What Have We Got?
The original Citroën C4 was sold with the tagline “ Alive with technology” Following the latest software update, that C4 is now running on bloat wear and a knackered hard drive. The new C4 is a step in the right direction and yet still maintains the original tag. It once again brims with tech and that tech mainly comes in the choice of drivetrains. This modular chassis now covers the diesel and petrol engines as well as the battery or EV model. Both the petrol and EV were under review.
Driving
Citroën says they have worked hard designing the bits underneath to create a platform that feels and behaves the same no matter what power option you go for. In print, it works. In practice, it doesn’t and in some ways, though in no way a fault of the French company, it simply can’t.
For a start, the petrol fitted with a manual gearbox sinks and rises under hard acceleration like that from an old hydropneumatic suspended GS. It’s quite a nice feeling and brings back memories of one of the reasons that made Citroën famous.
In the EV model, the power through the electric motors is instant and direct. And with no rise and fall of torque like that found through the rev range on an internally combustible engine (or ICE as it’s now often called), the ride is noticeably different.
The C4 EV feels like the better car to hustle along quickly. The steering, while light in the petrol, has an advantage/disadvantage depending on your requirements for being that little bit heavier. To me it was perfect and gave a better feel of what the front wheels were doing. Always handy with torque being so instantly available.
The extra weight of over 200kg for the EV spread low across the chassis also made for a more grounded car. The differences were proudly noticeable. Each drivetrain has its own for and against argument.
Inside
Inside is a mixture of love it or WHAT! The backlit fascia panel housing the speedometer is a nice touch. Just something never seen before and visually very pleasing. Again this harks back to a time when Citroën was doing things just a little bit differently because that was what they did well.
However there is just one piece of metal or fabric inserted into the door cards that leaves me somewhat lost for words to describe. It feels out of place and quite bland. That said the door cards have a nice architecture that is mimicked for both front and rear doors.
Living With It
Citroën have however created a problem for themselves in their quest to make the cabin as quiet as possible because it has. It’s phenomenal. The trouble is it highlights a few issues. Now while there is very little road roar from the tyres, the 18” alloys have an annoying ability to transmit some of the issues the new PHC suspension suffers from and that’s mainly indifferent surfaces. On the whole, it rides well but some surfaces or raised parts do amplify themselves into the cabin. Perhaps a 16 or 17” alloy and more rubber might improve on this.
And then there is the “whoosh” from cars going past you. I’m not used to it in my daily chugger so this was another noise amplified into the cabin. That said, sit in your own car with the engine off and you will hear it.
The Verdict
We didn’t get the chance to try the diesel but from what I have heard, the reports are favourable so don’t rule out the DERV just yet. However on a back-to-back that we had here I would be happy with either model. And visually, they look good too. There is a hint of the Citroën GS about it. And that was a revolutionary car.
