AFTER THE dull and boring Xsara, Citroen returned to doing what it does best in 2004 - designing unique and interesting cars. The C4 had an immediate appeal with a distinctive profile and features such as the LCD dashboard display and a fixed-hub steering wheel in which only the outer rim rotated, not the whole wheel.
Citroen also promised a return to high standards of reliability - but more, much more, of that later. The C4 was launched with a good range of engines, the best of which was the 1.6 HDi diesel unit.
Compared to other cars in the class, there is a special feeling when you sit behind the wheel and lots of glass gives an airy sensation. But the quality of plastic inside is not great.
The front seats are very comfortable but the rear ones are cramped because of the sloping roof. The boot is good but not overly generous by the standards of competitors.
The ride is typically Citroen and very comfortable but handling is no more than average, with quite a degree of wallowing when the car is pushed. The steering is also vague and generally agreed to be over-assisted. That said, the overall experience is agreeable enough.
The diesel is peppy and economical and later units have a CO2 emission level of 120g/km, which is very impressive.
The C4 scored a top five-star rating in the EuroNCAP crash tests, helped by equipment such as adaptive front airbags (they deploy according to the severity of impact), brake force distribution, brake assist and traction control. Again, very impressive.
Much less impressive is the problems that the car has had. There have been recalls for problems with front airbags, the immobiliser system, the hand brake, water ingress into the ABS system control unit, brake fluid leaks, the system controlling the diesel engine management, the boot lock affecting the central locking system and leaking diesel fuel pipes.
That's about as long as list as I have seen in some time.
A 2006 five-door car with 1.6 petrol engine (110 HP) and 18,000 km is at one garage for €11,700. A 2007 three-door with 7,000 km is €13,400.
STAR RATING: 4/10
