Citroën has released first details of the brand new C4. With a huge accent on design, customizable interior and technologies imported from the superior classes, the new Citroën C4 is ready to take the fight in its class to a new level. Just look at the pictures!
Are you surprised? I think not, because the new Citroen C4 isn’t a revolutionary looking car as it’s predecessor.
But it looks more than ok for a compact hatchback. It also has some kind of german stance, as if Citroen wants to compete directly the well known VW Golf. With its sculpted lines and high quality finish, New C4 cuts a distinctive profile, striking an impression of strength, stability and balanced proportions. Neatly defined and flowing surfaces are showing us a minimalist yet dynamic interpretation of the Brand’s new visual values: the double chevron is now sending some wings to what seem to be the most interesting lights in the segment, and the lateral nervures break as if the car is passing by at high speed even when it stands still.
I’m sure that if you remove the Citroen badge, it’s getting very close to the Audi A3 Sportback style. The new C4 also has a little bit of agressiveness, but overall it’s a very calm car. Only from behind one could definitely say that it’s a french elegance. That’s why it’s also more interesting than in the previous C4. See more after the jump…
The tasteful addition of chrome detailing combines with the dynamic headlight styling and sculpted alloy wheels to give the new model a premium presence, derived directly from the inspirational lines of the new DS3.
The new Citroen C4 has a length of 4,33 metres, which is normal for it’s segment. But the real deal is the boot volume, which is now 408 litres, almost 80 litres more than it’s predecessor. The interior is more classic than the first C4, which means goodbye the fix-centre of the steering wheel and farewell the centre console instrumet panel. It’s like you are in a Citroen C5, but everything is more simpler.
So we can forgo the cramped space for the rear passengers that was featured by the former C4, and expect some novelties usually encountered in the upper classes: personal comfort in the New C4 can be tailored to suit individual requirements with users able to adjust the colour of the driver’s instrument display, select their own ‘polyphonic’ sound alerts, finely adjust the intensity of the air-conditioning and even immerse themselves in the rich surround-sound of the new audio system. Some models even come with a new massage function on the front seats.
Alongside existing range technologies, such as EGS (Electronic Gearbox System), hill start assist, automatic electric parking brake, Lane Departure Warning System and Xenon dual-function directional headlamps, New C4 will be available with convenient and useful new technologies – some of which are unique to the segment. These include a new blind-spot monitoring system, a cornering light function, cruise control and speed-limiter with road speed memory settings, and an innovative new service called eTouch.
As well as offering on-board emergency assistance, Citroën’s eTouch system enables drivers to monitor their driving patterns and fuel consumption, and receive advice on how to improve their fuel economy. The system also allows drivers to consult their vehicle’s technical status and monitor any necessary maintenance or servicing requirements.
Designed to be an environmentally respectful family car, New C4 uses the latest Citroën technology to reduce its environmental impact. New C4 will be available with Citroën’s new micro-hybrid e-HDi powertrains, which feature the latest generation Stop & Start system that helps deliver CO2 emissions as low as 109g/km at launch – and 99g/km on future models. Michelin Energy Saver tyres are also specified to help achieve these low emissions and to boost fuel economy. The control of the car’s overall weight – in spite of the increased dimensions and added equipment – has been achieved using new technologies, such as laser welding, in the model’s construction. The use of 15% ‘green’ materials – for example, re-cycled polyamide components – also enhances New C4’s environmental credentials.
Unfortunately, it’s rather disappointing when you look under the hood. Where you are offered a choice of three petrol engines (1.4 VTi 95 HP, 1.6 VTi 120 HP and a turbocharged 1.6 THP 155 HP, coupled only to a 6 speed robotized transmission) and the 1.6 HDi, which comes into three power choices: 90 HP, 110 HP and an interesting 150 HP version.
The New C4 will be produced at the Mulhouse PSA Peugeot Citroën plant in France and will premiere at the Paris Motor Show in September. We’ll see the car in reality at the Paris Motor Show in october 2010. Until then, you can admire it in the photo gallery.
Great stuff here