Range of new efficient Euro6-compliants engines aim to keep Citroen C4 competitive
2015-01-30 18:32:48
French company, Citroën, has given its C4 model a raft of new eco-friendly engines and has taken the opportunity to revise the exterior styling and tweak the interior. The revised model will cost from around £14,700 when it goes on sale in the spring.
Externally, the most noticeable changes are to the headlights which now feature LED running lights which, according to Citroën, add “expression” to the look. At the rear, there are 3D-effect tail lamps, similar to those seen on the DS3 Cabrio. Higher-level trims also get touches of chrome applied to the front and rear bumpers.
The C4’s overall size hasn’t changed from the pre-facelift model, which means it remains 4,330mm long, 1,790mm wide and 1,490mm high. The class-leading boot space for the sector remains at 408-litres. Updated 17-inch alloy wheels are also available.
But the biggest changes relate to what has happened under the bonnet with a new range of Euro6-compliant engines.
Two versions of the 1.2-litre 3-cylinder PureTech petrol engines are now offered, in 108bhp or 128bhp states of tune. These will be familiar to Peugeot 308 drivers. When mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, the 108bhp version is capable of returning 60.1mpg on the combined cycle whilst emitting just 110g/km of CO2. Its maximum power output is delivered at 5,500rpm whilst its torque is available from as little as 1,750rpm.
These petrol units will sit alongside two versions of the 1.6-litre BlueHDi diesel engines, featuring outputs of 99bhp and 118bhp. Both engines major on economy and embrace the latest technologies, including AdBlue injection to lower CO2 and particulate emissions.
The lower-powered diesel unit delivers all its grunt from 3,750rpm whilst the larger unit is slightly more relaxed, delivering its full power at 3,500rpm. Both deliver their maximum pulling ability (torque) from the same 1,750rpm, with the 98bhp version delivering 187lb ft and the larger 118bhp unit delivering 221lb ft. Coupled to stop-start technology, the company says that up to 78.5mpg has been recorded for the BlueHDi 120PS on the combined cycle, and with emissions of just 95g/km of CO2, it is also exempt from road tax.
Inside, the biggest change buyers of the pre-facelift version will find is the introduction of a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This offers satellite navigation, hands-free Bluetooth connectivity for both phone calls and streaming audio, as well as vehicle settings functions. Soft leather adorns the dashboard and there are chrome-finish flourishes applied to the steering wheel controls, air vents and gear lever.
In addition, there are new seats – and dependent on model, can be ordered with a massage function option. There is also keyless entry and start. In terms of safety equipment, like before, there is also blind spot warning, lane departure warning and hill start assist availability.
The final on sale date with pricing details have yet to be confirmed. However, we do not envisage any significant increase in the entry-level price – which currently starts from £14,700 – and goes on to £21,600.
This article was prepared by First4Auto our Car News team.
Reported By
Andrew Merritt-Morling
Chief Editor
Associate Member Of The Guild Of Motoring Writers
