The hatchback segment, lately, has been filled with flavourful competition.
Commonly known as the 'godfather' of hatchbacks, Volkswagen has a strong grip on this sector with the Golf - now even more so with the recently launched 7th generation of the icon.
On the other hand, the Ford Focus has been highly respected too, garnering its own share of fans. With two fearsome rivals, the Citroen C4 will need more than mere up-its-sleeves trickery to edge out the competition.
Locally, the C4 is among the first few to be available in diesel guise. Under the new CEVS tax system, the hatchback will garner a $15,000 saving off the price tag, thanks to its low CO2 emission of 109g/km. This should put it in good flavour, even before you get in for a drive.
Exterior
Despite putting on dimensions in almost all areas (50mm in length; 20mm in width; and 30mm in height), the C4 retains its likeable, cutesy proportions. Like its C3 younger brother, the C4 is blessed with subtle, easy-on-the-eye contours - which we reckon will boast more appeal to the fairer sex.
Commonly known as the 'godfather' of hatchbacks, Volkswagen has a strong grip on this sector with the Golf - now even more so with the recently launched 7th generation of the icon.
On the other hand, the Ford Focus has been highly respected too, garnering its own share of fans. With two fearsome rivals, the Citroen C4 will need more than mere up-its-sleeves trickery to edge out the competition.
Locally, the C4 is among the first few to be available in diesel guise. Under the new CEVS tax system, the hatchback will garner a $15,000 saving off the price tag, thanks to its low CO2 emission of 109g/km. This should put it in good flavour, even before you get in for a drive.
Exterior
Despite putting on dimensions in almost all areas (50mm in length; 20mm in width; and 30mm in height), the C4 retains its likeable, cutesy proportions. Like its C3 younger brother, the C4 is blessed with subtle, easy-on-the-eye contours - which we reckon will boast more appeal to the fairer sex.
As part of fuel efficient measures, the C4 comes with a set of 16-inch alloys, wrapped with Michelin's 'Energy Saver' tyres. The multi spoke rims carry a sophisticated feel to it, but is too small to pull off any real effect to the overall stance.
The C4 bears an uncanny resemblance to its avant garde stablemate - the DS4. It looks very much like a 'detuned' version of the latter - sporting similar lamp treatments albeit with a slightly lower stance. Not to mention, the C4 does without the distinctive sharp creases. The C4, then, is like the girl-next-door - plain Jane it may be but not without its own appeal.
The C4 bears an uncanny resemblance to its avant garde stablemate - the DS4. It looks very much like a 'detuned' version of the latter - sporting similar lamp treatments albeit with a slightly lower stance. Not to mention, the C4 does without the distinctive sharp creases. The C4, then, is like the girl-next-door - plain Jane it may be but not without its own appeal.
Interior
The C4's interior is blessed with a slew of trendy decorations, carrying a tinge of upscale feel to them. You will also find familiar looking bits that are taken straight from the DS4 - most obvious being the 'T shaped' transmission lever and instrument gauges. Despite that, we are not complaining at all - these items essentially inject bits of flair into the interior, giving it a more flavourful appearance.
A welcoming feature in the C4 is the panaromic skyroof - the largest of its kind in its segment at 1.3 square metres. Oozing light into the cabin, it helps to create an airy and, at the same time, a relaxing atmosphere for all on board.
The C4 will have no troubles fitting four with ease. The quarters are well spaced, but not without constraints for three abreast at the rear. The arching roof too constricts the rear headroom, making it a concern for individuals above 1.75m.
What the C4 loses in interior allowance, it makes up for with utility. With 408 litres of boot space, it boasts one of the biggest cargo volume in its segment. The slight hunch is, however, that the rear bench does not fold flat with the boot - causing slight inconvenience when loading up larger loots.
What the C4 loses in interior allowance, it makes up for with utility. With 408 litres of boot space, it boasts one of the biggest cargo volume in its segment. The slight hunch is, however, that the rear bench does not fold flat with the boot - causing slight inconvenience when loading up larger loots.
The Drive
The 1.6-litre diesel powerplant highlights the overall driving experience - the engine is punchy, and blessed with a meaty band of torque at lower revs. This makes it a breeze for the C4 to move off from the lights.
While there is the unmistakable diesel clatter on the outside, the cabin is well insulated from these obtrusions. As such, the drivetrain feels very refined during idling and coasting. Sadly, the same cannot be said for the regenerative engine Start/Stop system. The car restarts with an obvious rattle, showing signs of unrefinement from the French marque.
In addition, the notchy cog swops have always been the Achilles' Heel of Citroen's EGS gearbox and the C4 is no exception. A smoother ride, however, is possible by working the gear changes manually with the paddle shifters.
The 1.6-litre diesel powerplant highlights the overall driving experience - the engine is punchy, and blessed with a meaty band of torque at lower revs. This makes it a breeze for the C4 to move off from the lights.
While there is the unmistakable diesel clatter on the outside, the cabin is well insulated from these obtrusions. As such, the drivetrain feels very refined during idling and coasting. Sadly, the same cannot be said for the regenerative engine Start/Stop system. The car restarts with an obvious rattle, showing signs of unrefinement from the French marque.
In addition, the notchy cog swops have always been the Achilles' Heel of Citroen's EGS gearbox and the C4 is no exception. A smoother ride, however, is possible by working the gear changes manually with the paddle shifters.
Otherwise, the C4 makes for a genuinely pleasant drive. The steering is firm, providing great reassurance while the soft damping contributes to the relaxing ride. We reckon this is as comfortable as it gets.
Conclusion
The C4 diesel marks a good effort by the French marque towards a greener future.
Elsewhere, the awkward rear quarters may be a cause for worry. But the hatchback makes up for it with genuine utility.
As a whole, the C4 may not be as sporty as the Focus, or dynamic as the Golf, but it trumps with its comfort and utility - with a touch of French flair.
Conclusion
The C4 diesel marks a good effort by the French marque towards a greener future.
Elsewhere, the awkward rear quarters may be a cause for worry. But the hatchback makes up for it with genuine utility.
As a whole, the C4 may not be as sporty as the Focus, or dynamic as the Golf, but it trumps with its comfort and utility - with a touch of French flair.
