Citroen C4 Exclusive; Review

 

The boundaries of what is functional in automobile design and yet appealing to the eye, and mechanically capable, have long been pushed by French car maker Citroen.

Their innovation and out-of-the-ordinary designs have captured the imagination of buyers for many decades.

Take their Xsara replacement, for example, the new C4 hatchback, its shape is cutting edge, unorthodox but appealing. It is a well rounded car with a blunt front section, the new family grille is a scaled down version of that now utilised on the C5, significant for its wide chrome strips which extend width-wise across the front, incorporating Citroen's double chevron symbol.

Citroen have launched the C4 here in six variants, three and five-door models with three engines mixed into the range. They are a choice of a 1.6-litre or 2-litre petrol engines or a 1.6-litre diesel, the well-performing HDi unit now fitted to a wide cross-section of models through the PSA group, Citroen and Peugeot.

The test car was the 2-litre petrol-engined Exclusive model which lists at $40,990, the range starting at $31,990 for the 1.6-litre SX.

Complementing the bold exterior look is an interior that reeks fashion and flair. The trim is finished in a soft, dark grey velour and it has styling cues which are fresh yet functional. Take the instrumentation, for example, there are no fewer than four digital readouts, three of which extend up the centre console and account for the climate control, audio and speedometer. The latter sits mid-dash and is flanked by fuel and water temperature gauges and other minor information.

A digital rev counter sits forward of steering wheel, the latter also incorporates a fixed central hub which houses multi-functional controls for the audio, trip computer and combined cruise control and speed limiter. The idea is that each is supposedly operated by the driver's thumbs; while I applaud the idea, I found that where my hands normally sit on the steering wheel, my thumbs were too short to reach each respective button, requiring an easing of my hands on the steering wheel. However, the idea is sound and it certainly sets safety standards.

The driving position is otherwise good with vast seat adjustment (including height) and rake and reach-adjustable steering column, the seats, while firm, offer good support and high comfort. A point of note is the wide opening doors which mean access front and rear can be obtained without an awkward bend. Rear seat passengers have plenty of leg and head room, and each occupant gets a full overshoulder seat belt, part of an extensive safety ingredient which includes no fewer than six air bags and ABS, the latter working with a tyre pressure monitoring system and traction and stability control.

Convenience items include remote central locking, automatic rain sensitive wipers, automatic Xenon lights (also directional), electric windows, electric exterior mirror adjustment, powerful single-CD audio and a host of minor fitment too numerous to mention.

Under the bonnet is a twin overhead camshaft, 16-valve engine which produces 103kW at 6000rpm and 200Nm of torque at 4000rpm. While these two figures are only separated by 2000rpm, the engine has good low down response thanks to sensible gearing and adaptive gear change protocols which take into account each driver's style. The gearbox is a four-speed type but it is a lot more sophisticated than what that may suggest with its manual sequential function and sport and snow modes. Sport mode increases engine urgency constantly while snow mode disengages lower gears if starting on a slippery or loose surface.

Interaction between the engine and gearbox is fluid, the engine gets about its business willingly while the gearbox changes unflustered with almost undetectable shifts when warm ? when cold there is some hesitation. However, I'm pleased to report that the C4 has gear changing protocols which are managed reasonably well, there is little of the fussy awkward shifts that the PSA group, as a whole, have built into the engine and gearbox management systems in cars of generations gone by.

Testing conditions were spoilt by wet roads so I didn't push the C4 too hard given marginal grip at times; consequently, I used the manual gear changing function frequently when slowing for a corner, transmission braking is decisive.

The engine is a lively unit but its willingness is well subdued thanks to good soundproofing. Acceleration is about right for its size, at 1292kg the C4 doesn't carry a lot of weight so a lively feeling is constantly delivered. Citroen claim a standstill to 100kmh time of 10.1sec with a top speed of 206kmh for the 2-litre petrol model. It will also make 120kmh from 80kmh in 6.8sec meaning peace of mind overtaking on the highway.

At open road speeds the engine is turning over relaxed at 2700rpm at 100kmh in fourth gear returning fuel usage readouts of 8.3 litres per 100km (34mpg). My test average of 10l/100km (28mpg) is indicative of 2-litre cars of this size.

Citroen have given the C4 a fairly traditional front strut/rear transverse beam suspension arrangement, nevertheless the ride is soft and supple with spring and damper rates barely firmed, reminiscent of their more sophisticated hydraulic systems they use in other models. In-cabin isolation from road undulations is imparted at all speeds.

There is some handling trade-off, the body sways a little mid-corner, loading up the tyres which will gradually wilt towards understeer, although that is negated immediately by the power reducing aspects of the stability control system (ESP). Grip in the first instance is well supplied through big Michelin Pilot rubber 205/50 x 17in, so any thought of wayward cornering motion needn't be a consideration.

Slowing the C4 is the job of four-wheel disc brakes and they are worthy of special mention. Pedal feel is strong and communicative while retardation is swift.

The C4 is a very capable car and does little wrong, its new-age design is fresh and appealing but if I were a buyer, even without driving it, I would opt for the 1.6-litre turbocharged diesel. It's my hope to have it as an evaluation vehicle soon, I'm sure it will live up to expectation.

Specifications:

Price: Citroen C4 Exclusive, $40,990.

Dimensions: Length, 4274mm; width, 1769mm; height, 1458mm.

Configuration: Four-cylinder transverse, front-wheel-drive, 1997cc, 103kW/6000rpm, 200Nm/4000rpm, four-speed automatic; 1292kg.

Performance: 0-100kmh, 10.1sec; maximum speed, 206kmh.