Test: Citroën C4 PureTech 130 (2021) // French Adventure
There's so much I want to tell you about the new C4 that I don't even know where or how to start. Yes, sometimes it's difficult, even when there is something to say ... Maybe I start where, as a rule, any communication with the car begins. Outside, in his image. Of course, you can discuss (not) love, but I will say right away that we will not draw conclusions. However, it can be concluded that the newcomer is attractive. How else!
Even if you only see it as Citroën's last cry to the brand in Europe's most important compact five-door segment after a decade and a half when two generations of the expressionless and uncompetitive bitter-tasting C4 have sunk into oblivion, nothing. The burden of the name that has come to replace the once hugely popular Xsara can be heavy, but after an intense conversation with a newbie, I assure you, you won't even think about the past.... For at least the last 20 or 30 years of Citroën's history. After 1990, when the XM became Europe's Car of the Year, Citroën's fame was only a reminder of the distant past.
But both designers and engineers, designers, obviously knew pretty damn well what elements were necessary for success. Is it too early to say about success? It may be true, but the ingredients that C4 needs. I'll explain everything to you.
It doesn't take much imagination to recognize the most recognizable and legendary models from Citroën history, especially on the newcomer's rear. DS, SM, GS ... A tall figure that at the same time reveals the concept of a crossover, an attractive sideline with an almost coupe-like roofline and a rear with redesigned headlights that catch the eye of passers-by. And if you look at this, I assure you that you will not look away for a while. Because all design elements are inspired by modernity and also reveals a sense of design to the details. Just look, for example, at the headlights or the red-edged gaps on the door.
Opening the door makes a pleasant and high-quality impression by German standards, but I resent that he raised his leg high above the massive threshold. Moreover, the seven is relatively low and at first just looking for a good position behind the wheel. Well, to be honest, with my 196 centimeters, I really belong to that few percent of drivers who will not sit perfectly in a C4, but still - good.
The seats are sturdy and the playfulness of the interior design with all the elements (ventilation slots, door inserts, seat seams, switches ...) testifies to French origin. It is rare to find brands that pay so much attention to interior details. All materials, whether plastic or fabric, are pleasant to the eye and to the touch, the workmanship is at a high level, with the number and originality of storage spaces. but this time the French are competing with the Italians. In some places they even surpass them. In front of the passenger in the front seat is not only a large classic drawer, but also a drawer for documents and even an innovative tablet holder.
While the front seat is average, the rear seat is even above average, especially in length, slightly less headroom, which is just a tax on the sloping roofline. But there is still enough space for normally grown adult passengers. And then there is a very decently spacious trunk with a comfortable double bottom behind light doors, which is a little reluctant to close the first time. The rear bench seat backs fold easily, the lower section aligns with the lower section of the luggage compartment, and the very flat rear window on five doors prevents really large items from being transported.
The steering wheel grips well, and its slightly taller position also gives me good visibility, at least to the rear, where the modified rear window (like the previous C4 coupe or perhaps the Honda Civic) doesn't provide a good rearward view.
But most of all - which is a pleasant surprise - is The interior of the C4, which is of course smaller in design from a functional point of view, pursues minimalism, proves how little we really need in the cabin.. Forget the huge screens that replaced the classic dashboards, forget their endless image customization options... The modest screen is probably smaller than most smartphones today, without any customization, but with a transparent speed display and a slightly modest speedometer. is proof that less is actually more. You won't miss anything and no element will unnecessarily distract your attention. At the same time, decent side lighting is a nice ambient element of French design.
A similar implementation occurs when operating the infotainment system on a touchscreen, under which there are only two physical switches. Six simple menus, easy access to most functions, transparency and ease of use only confirm the concept of "less is more".... And, perhaps most importantly, he is pleased that the classic rotary and pushbutton switches are for air conditioning. This only confirms that the touchscreen control in the C4 Cactus (and in some other models of the concern) was a thing of the past.
It's time to start the engine, which in the C4 requires a little more push on the engine start / stop switch than its competitors. The turbocharged 1,2-liter three-cylinder that is the legacy of the C3 Cactus otherwise powers too many PSA models. (and the Stellantis connection) is subtle and almost inaudible. His appetite is calm, but he readily responds to commands from the accelerator pedal. He loves to spin and always remains pleasantly quiet. This, as it becomes clear from the communication, and which is not least confirmed by our measurements, is mainly due to the excellent sound insulation of the C4 interior. Sound comfort is really high, even at highway speeds.
But perhaps even more important is the smoothness of the ride. No, I can't admit that it suits me mainly because EMŠO is more and more ruthless with me every day., but nowadays in the automotive industry, when most manufacturers are pursuing mainly chassis hardness with the mantra that it is the only or at least one of the most important criteria for the quality of a car, the softness, more precisely, the comfort of the C4 suspension is just a nice difference. . And, above all, the realization that the vast majority of drivers appreciate it much more than a hard-tuned chassis combined with low-sidewall tires.
Everything is different here. The large but narrow tires have high beads, the chassis is soft and, yes, in the C4, you will also notice body creep during decisive acceleration and braking.... Events that would otherwise merit sharp criticism are not in the least disturbing here. Well, maybe quite a bit. However, throughout the entire cultivation story that C4 tells through communication, this is at least an expected, if not a necessary element.
I attribute his superiority mainly to him exceptional ability to absorb and swallow various irregularities, especially short ones, and on longer ones, body vibrations are quite noticeable. This is a surefire recipe for potholed Slovenian roads. Because, as you know, it is somehow true that those who do not know how to tune the chassis in this segment, like the Ford Focus or Honda Civic, should leave it as it is, without any ambition for sportiness.
First of all, the C4 chassis handles corners well. The steering mechanism, although not the most straight, which is also confirmed by a significant number of turns from one extreme point to another, but gives a good feeling of what is happening under the wheels, and the chassis, despite its softness, remains in the given direction for a long time, even at high corners. On the other hand, in cities, the C4 is extremely maneuverable and manages to turn the wheels at really decent angles.
The engine, as already mentioned, is always a very decent passenger and, although with a three-cylinder design and a modest volume, it may not make such an impression, it is also suitable for highways. In addition to being quiet and muffled, it also features infinite flexibility, which is even more useful in urban environments where there is no need to rush the gear lever. Although - which probably makes me even happier, especially in cities and on regional roads - this the manual transmission is extremely precise and surprisingly fast.
Admittedly, the gear lever movements are extremely long, but don't be fooled, as any tampering with it actually confirms how well and, above all, how differently the French engineers did their job. However, even this combination of engine and transmission, if you just follow the advice for shifting gears, pays off very economical in terms of performance. Admittedly, an automatic transmission, in this case an eight-speed, is an even more convenient choice, but you'll have to pay an extra $2100 for it, so you might be wondering if you really need it.
Instead, you can opt for one of the higher trim levels, even though the C4 is basically a well-equipped car. In the test case - the Shine version - this includes, among other things, hands-free access and start of the car, front and rear parking sensors with a clear display on the center screen, advanced traffic sign recognition, safety warning too short, lane keeping system ...
The Citroën with the C4 is certainly more attractive than it has ever been in the last 17 years since the first C4 of the new era was introduced, and it is attractive and modern. With arguments to be taken into account even when looking at the Golf, Focus, Megane, 308. Now there are no more excuses. Especially if you're flirting with the concept of an SUV, you can't decide on the right one. Then C4 is the best compromise. It's not really that much of a compromise, because you'd be very hard pressed to accuse him of anything serious. Surprised? Believe me, so do I.
Citroën C4 PureTech 130 (2021)
Basic data
| Sales: | C Import of cars |
|---|---|
| Test model cost: | 22.270 € |
| Base model price with discounts: | 22.050 € |
| Test model price discount: | 20.129 € |
| Power: | 96kW (130 KM) |
| Acceleration (0-100 km / h): | 9,9 with |
| Maximum speed: | 208 km / h |
| Guarantee: | General warranty 5 years or 100.000 km mileage. |
| Systematic review | 15.000 km / 12 |
Cost (up to 100.000 km or five years)
| Regular services, works, materials: | 1.142 € |
|---|---|
| Fuel: | 7.192 € |
| Tires (1) | 1.176 € |
| Loss of value (within 5 years): | 13.419 € |
| Compulsory insurance: | 2.675 € |
| CASCO INSURANCE (+ B, K), AO, AO + | 5.600 ( |
| Calculate the cost of auto insurance | |
| Buy up | 31.204 € |
