Citroën C4 1.6 (A)

Citroën's C4 leads the way for the company's comeback as part of a range of avant-garde models

What's New
For those who believe that a Citroën is not a Citroën if it isn't different or progressive, the new range from the French carmaker should give them plenty to cheer about.

For almost two decades, Citroën played it safe with its entry and mid-range models both in terms of design and engineering. As these cars were meant to be the company's volume sellers, building reliable, rather than revolutionary cars were its priority.

Just by looking at the C4, it doesn't take long for anyone to realise that Citroën is taking a different approach this time around. For a start, its wrap-around headlamps and arched roofline give it a far more interesting silhouette than the current crop of boxy hatchbacks that are starting to look like miniature MPVs.

However, the real highlights are to be found inside the cabin where that famous Citroën design flair is most apparent. The clean, minimalist dashboard dominates the interior with a large centrally-mounted information display where the car's main readings like speed, fuel level, coolant temperature, odometer and various warning signals can be found.

The rev counter sits atop the multi-function steering wheel hub that is arguably the car's most talked-about feature the moment the steering is turned. As the driver steers the car, the wheel moves, but the hub which houses the stereo controls and airgbag doesn't.

One benefit is that the stereo controls remain in the same place regardless of the steering angle. Hopefully, you will never have to experience the other boon, which, according to Citroën, ensures optimal airbag deployment at any steering position.

How it Performs
Despite its sloping roofline, rear passengers are well catered for with enough legroom for four adults not to mind a long trip across the Causeway.

Although the 1.6-litre C4's power output of 110bhp is modest for a car of this size, it manages to make the most of the available grunt and feel reasonably light on its feet.

This impression of litheness is also helped by a lightly-weighted, but not over-assisted steering feel.

French cars are legendary for their ability to render a comfortable ride without compromising the handling and the C4 continues this tradition.

While the C4 is endowed with a decent engine and handling, the four-speed automatic gearbox shows up as something of a weak link as the ratios between third and fourth gears are too widely spaced. Downshift a ratio for an overtaking manoeuvre for example, and the driver's request is often met with frantic engine noise followed by an underwhelming reception when the gearbox reverts to a higher gear.

How it Stacks Up
To be fair, the C4's lack of ratios is not unique to the Citroën as many other 1.6-litre cars have similar traits. However, it is also priced at the higher end of the 1.6-litre segment where acoomplished cars in the form of the Volkswagen Golf and Opel Astra aren't too far away.

Technical Specifications

MODEL Citroën C4 1.6 (A) ENGINE Engine: 1,587cc 16v in-line four Max Power: 110bhp @ 5,750rpm Max Torque: 147Nm @ 4,000rpm TRANSMISSION 4-speed automatic TOP SPEED 188 kmh 0-100km/h 13.1s