CITROEN C4
Vive la difference!
Citroen has often taken a different path to its rivals and siblings. and in its new C-Sector contender, the C4, that desire to be different is still strong, says Andrew Walker
W
ith the Government recently announcing an end to the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030, it’s no surprise that a number of car manufacturers are taking the opportunity to launch new models across all platforms. The PSA Group began this evolution in 2019 with the Peugeot 208/e-208 and Vauxhall Corsa / Corsa-e, and the cycle now includes the new kid on the block, the Citroen C4 and e-C4. This comes in 100 per cent electric, petrol or diesel models and is a larger, more practical car than the smaller 208 and Corsa. With the rise of SUVs, C-Sector cars are not as dominant as they once were. None the less, Citroen sees its new C4 as a very important model and it comes to market with new engines and a completely new design. There are four Euro 6d petrol engines in the UK: PureTech 100 S&S 6-speed manual, PureTech 130 S&S 6-speed manual, PureTech 130 S&S EAT8 Auto, PureTech 155 S&S EAT8 Auto – and two Euro 6d Diesel engines: Blue HDi 110 S&S 6-speed manual and Blue HDi
24 | February 2021 | Company Car & Van
130 S&S EAT8 Auto. All will be familiar to existing Citroen and Peugeot customers. There’s a new body shape which combines the shape of a hatchback while subtly adopting certain SUV design forms, notably at the rear quarter which appears more raised thanks to 156mm of ground clearance. The design features new LED V-shaped front and rear lighting signatures, and these are coupled with nods to Citroens of yesteryear such as the CX and GS on the rear, side and boot panels. There’s also SUV-like side cladding and wheel arch extensions mirroring the Citroen SUV range. The rear end features a high-level rear spoiler, a split rear screen and a chunky rear bumper. The new C4 has short front and rear overhangs which creates a long wheelbase of 2,670 mm. The car itself measures 4,360 mm long, 1,800 mm wide and 1,525 mm high. Thanks to its elevated stature, it offers a higher ‘eye-point’ than the competition, at 1.22 m, increasing visibility, while driving and giving front seat passengers an SUV-like feel. The boot matches the space of a Golf with 380 litres available and a useful split floor and low loading lip. There’s also a ski-hatch on higher spec models. Inside, the latest C4 owes a lot to the current designs found on board the DS range, so factor in high-tech interiors, with large, comfortable seats and plenty of options. For example, customers are able to configure their car to suit their preferences, with 31 exterior colour combinations and six ambiences inside the cabin. The interior quality is a step-up for Citroen. Softly shaped door panels and multiple storage
compartments add a dash of opulence while a new chevron grain pattern on the dashboard and the interior colour schemes co-ordinate the seats with the door panels for an executive feel. Comfort standards are greatly enhanced by the addition of the Advanced Comfort® programme first seen in the C5 Aircross. The wide dashboard features some clever storage areas. For example, above the decent sized glove box is a pull out dashboard tray, which is a Smart Pad Support (CitroënTM) with mobile phone storage. In effect, it’s an iPad holder so that front seat passengers can watch a film or TV programme while on the move. A clever as well as useful addition. In the centre, at the top of the dashboard,
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