FORECOURT
CITROEN C4
We’ve already tried the new C4 in its most expensive form, but is an entry-level version just as desirable? Ted Welford finds out.
Power The 1.2-litre engine produces 99bhp and gives the C4 a 0-60mph time of 11.1 seconds.
WHAT IS IT? The Citroen C4 was introduced in early 2021 as the French firm’s latest funky hatchbackcome-crossover. Now the brand has gone the opposite way and launched an entry-level Sense trim as essentially a replacement for the Citroen C4 Cactus. WHAT’S NEW? This new C4 is available as an EV for the first time, but our focus is the regular petrol and diesel options. Bringing a stylish design and a focus on comfort, the high-spec models we’ve already tried have been a welcome addition to this often-congested segment. WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET? The turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol really is as ‘entry-level’ as it comes. Mated exclusively to a six-speed manual gearbox, it can take the C4 from 0-60mph in 11.1 seconds and on to a top speed of 114mph. Although the 108bhp 1.5-litre diesel will be best for those looking for the lowest running costs (Citroen claims up to a remarkable 70mpg), this petrol is still rather good on fuel. We averaged around 50mpg with our time with it, while CO2 emissions of 122-136g/km are respectable, too. WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? In this area it excels, with a particularly comfortable ride that effortlessly soaks up bumps in the road. Whether you’re driving around town or on a motorway, it’s a very relaxing way to travel. This entry-level engine is also easily powerful enough for most situations and has no trouble getting up to speed when merging, while well-spaced gears mean it’s quite happy to sit at motorway speeds with minimal fuss. The only slight gripe with the C4’s drive is that the split rear window impacts on visibility out of the back – much like any car with a design feature like this, admittedly. HOW DOES IT LOOK? It might be the lowest C4 in the range but even this comes with large 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, which certainly give it plenty of street cred. The overall design is funky too, and blends a standard hatchback design with SUV styling features, such as its plastic-clad wheel arches, while it also sits higher up than a typical hatch such as a Kia Ceed. With 26 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
THE KNOWLEDGE Citroen C4 Sense PureTech 100
Price (as tested): £21,310 Engine: 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol Power: 99bhp Torque: 205Nm Max speed: 114mph O-60mph: 11.1 seconds MPG (combined): 47.1-54.8 Emissions: 122-136g/km CO2
