2011 Citroen C4 reviews

Citroen C4 eHDi Exclusive EGS 2011

This car has exceeded my already high expectations. At 6’5", I needed plenty of room in the cabin, and a seat that would protect my back, rather than fold me forward at the sternum. I find the new C4 seat better for me than the Mercedes S Class or BMW 7 series! The doors close quietly with well-crafted precision, whilst the quietness in the cabin is not only ’as good as’ the class above, as the marketing hype claims, but possibly exceeds some of those examples. This is a very quiet car at all speeds. I have noticed that the acoustic windscreen does a particularly good job in this area. Rear headroom is compromised by the space taken for the cover of the panoramic sunroof to retract into. And as nice as the sunroof is, it is not really appreciable by those in the front. It is great for those in the back, especially on long scenic tours. But for those who, like me, rarely carry rear passengers, and coupled with the limited headroom for them when I do, I would not hurry to spend the extra on this feature. The Denon stereo upgrade is essential, for me. It is not life-changing, merely better than average. I hate to think what the standard system sounds like in comparison. The Denon has plenty of bass and high range detail, but can lack in mid range detail. There is not a full graphic equaliser, just a preselected choice of about five ambiences eg rock, classical, etc. The sound lacks a certain ’quick-ness’, when compared with the upgraded stereo in a Saab, for example. The adaptive(steering) lighting is wonderful. After driving on twisty B roads in challenging conditions, you realise how much more confidence it imparts. It is a major contribution to safety that all cars should have as standard! I feel. Roadholding is absolutely fine. It has all the firmness I would ever want, whilst still being compliant and cushioning. The professional reviewers who criticise it for not being up to Focus standards, say, are just idiots who help feed immature boy-racer irresponsible driving styles. It’s not the car, but the driver, that makes sporty driving both fun yet safe!!! The engine is exceptionally quiet, even from cold. The EGS gearbox does take getting used to, as everyone says, but this is no criticism. Rather, it makes driving more interesting, in an age when cars can be so safe and competent as to be boring. My S Class was exactly that - boring. The 1.6 diesel might look tame on paper, but in the hands of a competent driver will overtake perfectly easily ini mid range, without running out of grunt. The fuel economy so far looks like matching the manufacturer’s claimed figures. I am already getting 60mpg on a cross country run. The whole package is just ace, for the money. I only have the top-spec due to a generous workplace lease scheme, but would say it will be an even more fantastic value car when bought secondhand. For those of you who are not sure of my credentials, I have owned many high end cars with power and toys aplenty, so for me to recommend the new C4 is really saying something.