Citroën South Africa is now selling the all-new generation C4 hatchback. It replaces the old car which was launched here back in 2005. From looking at the pictures one might not be too impressed, but if you trust what I tell you then you’ll believe me when I say it looks better in the metal. Much better in fact.
What’s always set Citroën apart from other automakers was its styling; quirky, different, original. In the recent past such standards have slipped from its grip, but we are seeing glimpses of the old philosophy creeping back in cars like the DS3. Unfortunately the new C4 is very conventional. Don’t be fooled by the Banglesque kinks on the bodywork; everyone is doing that nowadays. I supposed the brand wants to attract the average hatch buyer who doesn’t want to feel alienated by his or her choice in car.
One of the main things I noticed while sitting on the driver’s seat was how solid the C4 felt. Materials come straight off the top drawer in terms of the segment, and nothing felt like it would fall off at 120km/h. Taking into account previous-generation models, this is a major achievement. It’s also quite soft to the feel, almost feminine in fact. Citroën has always been the Mercedes-Benz of small cars as far as comfort is concerned, and this car takes it up a notch. They’ve even added a massage function for the two front seats, which is something new for this price-segment.
Only one engine is offered with the range of five models. At its weakest it makes 88kW or about 74kW at high altitude places like Johannesburg, Nelspruit and Polokwane. As a result it fails to breathe properly and loses significant breath on take-off and overtaking. Thankfully once it gets running it is quite smooth and gear changes from the 5-speed manual are natural. Yes it is on the soft-side but that’s fine for an everyday family cruiser.
A higher output version produces 110kW but only comes with an EGS6 semi-automated gearbox – it has a clutch within its bowels but no clutch pedal for your left foot. I didn’t get to pilot this particular one but from previous experience with these jerky ‘boxes, it’s probably best to stay away from it.
Nice standard touches for the interior include a really lovely-looking steering wheel (which has a swivelling mid-boss, unlike the old car), an Arkamys sound system, an onboard trip computer that helps keep tabs on fuel consumption etc, and cruise control. Higher trim models get Bluetooth, optional sat nav, climate control, rain sensor, parking sensors and blind spot warning.
Euro NCAP tests have given the C4 a five-star rating, thanks among other safety features, to standard ABS brakes with EBD, electronic stability programme (ESP), traction control and six airbags.
Citroën is entering a buzzing hive of activity in the form of Toyota’s Auris X, Mazda3, Honda Civic hatch, Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Hyundai i30, Peugeot 308 and Renault Megane. And that’s not even all of them! A tough task – some say mission impossible – lies ahead, but I don’t believe it will be lost by a bad product. Marketing and after-sales service will be the key factors for a small French outfit trying to penetrate an ever-growing club of best-sellers.
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