Citroen C4 Aircross 2013 review

Now there's a new importer involved, Citroen could have a brighter future in Australia.

Ateco Automotive, who previously handled the iconic French brand, tapped out at about 3000 units a few years ago - in a market of more than a million. They were possibly more focussed on Ferrari and Great Wall...

Now Sime Darby has the Citroen (and Peugeot) franchise and first appearances suggest they are going to ramp it up.

They should because there are many desirable cars in the Citreon lineup - arguably the best French car brand. But first of all they needed to do some "house cleaning" and re-launch a vehicle that was pretty much passed over under the Ateco umbrella - the C4 Aircross.

This is a Citroen version of the Mitsubishi ASX and Peugeot 4007 small SUVs. All three are made in Japan by Mitsubishi which must cringe every time a Pug' or Cit' version of its vehicle rolls out the door.

Why?

Good lookin'

The two Frenchies win the looks contest hands down with the Aircross taking the silverware as far as we are concerned.

It gets more exterior chrome, the imposing chevron grille and other changes that make it look totally different to the other two cars.

Price

Added to that is roughly a $4000 price cut for the Aircross to a starting point of $31,990 drive away for the front wheel drive model. It was previously that price plus on roads and Sime Darby has added a smattering of extra kit.

The all wheel drive model goes for $33,990 drive away.

Equipment

Both models (Exclusive grade only) get a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) auto as standard along with a rear view camera, Bluetooth with voice control, steering wheel controls for cruise and audio, paddle shift and high quality interior materials.

Climate control and a pollen filter are included. They also get hill start assist and rear park assist, seven air bags and stability control. The ANCAP rating is five stars.

Obviously a practical vehicle, Aircross has easy to fold rear seats and a decent size load space. They've fitted additional sound deadening material and a ski flap in the rear seat.

Design

Aircross is differentiated from the other two cars by frontal styling, tail lights and other minor exterior changes. The interior is also different though in our opinion, not up to the usual Citroen chic.

The suspension is recalibrated compared to the other two cars and it has a wider track thanks to bigger tyres. The 4WD system has three modes; 2WD, 4WD and Lock that can be selected from the dash .

Engine

The engine is out of Mitsubishi's Lancer small car and is a petrol 2.0-litre four pot with variable valve timing (MIVEC) and regenerative energy harvesting from the alternator during braking and deceleration.

It's good for 110kW/199Nm and in this case, requires premium unleaded. The engine is a fairly old design and misses out on the more efficient direct injection system which, ironically, Mitsubishi developed for mainstream automotive use more than a decade ago.

We like the look of it and the five seat interior is practical and roomy for such a compact vehicle. It has generous standard equipment and is good to drive in an unban environment.

Driving

Hauling 1400kg dents engine performance a tad when you put the car under pressure with a full passenger load and the air conditioning on. But otherwise, it's acceptable - unobtrusive and relatively economical at around 8.0-litres/100km.

The suspension is soft and could do with a little more local fettling to better handle rough roads. It handles OK, rides comfortably and is easy to drive thanks in part to the electric power stering and good turning circle.

The CVT causes the engine to slur away unless you utilise the paddle shift..

Like it but there's fierce competition at the same price. No need to break out the bermuda socks and sandals anymore. Citroen is cool.