Citroen C4 Coupe Range

In Their C4 Coupe, Citroen Have A First Rate Hatchback On Their Hands. Steve Walker Reports

Citroen confounded most peoples expectations with their C4. To the outside observer, the French manufacturer seemed to have turned away from roots steeped in the creation of quirkily innovative cars and settled into a cosy niche, selling models that were competent and extremely tightly priced but rarely dynamic or challenging. Then the C4 family hatch arrived and made the kind of impact that youd more readily associate with its plastic explosive namesake. The C4, and particularly the sporty Coupe version, looks fresh and distinctive - an impression that is only enhanced when you get to grips with the car.

Its the striking Coupe models that were looking at here but in this case Coupe is Citroen-speak for 3-door hatchback. The family-orientated 5-door derivatives are called simply Hatchback and they take a more rounded styling direction than the altogether edgier Coupe. Both cars are identical as far back as the B-pillars but progress rearward and the Coupe takes on a look of its own. Different observers have likened the C4 Coupe to a variety of models past and present - original Honda CRX, Toyota Prius, and so on.

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There may or may not even be a bit of Renault Megane in there but whatever it looks like, people seem to like the look. Its a resolutely cohesive design, the long arching roof and the stubby nose making the car appear all of a piece. The vertical rear window with glass roof section above does little for rear visibility but draws the eye in. Much like film star Jennifer Lopez, the C4 Coupes hindquarters represent its defining feature.

The Citroen C4 Coupe models are tasked with appealing to buyers who may be younger and are after something both sporty and stylish. It fulfils the stylish part of its remit with some aplomb but how sporty the car is depends largely on which engine and trim level you choose. Three trim levels are offered with the C4 Coupe, VTR, VTR Plus and VTS. The sporty overtones become progressively more evident as you ascend the range but all models are well catered for in terms of standard equipment.

All C4s get the multi-function fixed hub steering wheel, cruise control and an automatic speed limiter. Plus there are electric front windows, electric door mirrors, a CD player and a trip computer. You also get all the safety features that helped the C4 gain a 5-star NCAP rating for occupant protection and a 3-star rating for pedestrian impact protection.

"Much like film star Jennifer Lopez, the C4 Coupes hindquarters represent its defining feature."

The engine range opens with the 90bhp 1.4-litre 16-valve petrol unit that is standard family hatch fare and then theres a 110bhp 1.6-litre 16v option above that. These powerplants return average economy figures of 44mpg and 40mpg respectively.

The ultimate petrol engine is the 2.0-litre 16v unit thats offered in 138bhp or potent 180bhp form. Go for the lesser of the two and 0-62mph acceleration is measured at 9.2s but fuel economy is still a not unreasonable 36mpg.

The 180bhp option is found in the VTS model and itll blast past the 62mph barrier in 8.3s but economy of 33.6mpg means youll have to slow down to fill up more often. The high-revving petrol units are not without their charm and the 2.

0-litre options have some useful poke but many buyers will be swayed by Citroens impressive HDi diesels. The 1.6-litre HDi oil-burner is remarkably quiet and clean. In 92bhp form, it will reach 62mph from standstill in 12.

5s and if you upgrade to the 110bhp option theres a 11.2s time for the sprint and the option of Citroens 6-speed electronic gearbox. These figures might look less impressive than the petrol contingent given the premium you pay for a diesel but in real world conditions, the punchy nature of the diesels power delivery makes them feel faster. Better still, the 1.

6-litre units both return outstanding 60mpg fuel economy. Youll even get over 52mpg from the range-topping oil-burner. This 2.0-litre 138bhp unit could well be the pick of the range given its 9.

7s 0-62mph performance and that thrifty approach to fuel consumption. The initial impression when driving the C4 is that its makers may have over done it on the innovation front. Digital read-outs shine back at you wherever you look and the centre of the steering wheel is fixed in position. Remarkably, however, once you get over the initial strangeness, everything works very well.

You only need to divert your eyes from the road slightly to pick up the wealth of information on the main dash-top display and if you really get your foot down, the steering wheel mounted rev-counter flashes red at the limit, prompting you to change up. Features like the built-in air-freshener (VTR and above) and the optional lane departure warning system (vibrates your lower back if you drift across lanes without indicating) have a gimmicky whiff about them but the directional headlights (standard on VTS), which turn to illuminate bends as you round them, work very effectively. The C4 rides with impressive smoothness and composure but it doesnt quite offer the level of feedback you sometimes want from a sporty hatchback. The variable assistance power steering has an accurate feel and the car is nicely balanced through corners with a decent amount of grip at the front end.

The VTS version has stiffened suspension to enhance its sporting pedigree and offers a sharper driving experience generally. The gearchange on most C4 models is a fairly sloppy affair thanks to the long-throw 5-speed box but the 2.0-litre HDi engine comes with a 6-speed box that is far superior another reason why the big diesel could be the engine to go for. Rear visibility is hindered somewhat by the unorthodox rear window on the Coupe but parking isnt a problem as the bottom section of the split screen gives decent view of objects immediately behind the car.

The interior is spacious and the Coupe provides similar amounts of rear legroom and boot space to the Hatchback. The boot opening is narrower, however, and the levers that fold the front seats forward allowing access to the rear have a habit of sticking up to catch the shins of passengers climbing in. With the C4, Citroen have thrust themselves back into the family hatch spotlight, resurrecting their reputation for innovation in the process. The car is truly outstanding in terms of safety and comfort, its an enjoyable drive (if a little less focused than some of its rivals) and the diesel engines are at the head of their field.

The Coupes styling will justifiably attract a lot of attention but its the quality of the overall package and Citroens aggressive pricing that should do most to part buyers from their bank details.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

CAR: Citroen C4 Coupe range
PRICES: £12,095-£18,495 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 4-15
CO2 EMISSIONS: 125-200g/km
PERFORMANCE: [2.0HDi] 9.7s 0-60mph / 119mph top speed
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [2.0HDi] 39.8mpg (Urban) 62.8mpg (extra Urban) 52.3mpg (combined)
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: six airbags, ABS, EBD, EBA.
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 4274/1769/1458mm