Citroën has a real challenge on its hands… the latest C4 needs to set itself well and truly apart from the mainstream to stand out in the highly-competitive C segment. But the French marque views the matter altogether differently to me. Whereas the previous C4, which was launched several years ago, really stood out as something unique it didn’t achieve the level of sales success that Citroën had hoped for.
Now that the Double Chevron is relying on its DS models for character and excitement, the C4 seems demure… although the front light clusters and the grille, which forms part of the double helical logo, are quite striking. The rear, in turn, was evidently inspired by the lines of the DS3 hatchback.
The cabin is quite neat. The facia hosts the dual climate control knobs (only standard on the top two models) above which sits a small lidded storage compartment and a post-box style display for the audio system. It looks a bit odd, but having said that, Citroën isn’t the only manufacturer that has to fill the space in which an infotainment/navigation system would otherwise by accommodated on models specified for the European market. There’s still only limited space in the glove compartment, but the generously sized door pockets partly make up for it.
The steering wheel is a little bigger than I expected, but somehow I enjoyed it and it didn’t affect the driving position or driving environment at all. In true Citroën tradition the steering wheel has no fewer than 16 buttons to perform different functions.
Our driving route started close to Johannesburg’s CBD before we headed out to the countryside. One thing was immediately noticeable… the C4 is set up for comfort, not sportiness. The ride is mostly compliant and the levels of road and tyre noise impressively low.
The 1,6-litre (88 kW/ 160 N.m) engine is the same unit as shared with other Citroën, Peugeot and Mini models. At Reef altitudes it loses around 15 per cent of its power and with two adults onboard you have to rev the motor and stir the ‘box to make any significant progress. The gearbox, for that matter, has a loose and mushy shift action. That was a bit strange to me, because I experienced two six-speed gearboxes on PSA products last year and their shift action and feel were perfect. Unfortunately we only got to drive the manual version this time.
This engine derivative is available with three trim levels. The more powerful, turbocharged 115 kW/240 N.m 1,6-litre model is only available with an automated manual gearbox.
Important standard equipment includes six airbags, ABS brakes with EBD and EBA. Finally there is also an ESP system and the C4 has already achieved a five-star EuroNCAP rating. Apart from the entry level model, Bluetooth compatability and a USB socket are standard. And (a feature we only expect to experience in very expensive models), the two top models offer a massage function in the seats for the driver and front passenger.
Will Citroën’s new-found conformity pay off for the C4? I am not entirely convinced, although the CAR team looks forward to putting the newcomer through a full road test in an upcoming issue… Watch this space.
Pricing:
C4 VTi 120 ATTRACTION R203 900
C4 VTi 120 SEDUCTION R218 900
C4 VTi 120 SEDUCTION AUTO R 233 900
C4 VTi 120 EXCLUSIVE R239 900
C4 THP 155 EXCLUSIVE EGS6 R265 900
Included in these prices are a 3 year/100 000 km warranty and 5 year/100 000 km service plan.