Citroen C4: prices and specifications

Citroen C4 is a series of C-class cars from the French manufacturer. The model name includes the brand designation "C" — Citroen, as well as an indication of belonging to the middle C-class "4".

History

Development of the car began in 2002, and in 2003 a concept called Sport Concept Car was shown at the Geneva Motor Show. The production version debuted in 2004 at the Paris Motor Show. The model replaced the outdated Citroen Xara. The design was worked on by Donato Coco and Jean Pierre Ploué. The first generation was produced in two body styles: a five-door hatchback and a three-door coupe with an unusual shape of the tailgate. Distinctive features also included a fixed steering wheel hub (only the rim rotated) and a digital speedometer placed in the center of the dashboard. In 2006, a sedan appeared, which was called Citroen C-Triomphe on export markets. At the same time, the C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso minivans were released — five- and seven-seat respectively. In 2008, the family was updated.

The second generation was shown at the Paris Motor Show in 2010. The car was produced in France, China and Russia, and only as a five-door hatchback. In 2009, the company announced that instead of the C4 coupe, a luxury version of the Citroen DS4 would appear. In 2012, based on the C4, the C4 Aircross crossover (Geneva Motor Show) and the C4L sedan (Paris Motor Show) were presented.

In May 2011, the Citroen C4 hatchback was presented in Ukraine. For the local market, a 1.6-liter gasoline engine (110 or 120 hp) and a 1.6-liter diesel engine (90 or 110 hp) were offered. The engines were combined with a five-speed manual, a four-speed sequential, or a six-speed robotic gearbox. Drive — front.

The first generation C4 was created by designer Donato Coco. Sketches of three- and five-door hatchbacks were developed, based on the Peugeot 307.

In 2006, the seven-seat Grand C4 Picasso appeared, and a year later — its five-seat version without the Grand prefix.

On August 26, 2008, the updated Citroën C4 was shown at the Moscow Motor Show, and in October it already appeared at dealers.

Since 2010, large-knockdown assembly of the C4 was established at the PSA plant near Kaluga, but in 2012 it was discontinued.

First-generation cars were equipped with gasoline and diesel engines with a displacement from 1.4 to 2.0 liters.

Since 2007, the Citroën C4 WRC, created on the basis of the first-generation C4, participated in the World Rally Championship. Sébastien Loeb won the world champion title in this car in 2007–2012. The base version C4 VTS Coupe had an engine with 177 hp, and the rally turbo engine produced 320 hp.

In 2010, the second-generation C4 was presented at the Paris Motor Show.

The car is available only as a five-door hatchback. Instead of the three-door coupe, buyers were offered the Citroën DS4, presented in May 2011.

In 2014, the new C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso, built on the basis of the second-generation C4, were shown in Ukraine.

The second-generation C4 is the fourth model of the concern and the second for Citroën, created on the modular PF2 platform of 2001. It is designed to meet the requirements of the C segment.

Exterior

The new Citroën C4 received smoother and more streamlined body lines compared to its predecessor. The car has become less exotic, but at the same time easily recognizable.

The aggressive front bumper reflects modern trends and harmoniously combines with the radiator grille, side panels and rear part. At the same time, the model retains the brand's signature style.

Interior

The interior has noticeably updated externally, but conceptually remained the same: restrained, practical and ergonomic. In expensive trim levels, everything necessary is present. The plastic has become better quality and more pleasant to the touch. Seat upholstery materials correspond to the price of the car.

The C4 is comfortable both in short trips and long journeys. Interior dimensions are among the best in its class. The trunk volume is 408 liters, and it can be increased by folding the rear seat back.

Even drivers taller than 1.9 meters do not complain about the front seats. They are praised for moderate firmness and good lateral support. The rear sofa is also comfortable, with enough legroom.

Engine and transmission

On the Ukrainian market, the latest generation C4 is offered with a 1.6-liter gasoline VTi 120, a 1.6 diesel HDi 90, and a micro-hybrid e-HDi 115.

The VTi 120 engines are developed jointly with BMW. With a displacement of 1.6 liters, they produce 120 hp and work with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic.

The HDi 90 helps save fuel, but is available only with a five-speed manual gearbox.

The micro-hybrid e-HDi 115 is the company's latest development. It is based on the HDi engine and the Stop&Start system. The drive uses energy accumulated in special capacitors. When stopping, the engine stalls, and when starting, it starts in 400 ms. Starting from capacitors does not affect the resource of the main battery. The system significantly reduces fuel consumption in the city and combined cycle.

Safety

The base version is equipped with two airbags, in more expensive trim levels there are more.

In the EURO NCAP crash test, the C4 showed good results: 13.5 points out of 16 for frontal impact, 8 out of 8 for side impact, and 6.5 points for side impact against a pole — one of the most dangerous collisions.

Child safety in seats is rated the maximum 8 points.

Features

Behind the wheel of the new C4, you feel in a modern and solid car. During sharp maneuvers, the car responds to the steering wheel without delay, feedback is predictable. Rolls remain within acceptable limits and do not scare either the driver or passengers. It is worth noting that a torsion beam is installed at the rear, not a multi-link suspension. Because of this, on bad roads in corners, the car may shift, and on bumps, knocks from the rear are possible.

Sound insulation of the cabin is at a good level: at speeds of 140–160 km/h, you can calmly talk without raising your voice. The engine is almost inaudible.

Popularity in Ukraine

The C4 is one of the best-selling cars in its class on the Ukrainian market.

In addition, it is one of the few models that Ukrainians more often choose with a diesel engine. According to the autoportal.ua sales rating, it is in the TOP-10 of its class.

Our verdict

The C4 changed the attitude of Ukrainian buyers towards the Citroën brand. Skepticism and irony were replaced by trust, which led to an increase in sales and market share. Owners note reliability and the absence of serious complaints. The cost of operation is average and will not hit the budget. In the end, this is a modern European car with a good price-quality ratio.