Citroën is about to launch a C4 successor to the ageing Xsara, itself introduced in 1997 to replace the ZX. Code-named B5, it's based on the platform of the Peugeot 307.
The exterior design is a make-over of the Airdream concept car, by young designer Alexandre Malval and shown to the public in 2003. It will be both hatchback and coupé, but only the coupé will feature the pavilion-like glass architecture of the rear end, giving it a radically different appearance than the hatch.
The five-door brings its smaller C3 brother to mind, but the more unusual version will be the three-door coupé, photographed here doing winter tests under disguise.
The C4-range will consist only of these two versions. No estate or saloon are planned. It will make use of the Peugeot 307's drivetrain, underpinnings and electronics. The electronics will be more refined including a radar-based distance control.
Another new feature will be a non-turning centre-section of the steering wheel. This will allow of all controls for radio, climate, phone etc to be located right in front of the driver. This system, first presented in the Activa concept car in 1998, now makes it into production for the first time.
Power will be provided by a wide range of petrol and diesel engines, including the 2-litre 180 bhp unit known from the Peugeot 206 RC and 307 CC.
Automedia