Citroen C4 II

2011 Citroen C4

The previous C4 wows the crowd because of two undeniable answers; the participation on World Rally Championship and the advertisement that the C4 transforms into a robot for coolness. Does this answers sounds cool? The C4 is no longer a rally car because the DS3 take place for the next WRC season, and for that, the outdated C4 is finally reborn in a fresh new second-generation basis. Welcome to the all-new, second-generation, Citroen C4.

The new C4's exterior truly celebrates to its name thanks to Citroen's design DNA and the front view is somewhat similar to the GTbyCitroen concept, providing the sportiness on this hatchback that does not need to be called eccentric or strange. It is a shame that the 3-door version of the C4 is not offered, but on the lighter side, it will be replaced by the sportier version of the C4, the DS4, to be launched next year. It seems odd that the DS4 is not a 3-door version of the C4 because of the secret rear doors offered. In the meantime, the new second generation C4 needs to be told first.

The new C4's exterior is truly a sports car in the making, but the new interior feels like a premium luxury sedan because of the luxurious features offered to keep the driver interested for more. What I personally like about the new C4 is the refreshed front seats because it resembles more like the seats commonly found on most sports cars. The leather upholstery adds a touch of class and perfects how the new C4's interior should be.

At the start, the new C4 carries various engines available; the diesel-fed 1.6-liter HDi, the 2.0-litre HDi, 1.6-litre VTi petrol engine, 1.4-litre VTi, and the range-topping 1.6-litre THP engine that comes with a turbocharger. Do not forget the new micro-hybrid 1.6-litre e-HDi engine. This new engine was made to be more of an eco-car because of its micro-hybrid technology. Most people looking for power may go for the 1.6L THP variant because of its turbocharged performance that it makes it worthy to be called a hot hatch, but for those looking for fuel efficiency may go on the 1.6L HDi 90 FAP variant because of less fuel consumption and less CO2 emissions. Depending on the variant, the available transmissions they will get is either a 5-speed MT, 6-speed MT, or 6-speed AT with Paddle Shifters (available on the new C4 e-HDi). The new C4 may be equipped with safe features such as Intelligent Traction Control, ESP, Lane Departure Warning, xenon dual-function directional headlamps, blind-spot monitoring system, cruise control, and speed-limiter.

My thoughts about the C4:
If this hatchback made a close encounter with the Opel Astra, Mazda Axela Sport, Lancia Delta, Kia Forte Hatchback, Hyundai i30, or even the Mitsubishi Galant Fortis Sportback, expect a huge dogfight on these hatchback rivals because neither a single car addict know the differences of these hatchbacks. The previous generation C4 may be good because of the Transformers-like ad, but the new second-generation Citroen C4 is now evolved from bland to glamor because of its premium features. This premium hatchback offered from Citroen has a unique taste most men would take granted for because this premium hatchback is made for their personal preference. Should you go for this or wait for the DS4? The choice is yours. The new C4 has a positive power within reach.



Photo: PSA Peugeot Citroen