After a long hiatus of two years, the Citroen C4 is back. The C4 first entered production in 2004 as a successor to the Citroen Xsara. Four years later, it underwent a cosmetic operation featuring a new front end, reverse lights and dashboard revisions.
Completely redesigned and reengineered, the second generation C4 was then unveiled at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.
The car is available only with five doors. The idea of having a three-door had been rejected by the French marque, as the previous generation's three-door sales number was not justifiable, and the risk of 'cannibalising' the DS3 commercially was to be avoided.
To the delight of Citroen fans, the new Citroen C4 landed here recently, ready to make its mark in the competitive hatchback segment. The Citroen C4 is also available in a diesel variant, which we tested a week ago.Exterior
On first glance, the C4 does resemble the DS4 to a small extent, sporting similar headlamps but with a lower ride height.
Completely redesigned and reengineered, the second generation C4 was then unveiled at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.
The car is available only with five doors. The idea of having a three-door had been rejected by the French marque, as the previous generation's three-door sales number was not justifiable, and the risk of 'cannibalising' the DS3 commercially was to be avoided.
To the delight of Citroen fans, the new Citroen C4 landed here recently, ready to make its mark in the competitive hatchback segment. The Citroen C4 is also available in a diesel variant, which we tested a week ago.Exterior
On first glance, the C4 does resemble the DS4 to a small extent, sporting similar headlamps but with a lower ride height.
Like its artistically inclined cousin and other recent Citroen models, the front grille of the C4 sports the new double chevron badge, which is rounder at the tip.
Compared to the old C4, the lines on the current model are less rounded in general. The bonnet is made more aggressive by two longitudinal ribs, while the bumper has a rather large mouth, flanked by two air intakes and two slots for the fog lights.
The car has a neat and compact design overall, with elegantly sculpted lines and chrome trims. More notably, the crease along the shoulder line fades into the rear side door and restarts at a lower point to meet the taillights, providing a feel of motion even when the car is at a standstill at the lights.
Interior
The main feature inside the new C4 has got to be its large sunroof. Upon entering the cabin, the 1.3m² panoramic sunroof - the widest in its class so far in Singapore - greets all on board, enhancing the bright and airy ambience that's already created by the wide windscreen.
Another feature of the C4 is the customisable colours that light up the instrument panel. Although some may regard this chameleon ability to change colours as a needless gimmick, we reckon this feature allows the car to stand out from the rest of its competitive peers.
The leather-wrapped steering wheel provides a good grip and the flat-bottomed design adds a dash of sportiness to the overall feel.
The main feature inside the new C4 has got to be its large sunroof. Upon entering the cabin, the 1.3m² panoramic sunroof - the widest in its class so far in Singapore - greets all on board, enhancing the bright and airy ambience that's already created by the wide windscreen.
Another feature of the C4 is the customisable colours that light up the instrument panel. Although some may regard this chameleon ability to change colours as a needless gimmick, we reckon this feature allows the car to stand out from the rest of its competitive peers.
The leather-wrapped steering wheel provides a good grip and the flat-bottomed design adds a dash of sportiness to the overall feel.
Thanks to the smaller gear lever and an electronic parking brake, additional storage space is achieved in the centre console. There is a cooled compartment just ahead of the gear lever in which up to four 500ml bottles of drink can be stored.
The C4's boot is admirably large, too. Boot capacity with the seats up stands at 408 litres, and they can be folded flat to provide a total load space of 1,183 litres.
Legroom is generally plentiful in the rear of C4. However, taller rear passengers may need to compromise to find a comfortable seating position due to a slight lack of headroom.
The C4's boot is admirably large, too. Boot capacity with the seats up stands at 408 litres, and they can be folded flat to provide a total load space of 1,183 litres.
Legroom is generally plentiful in the rear of C4. However, taller rear passengers may need to compromise to find a comfortable seating position due to a slight lack of headroom.
The Drive
On the go, the C4 rides gracefully, smoothing out bumps and ruts with ease. Although steering the C4 is light without much feedback, there is never a time when you feel you'll lose control around bends, allowing you to push hard with confidence and stability.
On the straights, the 1.6-litre THP turbocharged four-cylinder engine is more than capable in keeping up with traffic, doing so in a very quiet and refined manner.
Unfortunately, the only complain is Citroen's Electronic Gearbox System (EGS). The car jerks about during gear shifts, spoiling the otherwise fine drive. As a result, there is always a sense of uncertainly when overtaking slower moving cars.
On the go, the C4 rides gracefully, smoothing out bumps and ruts with ease. Although steering the C4 is light without much feedback, there is never a time when you feel you'll lose control around bends, allowing you to push hard with confidence and stability.
On the straights, the 1.6-litre THP turbocharged four-cylinder engine is more than capable in keeping up with traffic, doing so in a very quiet and refined manner.
Unfortunately, the only complain is Citroen's Electronic Gearbox System (EGS). The car jerks about during gear shifts, spoiling the otherwise fine drive. As a result, there is always a sense of uncertainly when overtaking slower moving cars.
That said, the EGS is best used in manual mode with the paddle shifters. But in a car designed for comfort, we reckon it's best to leave the car with its own devices, especially in traffic conditions like ours.
Conclusion
The Citroen C4 is one of those cars that's quite easy to get along with. It focuses on practicality, comfort and style. Hence, it may not have the most exciting drive, but some motorists may find its large boot space and pliant ride difficult to overlook.
Conclusion
The Citroen C4 is one of those cars that's quite easy to get along with. It focuses on practicality, comfort and style. Hence, it may not have the most exciting drive, but some motorists may find its large boot space and pliant ride difficult to overlook.
