Driving Citroën C4 C-Cross 1.2PT 130PS EAT8: Reviving the GSA legend

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What grade do you give him?4 Votes
9
7.9

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  
Fuel consumption - Mixed cycle 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

photo gallery

Conclusion
Citroën returns to its design and driving roots with an innovative model in the midsize segment that focuses on comfort and ride quality at a reasonable cost! All this in a Fastback body with Crossover references and spearheaded by the hydro-pneumatic development of the past! The Citroën C4 C-Cross, although modern stylistically, succeeds in evoking nostalgia, reviving the legend of the GSA as an evolution in our time!  
Interior & practicality
7.4
Current expenditure
8.4
Road behaviour
7.9
Performance
6.6
Enjoyment factor
8.2
value for money
8.4
Comfort
8.7
What grade do you give him?4 Votes
9
SYN
Rolling quality
Suspension feel
Design / Style
Comfort
Equipment level
Technology
Price/value ratio
PLEEN
Visibility
Luggage volume
7.9