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Once again Citroens designers have managed to build an exceptionally good looking car. Well done! And it seems reasonable to believe that the C4 will roam the compact jungle as even the prices are "to die for": The C4 limo is available from 14.990 Euro these days (price in Germany). And the tested version with the 110 hp diesel engine and particulate filter goes for 19.390 Euros.
All these goodies concerning price, good looks and great, very economic diesel blocks however have a counter weight that shows when looking into details: The closing sound of the doors resembles very much the sloppy hollow "vibra-clang" of the good old 2CVs. When the automatic central locking system kicks in after a few feet of driving it gives you the impression that someone just hurled a stone against the chassis. And immediately you resume to fantasise about what you will be saving at this price as soon as you notice the way these French guys saved on seat cushion quality, the flimsy folding hinges on the rear seats and the choice of interior materials. Needless to say that you will not find illuminated mirrors in the sun shields.
On the other hand our test car offered ESP with traction control, six airbags, alloy wheels, sensor controlled wipers, power windows with safety stop, leather trimmed steering wheel, air conditioning, a coolable glove box and radio/CD player.
As a fancy bonus all models are equipped with a built-in air freshener and nine available smells (at extra cost). But luckily every buyer can decide for himself whether he considers a sweetly vanilla stenched car desirable or not as loading the perfume barrel is not obligatory for customers.
Driving the Citroen C4 1.6 HDi 110 SX Pack with particulate filter
Engine/Powertrain * * * * *
We liked: very economic and powerful diesel engine with particulate filter as standard, a real bargain for city limit drivers.
We didn't like: the engine is very noisy in higher revs. Annoying, Citroen-typical background vibrations in neutral gear.
Comfort * * *
We liked: Many roomy compartments, integrated air freshener.
We didn't like: The numerous knobs and buttons mounted on the steering wheel are badly arranged. Front seats are rather mushy with poor side support. Rear bench and middle armrest are cheaply made and fitted (foam-cushions as a thrift-trim-version).
Driving Characteristics * * *
We liked: Well balanced in tight corners, rather stiff underpinnings.
We didn't like: Steering wheel vibrates on cobble stones, imprecise, sloppy gear shift, steering has a pendulous feel, seatbelt coils are too weak.
Room Capacities/Variability * * * *
We liked: good legroom and enough headroom even in the back row in spite of 148 cm overall height.
We didn't like: boot capacity of 320 litres is not really overwhelming (a variable rear seat bench like in quite a few of the C4s contesters would have helped, but that invariably would have raised the price)
Performance * * * * *
top speed: 192 km/h. Acceleration: 0 – 100 km/h in 11,2 sec. Consumption during test driving: 6,4 litres/100 km. Price in Austria for C4 1.6 HDi 110 SX Pack with particulate filter: 21.190 Euros (incl. taxes)
Data From the Manufacturer
Engine
turbocharged commonrail diesel with intercooler, 4 cylinders in line, 1560 ccm, 80 kW/109 hp at 4000 rpm, 260 Nm (with overboost) at 1750 rpm, four valves per cylinder.
Powertrain
front wheel drive, five-speed manual gearbox.
Chassis and Body
self supporting chassis with subframes; coil struts and wishbone in front; hinten Verbundlenkerachse mit Lõngslenker; Kurvenstabilisator, coil springs and telescope shock absorbers in front and rear.
Tyres, Brakes and Steering
four wheel discs, ABS; parking brake on rear wheels, Zahnstangenlenkung mit Servo, fuel capacity 60 litres, tyres 195/65 R 15, 205/55 R 16, wheels 6/6.5 J.
Dimensions and Weights
wheel base 2610 mm, length 4260 mm, width 1770 mm, height 1460 mm, 10,7 m turning circle; overall weight from 1270 kg.
Consumption
for 100 km (according to company): urban 6,0, extra-urban 4,0, mixed 4,7 litres diesel.
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