For many the new C4 is the best model in the range of the modern Citroën, focusing on values of the past and with a design that stands out. In our weekly symbiosis we had at our disposal the top of the range version of the thermal engines, with 130 horsepower and automatic transmission. Let's get to know it in detail!
Fixed value
The French company has always built innovative and affordable small cars with the know-how and technology of the larger and more expensive Citroën, based on the spirit and philosophy of the first DS. Before the Xsara and ZX, Citroën had the pioneering GSA as its representative in the segment, making it clear that a good small family car could be affordable. Citroën introduced the first generation of the C4 in 2004 , which with its name change showed the company's willingness to change its philosophy with more radical proposals. Now the C4 has reached its fourth generation, with a model that inherits the spirit and philosophy of the archetypal GS, which can be considered its true successor!
The art of being different
The spearhead of the new C4 C-Cross is its design, as the car is unlike any other, attracting interest and attention!
Starting from the front, we notice that it adopts the new Family look of the company, in its most representative form! The grille, with its integrated nickel-plated stripes, adopts the Citroën emblem in the centre and extends to the two-level Led headlights, forming an X. The bonnet features the characteristic dips above the fenders!
The fastback bodywork characterises the car's profile, which is unlike any other model in the class. Instead, it's a modern take on the GSA line, adopting muscular surfaces and strong nerves, giving it life and dynamism. The 15.6 cm clearance from the ground, combined with the plastic protectors on the lower part, gives it the necessary crossover look!
The rear side captures the greatest design interest. The sharply sloped rear window ends in a distinct spoiler, below which there is an even smaller window. The fifth door is crossed horizontally by a black frame that houses the highly impressive LED graphic lights that at night form the Citoriën's "gears". The muscular bumper, completes the dynamic design with an aerodynamic diffuser and the two exhaust tips at the ends!
Futuristic aesthetics
The same unique design style has been chosen for the interior, creating a futuristic and welcoming cabin with simple lines that do not tire the eye and with a sense of modernity!
Central to the dashboard is the beautiful 10-inch central touchscreen that houses the multimedia system, compatible with Android Auto and Apple AirPlay. Behind the aviation-style multi-function steering wheel is the 5.5-inch digital instrument panel, which provides all the information needed for the car. On the right side, the classic passenger glove box has been replaced by a folding tablet holder.
The placement of the switches is ergonomic, making it easy for the driver to find them while driving! At the same time, with 16 practical compartments for small items with a total capacity of 39 lt, it is one of the most practical proposals in the category, given that it is not an MPV or SUV.
The quality and assembly are at a fairly high level, creating a pleasant environment for passengers. The soft materials with good tactile feel and very careful finishing leave the best impressions.
The Advanced Comfort seats provide ideal comfort with excellent lateral support. They have a special soft padding with a variable degree of compression, so that they ensure top comfort during long hours of use and travel.
While the luggage volume is 380 litres, which, with the seats fully folded, extends to 1,250 litres!
It highlights the dynamism of the
Under the bonnet of our Citroën C4 test car is the familiar turbocharged 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with 130 hp and 230 Nm of torque from the PureTech family, mated to the 8-speed "EAT 8" automatic transmission. The set looks ideal to move the C4's body with ease, highlighting its dynamism!
Building on the know-how of the posts
After getting to know the Citroën C4 C-Cross in theory, it's time to experience it in real conditions, so that we can draw safe conclusions!
In the city moves pleasantly, focusing on comfort. Its volume is within the "urban" limits. Quite agile and nervous. The high driving position offers good front and side visibility, but not at the rear, which is nevertheless not a problem, due to the presence of a rear view camera.
In the mountain and rural network the driver will appreciate the top-notch feel of the car on any road surface and especially on demanding winding roads! It all starts with the "Progressive Hydraulic Cushion" shock absorbers which feature hydraulic bump stops, with clear references to the hydro-pneumatic suspensions of the past that characterised the French company's models. The car is incredibly stable and comfortable, offering a unique driving experience! The feeling is like flying over the road. The car grips the road very well, absorbing any bumps that don't enter the cabin, it turns exemplary and will delight the conscious driver and Citroën enthusiast who was eagerly seeking the driving sensation of Citroën cars of decades past!
On the motorway is possibly the best ride quality in the mainstream midsize class. It all comes from the top-of-the-line suspension, which, combined with the Stellantis EMP II's robust chassis and low aerodynamic coefficient, has achieved this result. The car delivers lessons in comfort even on long journeys! The sound insulation levels are also at a very high level. Even at very high speeds, these features of the driving experience remain unchanged!
General Citroën has managed to focus on the driving characteristics of the past, which have become the benchmark of the brand, reviving the flying Citroën feel! Comfort is the main feature of the car in all conditions. At the same time it is a pleasure to drive, offering a unique experience! The average combined fuel consumption reached 7.5 litres per 100 km! A satisfactory price for the category! It has three driving programs. Eco, for reduced fuel consumption, ideal for urban traffic, with the engine limiting horsepower and torque, Normal, which is the most balanced for everyday use and Sport in which the engine mapping and set-up changes, which offers the greatest driving pleasure!
Reconstituted
After many decades, Citroën returns to its roots with a car that has all the features that traditional fans of the brand long for! It focuses on its own audience and converts the new generation to a different driving experience! The French model appeals to this part of the consumer audience and is reinvented with its timeless corporate identity!
Wide range of versions for all budgets
The Citroën C4 C-Cross available from 23.650 € including VAT in the introductory "Live Pack" version with a 100 hp engine and manual transmission. The top of the range "Shine" test version costs 33,300 euros including VAT!
Technical characteristics
AMAXOMA |
|
Press |
Fastback |
Seats |
5 |
Doors |
5 |
CONSUMPTION - EMISSIONS - SUBSIDIES |
|
Κατανάλωση καυσίμου – Μικτός κύκλος |
4.8 l/100 km |
CO2 emissions |
110 g/km |
Fuel type |
Petrol |
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h |
10.2 sec |
Maximum speed |
210 km/h |
Exhaust Gas Specifications |
Euro 6d-ISC-FCM |
Weight/power ratio |
9.8 kg/Hp, 101.7 Hp/tonne |
Weight/torque ratio |
5.6 kg/Nm, 180 Nm/tonne |
ENGINE |
|
Power |
130 Hp @ 5500 rpm. |
Power per litre of displacement |
108.4 Hp/l |
Rated motor torque |
230 Nm @ 1750 rpm |
Engine layout |
Forward, transverse |
Engine model/code |
HNS EB2ADTS |
Engine casing |
1199 cm3 |
Number of cylinders |
3 |
Engine configuration |
In series |
Cylinder diameter |
75 mm |
Vaccine route |
90.5 mm |
Number of valves per cylinder |
4 |
Fuel injection system |
Direct spraying |
Engine suction |
Turbocharger , Intercooler |
Engine oil capacity |
3.5 l |
HEIGHT AND WEIGHT |
|
Weight |
1278-1371 kg |
Maximum payload |
384-477 kg |
Minimum volume of luggage space |
380 l |
Maximum volume of luggage space |
1250 l |
Fuel tank capacity |
50 l |
Permissible towing capacity with brakes (12%) |
1200 kg |
Maximum support load |
55 kg |
DIMENSIONS |
|
Length |
4355 mm |
Width |
1800 mm |
Height |
1520 mm |
Wheelbase |
2670 mm |
Front track |
1545-1560 mm |
Back trace |
1545-1560 mm |
ARCHITECTURE |
|
Movement |
On the front wheels |
Number of ratios and type of gearbox |
8 ratios, dual-clutch automatic transmission |
Front suspension |
Independent, McPherson type with coil spring and torsion bar |
Rear suspension |
Semi-independent suspension with springs |
Front brakes |
Ventilated trays |
Rear brakes |
Discs |
Auxiliary systems |
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) |
Steering system |
Management chukrania (with teeth) |
Wheels |
215/60 R17 96 or 195/60 R18 96H |