Citroen C4 VTS Coupe Car Review

Citroën's new C4 range has arrived to a certain degree of fanfare. Hailed as a resurgence of the French icon's design flair, the coupe's rakish style is visually more dramatic than its hatchback sibling.

Comprising two models, the coupe range starts with the VTR 1.6litre and our test VTS 2.0 litre. Both are only available in five speed manual form.

Value for money

Pricing

In standard trim the VTS starts at $36,990 plus on road costs.

Standard features

There isn't much the VTS doesn't have as standard equipment: climate control, cruise control, parking distance sensors, sports seats, power windows, sports suspension, bodykit, active bi-xenon headlights and 17" alloy wheels. Options include a "panoramic" full length glass roof ($1,500) and metallic paint ($700).

Design & function

Space & practicality

Handy door pockets will take care of most items, given the glovebox's small dimensions. Sliding drawers, big enough to take change and small knick knacks pop out from under the outer air vents. But the centre armrest hides a five disc CD player, robbing a valuable storage area. Fortunately the luggage area, with its adjustable divider, is very roomy.

Comfort

More comfortable than the hatch's less plush items, the coupe's thickly padded seats are excellent. Over the course of a long day's driving they provided support in all the right places, the heavily bolstered sides keeping you in place. The tilt reach wheel has a good range of adjustment, but there is limited footspace next to the clutch pedal.

Having the same wheelbase as the hatch, the coupe's large doors provide easy access to the rear seat. Rear leg room is very good, but the sloping roofline limits head room. And of course the rear seat is only meant for two.

Ergonomics

Receiving more comment than its sculpted exterior is the C4's cutting edge dash layout. An illuminated central pod relays most information, and there is a lot of it. There's no missing the extra large LCD speedo but it's the collection of small screens in the centre dash that prove distracting on the road, especially the low mounted airconditioning controls. Yes, the overall effect looks impressive - it just isn't that easy to live with. The other talking point of the interior is the fixed steering wheel hub. Housing controls for trip computer, cruise control and the sound system, it makes good sense - except for the horn button's awkward location at its base.

Rear vision is excellent thanks to the coupe's large side windows and glass tail panel. However, thick "a" pillars and large door mirrors create a significant blind spot when cornering. The panoramic glass roof, stretching uninterrupted front to rear, proved a popular option, adding an "open air" feel to the interior. And the scented airconditioning (with a choice of nine "flavours") is a plus.

Safety

With its maximum five star EuroNCAP result, the C4 is clearly up to the job. Adaptive dual front airbags, side airbags and curtain airbags are standard. It's not just the occupants who are protected, special attention has been paid to pedestrian safety. The C4 scores the highest pedestrian score so far. Its rounded front end, lightweight panels and flexible wiper blades helping minimise injury.

Primary safety systems include ABS brakes with EBD and Brake Assist, plus traction and stability control. Modern technology and changing regulations see a return of Citroën's "steerable" headlights. This time they are electronically controlled bi-xenon units.

Build quality & finish

General quality is very good, but there were some tardy edges on the interior's charcoal coloured plastics. Citroën designers have gone for a multitude of textures in the cabin. The dashboard's "60's" style vinyl is one you either love or loathe. At least it makes a change from faux leather grain.

Security

As tested by NRMA Insurance, the C4 coupe's 76.5 score puts it in the top third of the category. "Follow me home" headlights provide additional personal security.

On the road

Fuel

Tested to ADR 81/01 standards the C4 returns 8.4 l/100km and requires 95RON fuel.

Perfromance

Equipped with a variable cam 130kW powerplant (courtesy of parent company Peugeot), the coupe's weight conspires against storming acceleration. But it is rapid and torquey enough for buyers after an enjoyable touring car. Although fifth gear isn't what you would call long-legged. At 110kmh on the motorway the 2.0litre sits noisily at around 3500rpm.

Ride

Citroën's "Hydractive" suspension hasn't trickled down to this model. With conventional underpinnings (aka Peugeot 307), the C4's ride is choppy at low speed, and you can be jostled across patchy surfaces. Fortunately as speeds rise the quality improves noticeably.

Handling & steering

Even though it shares the same wheelbase as the five door hatch, the coupe's different springs and dampers provide a more composed, agile feel. The Michelin Pilot's grip well, providing keen turn in, and keep everything in order as cornering forces build up. There is minimal body roll, but rough corners can disturb the rear suspension's traction.

Braking

Providing impressive stopping power, the four wheel discs are easy to modulate via the soft pedal. Our 23.4m stopping distance from 80km/h (not including reaction time), is amongst one of the best we have recorded.

Smoothness & quietness

A short fifth gear means the engine is revving higher than ideal at freeway speeds, the resultant noise becoming intrusive on a long trip. In typical European fashion a tallish first gear also means getting away from a standstill needs some slipping of the clutch.