2024 Citroen C4 Reviews

EXPECT the unexpected from Citroen today and you’ll be disappointed. Expect a new-wave family hatch with sensible design, startling economy and a leap forward in quality and you’ve just met the next C4.Since the 1930s, a bent towards weird automobile design and left-of-centre mechanical experiments made the world know the name Citroen. But in the 1980s, innovation and absinthe-induced engineering were ejected in favour of making a buck. And time has stood still for Citroen ever since.Now there’s a new C4 - Citroen’s bread and butter compact family hatch - which replaces the old C4 that was renown for the innovative fixed steering wheel hub. Nothing else - just the hub.I’ve been driving in France the new C4 that gets here late next month. To be honest, I was expecting a bit more than a fixed steering wheel hub. But I didn’t even get that.This is the very, very important model car that aims to assure the company will make a buck. It’s up against some heavy hitters - the Volkswagen Golf is obvious - but as an affordable European, the C4 may take a bigger bite than its rivals expect. And that’s unxpected.Don’t expect a big change in the price but expect more features. The C4 Confort (Comfort) is the entry-level version tested here, fitted with a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel and a six-speed manual gearbox. Technically, it’s a simple car and I hope that’s reflected in ownership costs. Even the base model has upmarket seats, full-size spare tyre, dual-zone airconditioning, trip computer and steering wheel controls for the iPod-compatible audio and cruise control. And on that note, the audio controls are integrated into the wheel - not attached like an after thought on a box on the steering column.Think a more rounded version of the Golf and you’d be on the money. The C4 is only 50mm longer and 20mm wider than before yet cabin space feels bigger. The shape has also given it the biggest boot space in its class - 408 litres with the seats up - yet it retains a full size spare beneath the cargo floor. Why can’t other carmakers do this?It is definitely more conservative in design than its predecessor but won’t date as quick. Cabin design is almost spot on, highlighted by the attractive soft-feel dashboard. Big gauges combine a perimeter speedo encircling a digital speed readout in the centre and a conventional tacho to one side. The centre console stack is busy with switches and requires familiarity.The base model skips a sat-nav monitor and has a small digital readout for the trip meter. Upmarket models will get a different console with a big screen. Cabin room is bigger but most noticeably in rear seat room, offering Golf-size leg and headroom. All seating finds the balance between firmness for long distance driving and absorbance to cushion the body against French cobble streets.Citroen will offer Australians eight versions of the car with three engines, two petrol of 88 and 115 kW, and one diesel, the 82 kW turbo-diesel. The diesel will have a choice of two gearboxes, a six speed manual and a six speed EGS robo manual. The petrol C4 will start in the low 20s and the diesel in the mid 20s, which means lower than the outgoing car's pre-run out pricing and with better equipment. All the diesels will be e-HDi cars with the micro hybrid stop start system.Citroen has kept the car simple but introduced some fuel-saving techniques. The car is more aerodynamic than before and gets standard Michelin “energy saver’‘ tyres, gearshift indicator light (manual gearbox models) and a lower weight thanks to laser welding and lightweight materials. The green aspect is also reflected by 15 per cent of the car’s components being made of materials from sustainable sources. The engine is as simple as Simon. It’s also as common as belly buttons, shared with the Mini Cooper diesel, some small Ford cars (Fiesta included) and BMW. It’s a little ripper that is so easy on the fuel yet with gobs of low-end torque. It’s also really quiet.The C4 has recently won the maximum five star safety rating by Euro NCAP, including a score of 97 per cent in the “safety assist’’ category. It’s claimed to be the highest score for any vehicle of its type. Standard features include six airbags, ESC, emergency brake assist and hill-start assist. The test car had cornering lights which may become standard here.Is this a Citroen? It all seems so conventional that I had to pinch myself. Drive this and it’s more like a soft Golf - the tautness has been taken out by more absorbent dampers and springs but the body remains rigid. That makes this a compliant - and for a small-bore diesel, remarkably quiet - city car and for once, dips its brow to its automotive ancestors.The steering is electric but it’s a decent job that is perfect for city and suburbs and didn’t cause drama on the 130km/h autoroutes south of Paris. But all this comfort has to pinch a nerve. This time, it’s handling. The C4 - at least in this base-model guise - is a bit wallowy through the corners and taking things a bit quick will induce eyebrow-raising understeer.The C4  uses a diesel engine that’s also flogged off to other car makers - and there’s a reason why they want it. The oiler is smooth, easy to use because of its strong torque and has superb fuel economy. I ran this through France, from idling it through cities to running with the autoroute pack at 130km/h and averaged 4.8 litres/100km. That’s a range of about 1250km!The controls are easy to use - and I bet that’s the first time you’ve read that in a Citroen test - and well placed, while the driving position can be adjusted to fit pretty much any human shape.

If you looked around a service station forecourt a year ago, you'd easily spot the motorists with a diesel vehicle.They were the ones filling up their fuel tanks with a smug expression.That's history. Now diesel refuellers have furrowed brows and mechanically watch the dollar signs roll over on the bowser gauge.Which is what I was doing when it came time to top up the Citroen C4. I wasn't happy about that $11.20 I had to put in that thing to travel 100km, let me tell you. Highway robbery.But the time has come to do your calculations before jumping in and buying a diesel vehicle.Work out how many kilometres you would average each year of ownership. Consider the price difference between the purchase price of a diesel car compared with a petrol car.If the diesel car is more expensive — some aren't — then that difference is practically the value of the “free” petrol you could put in the petrol model.The Citroen C4 comes in 2-litre diesel and petrol versions. They cost $35,990 and $33,990 respectively for automatic versions.Based on an average of 15,000km a year, the diesel will cost about $1750 a year to refuel at $1.77 a litre. The petrol model's fuel bill would be about $1798 a year at $1.48 a litre.The difference is about $48 a year. With a $2000 premium on the car's purchase price, the diesel model would take 41.7 years of ownership to finally equal this difference.It's very unlikely anyone would own a car, especially in today's fashion-car market, for 41 years.So you're not smug anymore are you, diesel owners.But if the price of diesel and petrol were equal — and who's to say that can't happen again — the story would favour the diesel.And it's a lovely ride. The C4 with the “big” 2-litre turbo-diesel — Citroen also makes a 1.6-litre diesel version — is quick off the mark and almost silent at cruising speed.Part of its economy and brisk manners is the silky six-speed automatic, but a lot comes back to the diesel engine for which the Peugeot-Citroen group — called PSA — are renowned.The C4 has similar features to other C4 models and that includes a welcome cabin that will seat four adults in comfort.It has a bright and airy disposition that is enhanced by simple controls and a perfumed air freshener, but there are some aspects of the dashboard that could be better constructed.Citroen quality is improving each year but it still needs a kick even to reach Peugeot standards, let alone that of the Japanese.The C4 handles well and has a supple ride. However, anyone thinking this car will match the cloud-nine ride of older Citroens will be very disappointed. Most of the underpinnings are shared with Peugeot.In the 1970s, Citroen owners wore tweed, had beards and lived in the hills. It was pretty much the same for the women, though not all lived in the hills. Now Citroen has a broader market although it is still a car for the motorist who seeks something a bit different. The C4, in diesel especially, will guarantee that difference.

It's doubtful if a car buyer looking at a new Holden Commodore or Ford Falcon would contemplate putting Citroen C4 on the list. Until now.The sales figures show the swing from large cars with their petrol-guzzling six-cylinder engines to small-medium cars with four-cylinder engines.Allied to that is the rise in model choice and sales of diesel-engine cars.It's an interesting study to ponder that the Holden Commodore, for years (until now) Australia's biggest-selling car, starts at $36,790 for the Omega. It's Aussie rival, the new Ford Falcon, starts at $36,490.Undercutting both is the Citroen C4 2.0 HDi, a small-medium hatchback from France at $35,990. It has everything most drivers would want - dual-zone climate control, power windows, electric folding door mirrors, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, auto headlights, stability control, front, side and curtain airbags, trip computer, fog lights, split-fold rear seat and alloy wheels.The Commodore Omega or Falcon XT can not match the C4's six-speed sequential shift automatic, either.Sure, the C4 is a smaller car than the big Aussies, particularly in back-seat width. But isn't it smaller cars people are wanting now? The C4 has been out for a few years and has engines including 1.6-litre and two-litre petrol units, and a 1.6-litre diesel, but this latest two-litre diesel is a beauty.It's smooth and torquey and matches well with the transmission. Its 100kW of power is no match against the big sixes. But it's no slug either.And, once rolling, the 320Nm of torque at a gentle 2000rpm has an overboost facility to 340Nm for periods of maximum effort. That even shades the torque from the Holden V6.And here's the winner; fuel consumption.The official rating for the Citroen C4 2.0 HDi is 6.6 litres/100km. I had no trouble averaging 6.5 litres/100km, even in suburban traffic.The Commodore Omega's rating is 10.8 litres/100km and it uses 64 per cent more fuel than the Citroen C4. The C4 diesel has a wonderful surge from 2000rpm, has a flat underbelly to give good aerodynamics, runs quietly (2000rpm at 110km/h) and has a comfortable driving position thanks to height and reach adjustable steering and seat, although the A-pillar set well forward requires peering around.The Citroen C4 2.0 HDi is very easy to live with. Especially on those few occasions when you call at the servo.

Citroen's C4 HDi is even more efficient these days.It is without doubt one of the most frugal diesel passenger cars to reach our shores.This is a fine package with smart, globe-like looks extending to a comfortable and well laid-out interior.The C4 is now armed with a trick transmission called EGS (Electronic Gearbox System).It comes with an extra cog (sixth) and as such is even kinder at the bowser than the manual equivalent.But the EGS is a devil of a transmission to use if you try to treat it like a normal automatic, which of course it is not.Let it change itself and it lurches and becomes clumsy.You almost find yourself screaming at the shifter, “change any time you like as long as its sometime today”.But the fact is this transmission needs driver intervention to smooth it out and enable it to become user-friendly.Use either the shifter or the paddles mounted on the fixed hub steering wheel and a little throttle discipline, gear changes are lightning fast and almost seamless.On this test of over 600km, the C4 was using about 5litres/100km, according to the onboard computer's figures. It is far superior to the manual C4 diesel, which we compared and tested last year, it finished at 6.25litres/100km after over 400km of testing.There is a sport button which tightens up shift changes for a sharper drive.This gearbox is clever, bit of work, but some would argue that it may be a bit too clever for its own good. Simply leaving it as a automatic device brings out its weakness. It is frustrating and at times can take the driver by surprise at low speed.A case in point was in a multi-storey car park going up a small ramp to another level, when the EGS decided to change from second to first with the car virtually coming to a stop in the process.It is not a gearbox for those who just want to turn the key, press the throttle, and be done with it. Driver involvement is required and once you learn the little idiosyncrasies it is quite an enjoyable little jigger.Inside, Citroen have nailed the ergonomics with user-friendly controls which are easily accessed. It is a comfortable cabin and the ride is cushy.The C4's handling is OK, although the steering feel is not as perfect as rival European hatches.Brake pedal feel is strong and the stopping performance is quite impressive in emergency situations.This is a well rounded package with lots of active and passive safety equipment.For those seeking the frugal alternative without forsaking fruity performance, the C4 HDi EGS is worth discovering. Citroen C4 1.6litre HDi EGS $30,990Engine:  4 stars Develops strong torque from mid-rangeTransmission: 3 starsA bit clumsy in auto modeHandling: 3 starsBrilliant ride, steering a little vague at timesSafety:  3 starsWell kitted out with active and passive gearvalue: 3 stars$1k more than the equivalent manual could be contentious to someTech specsBody: 5-door hatchEngine: 1.6litre turbo dieselTransmission: 6-speed Electronic Gearbox System (EGS)Power: 80kW @ 4000rpmTorque: 240Nm @ 1750rpmTyres: 16-inchVerdict for: frugal, neat, practicalAgainst: Gearbox won't be for everyoneSmart option for those who do the miles to benefit from its fuel sipping habits 

Most people will recognise the Citroen C4 hatch as the one from the TV ad with the dancing robot.The C4 comes in hatchback and sports coupe versions and although our test car was the hatch it is a little different because it features a 1.6-litre diesel engine.It seems just about everything we've driven lately has been a diesel which is not necessarily a bad thing considering the rising cost of petrol.The C4 HDi is good for a miserly 4.7 litres per 100km and that translate into a long way between fill ups with the aid of a large 60-litre fuel tank.The heart of the matter is Citroen's newest diesel engine that uses common rail direct injection and piezo electric injectors, aided by a variable displacement turbocharger with overboost to provide extra torque under acceleration.The 1.6-litre power plant generates 80kW of power at 4000rpm and 240-260Nm of torque from a low 1750rpm.It is mated to a five-speed manual transmission, with an auto expected to be available in future.The HDi is no sports car out of the gates, but delivers strong mid to high-range performance where the majority of people want it.For a diesel, it is extremely quiet and particularly smooth, one of the smoothest we have driven in fact and in its element cruising in top gear on the motorway.You get a car that is well equipped, with six airbags and a five-star safety rating.Standard equipment includes ABS brakes, electronic stability control and cruise control with a speed limiter that stops the car from exceeding a set limit, say 60km/h in a built up area. It also comes with fogs, alloys and a full-size spare.Enthusiasts won't find the car disappointing. It might be a diesel but it gets mobile with stability control to keep things from getting too out of hand. Hills are no problem with plenty of torque even in fifth gear. We averaged 6.1L/100km during in variety of conditions easily giving the C4 a range of 1000km. The interior is quiet and the sound system is a half decent one too.We wouldn't mind putting the HDi to a longer test with Citroen's co-operation. The Citroen C4 HDi is priced from $29,990.

That is of course, providing a car that embodies so much of French automotive quirkiness is your cup of tea.Citroen, Peugeot and Renault continue to turn out cars that are well, different, to the work of most other carmakers.It's their belief in alternate fuel technologies, the technical marvels in the Citroen C4, the distinctive large rear of the Renault Megane and their out-and-out quirkiness that continues to set them apart.And now the arrival of the C4 as a diesel takes it one step further.The C4 HDi comes in one configuration, a five-door hatch with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with a five-speed manual transmission. However, while the 1.6-litre engine has the same power output as its petrol sibling, it boasts a significant leap in torque, up from 147Nm to 240Nm.The driver particularly notices that low down while changing up through the second and third gears.The C4 also has an engine overboost function that enables the motor to increase torque to 260Nm under acceleration for a maximum 90 seconds. It is self-regulated to ensure the all-important fuel economy is not harmed by a lead-footed driver.The car currently comes only as a manual, however Citroen announced last week that an automatic is on the way, possibly by the end of the year.The company also has the opportunity to put the more powerful 2.0-litre diesel engine, currently found in the C5 sedan, into the smaller car. And there is even the prospect of future C4 cars being powered by hybrid-diesel engines — technology currently that is being examined by the French.Citroen spokesman Edward Rowe says diesel sales currently account for only 20per cent of C4 sales as the Australian market slowly begins to accept the alternate fuel.However, the company is looking to the experience shown with the C5 that now has 80per cent diesel sales in Australia — admittedly from a small overall figure.Diesel produces two key results, fuel economy and the love it or hate it chatter of the engine. The C4 diesel's overall claimed fuel economy figure for combined city and highway driving is just 4.7litres per 100km — which puts it in the same territory as the hybrid Toyota Prius or the tiny Smart car.As for the noise, well, at worst it can be said to resemble the sound of an old Volkswagen Beetle, and at best you even feel that it sounds like a Subaru WRX.Either way, while road noise is at a minimum while driving the C4, you will certainly hear the diesel powerplant at work.The car does not have the bodykit and exterior sports trim of the top of the range petrol C4 VTS but is still a pretty little thing.Its wheels are fairly plain but the grille is distinctive. But it is inside where you will notice you are in a distinct car.It starts with the fixed-hub steering wheel. It feels strange at first to turn the wheel while the hub stays still but once you get used to it the value of having all the steering-mounted controls remaining in a fixed position for ease of use is an obvious bonus.But the jewel in the crown is the dashboard-top mounted display screen that provides a range of readings from the speedo to the fuel gauge and the number of kilometres left before you go searching for the diesel fuel pump at your local servo.It is extremely clear to read and the screen back-lighting adjusts for outside conditions.The driver's seat adjustment is manually operated and like a few other cars in this class can be fiddly to co-ordinate.Leg room for front and rear passengers is good and, while not cramped, the driver's footwell area could be bigger. The boot, reached by opening the hatch, boasts enough space for most small-family needs.Tested around town, including some of Sydney's hillier stretches, the C4 delivered sprightly acceleration, smooth handling and a comfortable ride.This car won't be a huge seller but it is a strong foot in the door for the future of diesel power in Australia.

Naturally, since this is a French-made car it is slightly quirky, sophisticated and packed with technology. The sharp-looking car I'm referring to is the Citroen C4 VTS hatch. Nice, isn't it? Classy but not too sassy, and just that wincy bit different that makes it stand out. We girls like to be noticed.Those cat's eyes headlights might look sexy from this angle, but they look even better from behind the wheel – they are directional and move as you turn the steering wheel. Brilliant. Other motorists noticed, too – it's such an attention seeker.And how cute are the C4's heated, folding side mirrors? They fold, like closed ears (as I like to call them), when the car is locked.Inside, its chic and indulgent, and much like a French house of couture, ultra stylish in black. It's a bit spyish, too. Black leather, suede-like alcantata on the cushioned seats and polished aluminium. There's a sexy audio system with surround sound and a double CD stacker, dual climate zones, a pollen filter, tinted windows and cruise control.Even the steering wheel is slick. Volume and radio controls sit on a fixed centre, as does a rev counter which looks like something out of Battlestar Galactica. The fixed wheel ensures the driver's airbag always deploys at the right angle.The dash has an ingenious translucent instrument display, which uses natural light to show your speed. If those big, bold numbers don't slow you down, then perhaps the speed limiter might. Having seen the way they drive in France, I expect a speed limiter is a must there. It should be here, too, especially since this car has been designed to glide.The sports suspension is faultless, and the two-litre engine and five-speed manual transmission whip it up steep climbs.Even the bells and whistles are fun – cute popping sounds for the parking/reversing sensors, a kettle-like whistle when headlights are left on and a jingle when seat belts are yet to be fastened.But, alas, the cup holder was a disappointment – it wouldn't fit a 350ml bottle of water.Perhaps I should have bought a Perrier instead ...The directional lights are very cool as are the rain-sensitive windscreen wipers. Love the French twists.The seats are a little uncomfortable. I felt like I was being pushed to the right and wasn't sitting centred. It was offputting.

It's not perfect, but Citroen's C4 VTS coupe looks fabulous, goes like a bull out of a gate, is very well equipped and represents very good value for money.It gets my vote as the best thing to come out of the French thoroughbred stable yet.We were impressed with the style and performance of this car when it was launched earlier this year and our recent stint behind the wheel has only served to confirm this impression.Apart from the distinctive styling, the most striking feature of the C4 is the steering wheel with its fixed centre hub.Believe it or not, the original Citroen 4C had a fixed hub too way back in the 1920s.Only the wheel itself rotates, the centre hub doesn't move which Citroen says allows it to host way more controls.The steering wheel is divided into quadrants, with each quadrant responsible for a different function.Top left is controls for the cruise and speed limiter, top right is sound system, bottom right the trip computer controls and bottom left is devoted to vehicle options such as air recycling.The centrally located LCD digital style speedo is easy to read in any light and we reckon should become a benchmark for other manufacturers.In fact, after driving a couple of cars in the past few weeks with digital speedos, we prefer them to the standard, difficult to read analogue units found in most cars.The VTS is powered by a 2.0-litre 130kW engine that can propel the car from 0-100km/ h in 8.3 seconds.A five-speed manual transmission is stan- dard.We found it necessary to feather the clutch for a clean take off.After we got over our initial excitement, we discovered the doors of the coupe are quite large and heavy making opening and closing them a chore.Access to the rear seat is via a tilt and slide mechanism, but unless you make a point of pushing the front seat all the way forward, it has a habit of sliding back again which can be really annoying.The ride is fine on smooth pavement, but get off the freeway and on to some of our secondary back roads and it quickly becomes choppy.We're not saying the suspension doesn't do its job, but it does not do a very good a job of isolating passengers from bumps.The VTS comes with a plethora of standard equipment.Six airbags are standard and the car has a five star crash rating.It is also designed to reduce injury to pedestrians.Our car was equipped with the optional JBL sound system which is another $1000 but one of the best units that we have heard.It is also MP3 friendly so that means you can fit more than 150 songs on single CD.Citroen C4 VTS is priced from $36,900 plus on road costs. 

The week immediately preceding a test in the C4 VTS was spent clocking up some swift kilometres in Volkswagen's brilliant Golf GTi.The Golf is a dazzling, brawny little four-door which delivers performance in spades.It is a giant among hot fours and the latest model is destined for greatness.The VTS is not a direct competitor in that it is not as hinged on pure performance.It is a warmed-over version of the smart and tidy C4.The Golf and Citroen are wildly different cars which attract different customers.From a standstill the VTS is not likely to get you into any kind of trouble.There are not a lot of horses low-down but that is offset to a degree by the engine's willingness to gather pace quickly.Its agility from take-off is rather innocuous through lack of immediate punch.The engine note sings with purpose and it is a more than credible performer once it's working.One of three petrol engines offered in the C4 range, this naturally aspirated 2-litre four cylinder cranks out 130kW of power.You need to maintain a reasonable amount of revs before releasing the clutch, letting first gear drive the car cleanly off the line.Chassis feel is confident as one would expect from a model which shares some of its underpinnings with PSA stablemate Peugeot's 307. Try to belt into a corner too hard and the VTS will develop a fair degree of understeer.Otherwise steering and handling remain predictable while the package retains a sweet rideability balance.The VTS is quite a frugal proposition, finishing this week-long test which covered about 700km with the attractive figures of 7.7litres/100km.Cabin ergonomics is where the C4 excels — everything is explicitly laid out and the multi-function steering wheel is a snap to decipher first-up and fun to navigate.While this is not a WRX or even in the same league of the extraordinary turbo assisted four-potters, there is much to like about the VTS if you're not into a rip-snorting ride.The fluency of the architecture, the readability of the large LCD instrument panel mounted centrally on top of the dash, the build quality and the high levels of standard kit make the VTS a compelling option at around the $37,000 mark (think similar price to Holden's Astra Turbo and the Toyota Corolla Sportivo).There is a uniqueness with the creamy, smooth elegant lines offering a genuine point of difference in a tasteful exterior form.Some similarities can be drawn from models long gone.The large rear glass which is divided and squared off gives some hint to Ford's special Laser Lynx model of the mid-1990s.But as far as borrowing any design from any previous or existing model, the C4 is pleasingly not guilty.While the VTS is not the volume player of the range, the C4 family is expected to account for about one third of Citroen's total Australian sales next year.So it belongs to a very important nameplate.

No, not in the sense that pedestrians constantly want to get into it but something more profound.The C4, rated at five stars in NCAP crash testing, is designed to minimise injury to pedestrians if the worst imaginable thing happens.It does this by having a deep front bumper made of soft plastic with energy absorbing structures beneath and a large surface area to prevent pedestrians from going under the car.A secondary benefit of the large surface area is a reduction in leg injuries.The front mudguards are of flexible plastic and the bonnet is thin aluminium sheet with the engine and other hard parts located deep in the engine bay. The bonnet is at almost the same rake as the windscreen giving less of a blunt impact area for a pedestrian.The recessed wipers are floppy and the mirrors fold out of the way. There is no protruding exterior aerial and the headlights are flush fitted with polycarbonate lenses.In theory, all should work in concert to reduce injury but who would want to find out.The car itself is great, good looking, well proportioned, roomy and practical. The 103kW, 2.0-litre, C4 hatch on test ($34 grand with auto only) is a five door bristling with innovative technology.It takes a while to acclimatise to a translucent information panel, 360 degree park assist, an option full glass roof (the entire roof), steerable bixenon headlights that see around corners and an extremely clever fixed steering wheel hub with a large airbag and up to 10 electronic controls.Engine performance is strong despite the four speed auto being a little off the pace in terms of reluctant down changes and holding gears too long. A five speeder would be better.Handling is excellent characterised by flat cornering and direct steering. The ride is comfortable and the brakes are strong.Fuel economy on test was impressive averaging around 8.0-litres/100km.It's a stylish car inside and out and is pleasant to travel in. The funky interior follows no existing layout and is good to look at and easy to use. An MP3 player is incorporated into the audio system.Remote control headlights, operated from the keypad are a real asset.This car is up near the top of the C4 range and fittingly, ticks most of the boxes. The spare is full size.C4 starts in price at $25,990 for the 1.6-litre hatch. It's worth a look.