument layout works well. Mounted high on the central dash is a large LCD "pod". The prominent speedo takes centre stage surrounded by minor "gauges". There is so much information displayed that at first it takes a little learning.
Next is the trip computer and audio display, with the airconditioning screen even further down positioned too low for easy use. The fixed centre wheel hub is easier to comprehend. Around its periphery are switches for audio, cruise control and trip computer - although the horn button is awkwardly located at its base. Having the centre remain stationary while you turn the wheel is a novelty that quickly wears off for the driver but keeps passengers amused for ages. Adjustable through a broad range for tilt and reach the wheel also has an integral bar graph tacho.
The fixed hub offers safety advantages, providing ideal placement of the driver's airbag. Wiper and light functions are looked after by conventional column switches.
Safety
Having achieved a five star Euro-NCAP score the C4 is also pedestrian friendly. Its three star rating is one of the highest to date. Standard equipment includes ABS brakes with EBD and EBA, traction control and electronic stability program. Front seat belts are fitted with pre-tensioners and all outer belts have force limiters. There are five seatbelt warning lights. In front there are adaptive driver and passenger airbags plus side airbags. Front and rear side curtain airbags complete the package.
Build quality & finish
Our test C4's euro style looked ready for the Cote d'Azur with its deep metallic blue paint contrasting the pale beige leather and black interior. But look closely and some of the interior plastics had differing textures and some rough edges, letting down the rest of the car.
Security
As tested by NRMA Insurance the C4's 73.5/120 score puts it towards the top of the small - medium size category. An engine immobiliser is standard while the remote operated "follow me home" lights help personal safety in unfamiliar surroundings.
On the road
Fuel
Based on government tests the C4's 8.1l/100km result is average for this capacity car. Like most Europeans the 2.0 four cylinder requires a diet of at least 95 RON PULP fuel.
Performance
The Citroën's engine feels stronger as the revs rise. With maximum torque not available until 4000rpm it does need some accelerator when faced with steep hills. Fortunately it's a smooth revving engine, but it does get noisier the harder it works. To get the most from the engine it's best to work the gears manually through the "zig-zag" gate.
Ride
At lower suburban speeds the ride quality suffers. At best it's firm, transmitting bumps into the cabin. On the plus side as speeds increase things smooth out noticeably, especially across patchy, secondary country roads.
Handling & steering
Tackling some winding roads the C4 impresses with its composure. It turns into corners nicely, with little bodyroll. As cornering forces rise the steering's weight increases noticeably, the system lacking in feel just off centre. While the car is happy to keep to its line most of the time, poor surfaces can upset the rear, shifting it about.
Braking
The centre pedal has a soft action which isn't super informative, but the four wheel discs do a good job of pulling things up quickly. Like so many Europeans there’s the usual rapid build up of brake dust to keep you busy cleaning the alloy wheels.
Smoothness & quietness
Not as smooth as the engine is the automatic transmission and it lets the car down. Shifting up each change is noticeable. Not such a bad thing. Where the four speed unit falls down is coming back through the gears. Slow down for a corner and the transmission more often than not will thump into second gear. Even easing off the throttle to slow down has the same effect, and we've had similar experiences in other C4s.
Summary
Thanks to its style and flamboyant interior the C4 is an easy car to like. Add the scented interior and full length glass roof and just sitting in one is relaxing. But scratch the surface and you find conventional underpinnings which can't quite match the design's promise.
