Test: Citroen C4 Aircross HDi 150 4WD Exclusive
Content
It may be difficult for anyone to separate the Citroën (C4) Aircross and (C-) Crosser models, at least initially, but the C4 Aircross will be much easier to get used to. After all, outwardly it is pleasant, also recognizable Citroën and even very similar to a regular C4. At the same time, thanks to familiar tricks, technical and aesthetic, it has turned into a soft SUV, and even that seems very successful. Which, of course, is the first and, in many cases, the main condition for the customer to contact the salon. And buy it.
While it looks like a purebred Citroën on the inside, it doesn't. It was created in collaboration with Mitsubishi and is technically related to their ASX model in many ways. In fact (and this one in particular, which we'll get back to in the mechanical description), to put it simply, the C4 Aircross is more Mitsubishi than Citroën, but trust me - it shouldn't be taken as a bad thing for the most part. Vice versa.
The assumption that the C4 Aircross will be bought by a person who will register his "old" Citroën in the showroom is quite likely. So it's worth pointing out how much Citroën will actually get with this - if you subtract, of course, the already mentioned typical Citroën design style outside and inside.
Of course, in many ways, these features are applicable to a specific version, taking into account the equipment and mechanics. Thus, since the test Aircross was equipped with a smart key, the warning bell will ring immediately after you press a button that you have not yet zipped. In the early twilight, you will also find that the switches on the driver's door are off and the windows do not open automatically. Both are valid not only for the driver's windshield, but he also knows only fluff.
There is also a difference in cruise control, which Citroëns usually has a speed limiter option, but not here. On the other hand, Aircross has accomplished a lot; Cruise control now also works in third gear (which comes in handy in high-rise villages) and is much richer than you'd expect with a large touchscreen infotainment system (infotainment interface). In addition to DVD playback and RCA input, it offers a variety of toys that are either useful, boredom relief on longer trips, or both.
Namely, the system monitors temperature and altitude, and can also transmit them depending on the time for the last three hours; barometer and altimeter can also be called up by the driver separately as current values; bluetooth and monthly view calendar are also part of the equipment; a lap timer is also available, which is most likely not for the race track but for comparing any multiple routes; over the past three hours, you can also see the progress of speed and fuel consumption. Navigation (also Slovenian), an audio system with USB input and a rich trip computer are, of course, the main functions of this system.
The driver can adjust the position behind the niche, but it is necessary to adjust it, including the rear-view mirrors, very precisely, since the driver does not like even small deviations from this. The steering wheel buttons could have been placed a little more comfortably, but there are plenty of storage and storage space for the front passengers. In total, the Aircross, for example, can hold seven cans or half-liter bottles, but as mentioned, most of the storage space is in the front.
For rear passengers, there are only two pockets and two nets on the backs of the front seats and two places for drinking. There is no electrical outlet in the back, no vents, no drawers in the doors, no lighting. The latter is most likely due to the built-in panoramic skylight (with stunningly beautiful ambient lighting), but there are only two lights in the entire cabin - for reading for front passengers.
Nothing special in the trunk either. Its volume really is 440 liters, and it really extends by a third, but this only applies to its back - the seat is fixed. In addition, the bottom of the trunk is high, the loading edge is high, the width of the trunk opening at the top is extremely narrow, there is a single light in the trunk, there is no 12-volt socket, there is no hook, there is no practical box. If you are to be consoled, the volume until the end of the increase is a pleasant 1.220 liters.
The Aircross is also available with Citroën turbo diesels, and this one, like the rest of the mechanics, is owned by Mitsubishi. The cold engine immediately obeys and reacts, and its performance (when heated, of course) is sufficient for a very good acceleration of 130 kilometers when it spins in sixth gear at about 3.000 rpm. It wakes up at around 1.800 rpm (below which it can be used only conditionally), spins up to 4.800 rpm and even in fourth gear it touches the red field of the tachometer (4.500).
Despite the high body structure and almost one and a half tons of dry weight, it also consumes little if the driver holds the accelerator pedal moderately. The trip computer showed an average consumption of three liters per 100 kilometers at 100 kilometers per hour, five per 130, nine per 160 and 11 per 180 kilometers per hour on a tape (that is, rather inaccurate) counter. In fact, the only (minor) weakness of the drive system is the stop-start system, which was sometimes confused with the fact that the engine had to be restarted at the push of a button.
The steering system isn't heavily beefed up, so cornering feels hard rather than light, but even to the point where it doesn't feel heavy, just slightly sporty. It is true that it does not allow high speeds, but the Aircross is not a sports car, so it should not be considered a disadvantage. The gear lever movements are also very un-Citroën - short and sporty.
The test Aircross was equipped with smart all-wheel drive, the most beautiful feature of which is nimble. To serve the driver, he does not need any theoretical knowledge or to understand anything. The button for it has three positions; 2WD is the position in which it is necessary to drive in normal conditions under the wheels, since in this case the engine with only front-wheel drive consumes less fuel; when it indicates rain, it indicates a switch to 4WD, with rear-wheel drive engaging automatically (and instantaneously) as needed when the front wheels slip at least a little while in drive.
This makes starting, cornering and sliding uphill on slippery surfaces much easier and safer. However, when the drive gets stuck in deep snow or mud, a third LOCK position with a center differential lock can help. The smart drive also means that turning the handle while on the move cannot damage the mechanics.
So what does the word Aircross have to do with this Citroën, which also lacks air suspension? Yes, sometimes it just doesn't make sense to deal with such problems. I say it sounds good. Now you know everything else about him.
VEHICLE TEST ACCESSORIES
Navigation system and rear view camera 1.950
Rear parking sensors 450
Decoration hardware package 800
Panoramic roof window 850
Metallic paint 640
Text: Vinko Kernc
Citroen C4 Aircross HDi 150 4WD Exclusive
Basic data
| Sales: | Citroën Slovenia |
|---|---|
| Base model price: | 31.400 € |
| Test model cost: | 36.090 € |
| Power: | 110kW (150 KM) |
| Acceleration (0-100 km / h): | 11,6 with |
| Maximum speed: | 198 km / h |
| Mixed flow ECE: | 8,1l / 100km |
| Guarantee: | 2 years general and mobile warranty, 3 years varnish warranty, 12 years anti-rust warranty. |
| Systematic review | 15.000 km |
Cost (up to 100.000 km or five years)
| Regular services, works, materials: | 1.244 € |
|---|---|
| Fuel: | 11.664 € |
| Tires (1) | 1.988 € |
| Loss of value (within 5 years): | 19.555 € |
| Compulsory insurance: | 3.155 € |
| CASCO INSURANCE (+ B, K), AO, AO + | 7.090 ( |
| Calculate the cost of auto insurance | |
| Buy up | € 44.696 0,45 (km cost: XNUMX €) |
Technical information
| engine: | 4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - turbodiesel - front transversely mounted - bore and stroke 83 × 83,1 mm - displacement 1.798 cm³ - compression ratio 14,9:1 - maximum power 110 kW (150 hp) s.) at 4.000 rpm - average piston speed at maximum power 11,1 m / s - specific power 61,2 kW / l (83,2 hp / l) - maximum torque 300 Nm at 2.000– 3.000 rpm - 2 camshafts in the head (toothed belt) - 4 valves per cylinder - common rail fuel injection - exhaust gas turbocharger - charge air cooler. |
|---|---|
| Energy transfer: | the engine drives all four wheels - 6-speed manual transmission - gear ratio I. 3,82; II. 2,05 1,29 hours; III. 0,97 hour; IV. 0,90; V. 0,79; VI. 4,060 - differential 1 (2nd, 3rd, 4th, 3,450th gears); 5 (6th, 8th, reverse gear) - 18 J × 225 wheels - 55/18 R 2,13 tires, rolling circumference XNUMX m. |
| Capacity: | 198 km/h top speed - 0-100 km/h acceleration in 11,5 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 6,8/4,9/5,6 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 147 g/km. |
| Transportation and suspension: | off-road sedan - 5 doors, 5 seats - self-supporting body - front single suspension, leaf springs, three-spoke transverse rails, stabilizer - rear axle shaft, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, stabilizer - front disc brakes (forced cooling), rear discs, ABS mechanical parking brake on rear wheels (lever between seats) - rack and pinion steering wheel, electric power steering, 3,1 turns between extreme points. |
| Mass: | empty vehicle 1.495 kg - permissible total weight 2.060 kg - permissible trailer weight with brake: 1.400 kg, without brake: 750 kg - permissible roof load: 70 kg. |
| External dimensions: | vehicle width 1.799 mm, front track 1.545 mm, rear track 1.540 mm, ground clearance 11,3 m. |
| Inner dimensions: | front width 1.460 mm, rear 1.480 mm - front seat length 510 mm, rear seat 460 mm - steering wheel diameter 375 mm - fuel tank 60 l. |
| Box: | 5 Samsonite suitcases (total volume 278,5 l): 5 places: 1 aircraft suitcase (36 l), 1 suitcase (85,5 l), 1 suitcases (68,5 l), 1 backpack (20 l). |
| Standard equipment: | driver and front passenger airbags - side airbags - curtain airbags - driver's knee airbag - ISOFIX mountings - ABS - ESP - power steering - air conditioning - power windows front and rear - electrically adjustable and heated rear-view mirrors - radio with CD players and MP3 players - multifunction steering wheel - central locking remote control - height and depth adjustable steering wheel - height adjustable driver's seat - split rear seat - trip computer. |
Our measurements
| T = 16 ° C / p = 998 mbar / rel. vl. = 35% / Tires: Bridgestone Dueler H / P 225/55 / R 18 V / Odometer status: 1.120 km | |
| Acceleration 0-100km: | 11,6s |
|---|---|
| 402m from the city: | 18,3 years ( 126 km / h) |
| Flexibility 50-90km / h: | 7,6 / 12,3s (IV/V) |
| Flexibility 80-120km / h: | 10,3 / 13,4s (Sun./Fri.) |
| Maximum speed: | 198km / h (WE.) |
| Minimum consumption: | 6,4l / 100km |
| Maximum consumption: | 9,7l / 100km |
| test consumption: | 8,1 l / 100km |
| Braking distance at 130 km / h: | 67,0m |
| Braking distance at 100 km / h: | 40,0m |
| AM table: | 40m |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 3rd gear | 60dB |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 4rd gear | 58dB |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 5rd gear | 56dB |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 6rd gear | 55dB |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 3rd gear | 62dB |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 4rd gear | 60dB |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 5rd gear | 59dB |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 6rd gear | 58dB |
| Noise at 130 km / h in 3rd gear | 64dB |
| Noise at 130 km / h in 4rd gear | 62dB |
| Noise at 130 km / h in 5rd gear | 61dB |
| Noise at 130 km / h in 6rd gear | 60dB |
| Idling noise: | 39dB |
| Test errors: | unmistakable |
Overall rating (326/420)
Almost exactly in the middle of the four. Neat and excellent in operation, average in area, again excellent in equipment and below average in luggage compartment. But in any case: he seems to be happier than the larger (and deceased) Sea Cross.
Exterior (13/15)
Lucky word. Typically recognizable Citroën with off-road character in a "solid" look.
Interior (91/140)
Medium seating, but small and poorly used trunk. Very good equipment, but poor lighting due to the panoramic roof.
Engine, transmission (54
/ 40)Excellent engine, transmission and drive - also depending on the type or purpose of the car. The steering mechanism, as well as the gearbox and transmission are atypical for this brand.
Driving performance (56
/ 95)With its position on the road, it finds itself in deteriorating conditions under the wheels. The driver needs something longer to get used to the environment.
Performance (33/35)
While another more powerful turbodiesel is available, it fully satisfies most requirements.
Security (37/45)
It has most of the classic equipment and safety features (with the exception of a rather small rubbed surface of the rear window), but lacks modern safety features.
Economy (42/50)
Not dusty with expense and guarantee, and not cheap.
We praise and reproach
exterior and interior
(four-wheel drive
gearbox, gear change
equipment (in general)
well-being, driving
infotainment system
efficient parking assistance system
inner drawers
rear seat passenger equipment
interior lighting
trunk
unlit switches on the door
(non) automatic window movement
the stop-start system is sometimes confusing
daytime running lights front only
