Test Drive Citroen C4 hatchback since 2004 Hatchback

Playing emotions

Like any French car of recent years, C4 attracts primarily with its extraordinary appearance. But he has and imperceptible at first sight of the dignity that can make this style with a fairly profitable purchase.
 



After all, the paradox: on the one hand, C4 has taken warmth in Russia. Unlike predecessor, the gray mouse of Ksara, he immediately broke into the number of the 15 most popular golf class models. Sales grow from month to month, and today it is the most bought from Citroen, his share is 40 percent of all sales of the brand.
 

However, in comparison with the main competitors, the C4 case is not brilliantly. From the leaders of the Japanese and Koreans, he lags behind the order, and most importantly, I even inferior to elderly to Europeans Meganu, Astre, Peugeot-307. In part, such a state of affairs is due to a non-dumping price.
 



How much is
The price list begins with 14 250 euros ($ 17,030). As if inexpensively for the European car with a motor of 1.6 liters. In addition, the list of basic equipment of version X is not at all poor. By and large, it lacks only the air conditioner (700 euros), CD-magnetol (350 euros) and metallic (200 euros). But if you equip the car for these one and a half thousand cu, it turns out that the SX equipment is still more profitable. And not only because there is already air conditioning here. In this one you do not need to pay extra for the quartet of the side pillows, it is good outside, and inside it can boast a more pleasant fabric finish. Price with music and in bright color 16,200 euros ($ 19,360). To date, not so little, but still quite real.
 

Three-door C4-1.6 (the French are called its coupe) even more profitable. In a similar VTR equipment similar to SX and with the same options, it will cost 15,540 euros ($ 18,570). It is clear that such a coupe in Russia is buying even more than five-dimensional. However, on this relatively democratic modifications in the price list and end.

True, one time, when almost all foreign firms switched to euros, and Toyota remained in the dollar par, Corolla was indeed one of the most profitable acquisitions in the golf class. However, over the past three years, she more expensive three times. Now the car with a 1.4-liter motor in the basic configuration of Terra (that in Spanish means Earth) costs $ 17,400. You can buy it with a sled sedan or hatchback and only with a manual transmission. The 1.6 L engine requires additional payments of $ 1000, an automatic machine $ 1200, an universal body (only with MCP) $ 1500. Equipment salt and this means the sun will cost $ 21,300. This machine is sold only with automatic transmission and sedan or hatchback bodies.
 

The package versions depending on the type of body is more expensive than SX at 12601340 euros. They are designed for those who are completely fascinated by the appearance of French handsome and will not regret money on such extravagant things, like a two-zone climate control, trimmed with skin steering wheel, magnificent velor in the cabin, an abundance of electronics, which makes the car more convenient, and even a set of aromatic cartridges .
 

With a 2-liter C4 engine, naturally, it becomes even more expensive. 143-strong hatchback (only with ACP and 5-door) 21,200 euros, and 180 liters. from. Available only with a three-door body of 23,900 euros. Sell \u200b\u200bsuch, understandable, units. As you can see, the choice of many models is rigidly tied to the type of body, transmission and motor. For clarity, the price (euro) we reduced the table.

List of standard equipment

Basic version x:

Power steering
ABS with emergency braking amplifier
2 airbags
On-board computer
Central castle with Du
Adjusting the driver's seat height
Front power windows
Electric and heating mirrors
Cruise control
Audio preparation
Salon fabric finish
Fog lights
Farm cleaners
15-inch steel wheels

Execution SX / VTR Optional:

Two-tonal beep
Side Pillows and Inflatable Safety Curtains
Air conditioning
Case mirrors in body color
16-inch steel wheels
Heating front armchairs (for the coupe only)
Improved tissue finish

Execution SX Pack / VTR Pack additionally:

Rain sensors, illumination, photochromic mirror (for all 1,6 AKP)
Lower bumpers in body color
CD-radio control on the steering wheel, 6 speakers
2-zone climate control
Rear power windows
Heating front armies
Aromatic air freshener
Leather steering trim
ESP (for 5-dar. 2.0 l, ACP for 21,200 euros)
Easy alloy wheels R16 (for coupe-1,6)
Package Life driving

VTS execution additionally:

Spoiler over the back door
17-inch light alloy discs
Rain sensors, illumination, photochromic mirror
Tire pressure sensor
ESP.
Multilayer glazing
Rear parkingRonik
Salon's decoration Sports: Alcantara, inserts for aluminum
Xenon headlights


Outside...
As we said, appearance without a doubt, most importantly, what gears C4 buyers. Moreover, manages to engage in different ways. After all, seeing five and three-door cars nearby, you might think that you are completely different cars.
 

The coupe generally looks at the concept from the exhibition, to the absence of protection that gave out to the street. That's where emotions, fantasy riot, real attraction! Take a look at this rapid profile, someone resembling unforgettable supercars of the 70s, someone about the mighty rally shells of double chevron of recent years. And this fantastic feed of two glass slightly bent surfaces! For most modern golf wins, the design level is inaccessible. Not in vain in many salons dealers hold one or two such cars, and even in a bright red dress exquisitely in a square. Honestly, such beauty is not able to spoil even a dense layer of Moscow winter mud.

 
  
In a five-door body, modern solutions are successfully combined with the design traditions of Citroen

The C4 compartment looks almost a racing machine. And on functionality, a little inferior to the hatchback


It seemed to you, traditionally family-winged fiftemer faded against the background of his borrowing? This is only at first glance. Yes, in general, it is much calmer, harmoniously combining rounded, smooth lines and clear graphic forms. But there is enough gambling notes. Take a look at the cunning bent, climbed to half the headlight hood, large air intakes. Plus a short rounded feed with stylish rear lanterns and a neat spoiler over the fifth door. Who said that such can not charming?
 

That is why the tips will not give. Which body to choose, in any case, your business. The attention of others provides any. Salons of each machine are largely similar.
 



and inside
Looking at a compact, rounded fortress from the side, and you will not think how convenient and light can be landing (thanks to the high roof and wide doorway) and how much space is inside. For example, in front of the front 1405 mm: they will not push each other with elbows even two heroes in winter clothes. In other medium-class machines less. In the back sofa, it will be closely only a three-year tall of the meter of ninety. And then if their native brothers basketball players sat down in front.

 
     
High and wide doorway deposit convenient landing on the rear sofa

A comfortable driver's seat also looks very stylish.
 
  
The glove box is small, but very functional. Look at how much anyone everyone can fit here
 
Even the pockets in the doors look stylish


Surprisingly, on the second row of the coupe, even despite the falling roof, there is no less space. To achieve this, constructors just below are the sofa pillow. And yet VTR is good for those who do not often take adult passengers from behind. Try to climb there. That is still pleasure.

 
   
On the hook in the end of the central console you can hang small bags

There is also a neat retractable tray for the front passenger

Covering the cover of the reservoir under the display is useful for storing documents
 
    
I will not like the flavor of menthol, the cartridge can be charged by any of the eleven other offered odors.

As in most three-door machines, climbing the back seat of the coupe is not too easy


Touching the role of the passenger, it's time to look around. It only first seems to be that from the unusual features of the cabin in the center there is a large monitor, and a large, with a small watermelon, a hub with an abundance of the buttons around the perimeter. And in the machines with the machine gun, the ACP lever in the form of a fantastically cute unspoicing buds will be delighted. But it is worth turning the ignition key ...


Behind the wheel
... as you inevitably overwhelm the wave of new bright impressions. Here are the four large monitor at once. This did not have to see in any golf class. All devices are digital. The main, the largest speedometer, with large, with a matchbox with numbers. Just below displays of stereo and climate control. And immediately before the driver, the tachometer screen. Employed with this light show (especially colorfully it is on machines with ACP, where lights from sparkling monitors and garlands scattered around the panel of control lamps are reflected on the chrome-plated lever surface), I have already gathered to go on the road. But in time she unwound. After all, I even forgot to get a lot more.
 

Five points: In this regard, with C4 it will turn out right away. The huge ranges of adjustment of the chair (back can be moved to almost 20, climb up by 5 cm) plus the wheel adjustable and the corner of the tilt of the steering wheel is visible, took care of adults of the most different growth and the complex.
 

Both mirrors with electric drives. Correctly located and widely suspended pedals, according to which it is convenient to dance and in neat shoes, and in youth discontinuous grunders. Live and be happy. And far from immediately you begin to notice that the magic of light and unusual design is hidden a number of shortcomings that make communication with the car uncomfortable.

 
 
Dashboard and controls












1. Speedometer. 2. Tachometer. 3. Coolant temperature pointer. 4. Fuel level pointer. 5. Run meter. 6. Mileage pointer to refueling. 7. Block of control lamps. 8. Power windows block. 9. Mirror electrically regulatory console. 10. Cruise control. 11. Remote stereo control. 12. Control on the onboard computer. 13. Telephone and navigation management. 14. A beep key. 15. Replaceable aromatic cartridge. 16. Information display of the radio and on-board computer. 17. Alarm switcher. 18. Boxing for documents. 19. CD magnetol. 20. Climate control unit.


To reach the backrest adjustment knob, you have to overstead the hand in the narrow slit between the central stand and the pillow. Temperature indicators, fuel levels, as well as odometer and mileage numbers before refueling is clearly fine. And try quickly remember that part of the side of the onboard computer is displayed on the top display, and the other floor is lower. And why are the information about the temperature overboard registered next to the data from the radio? In order to quickly snatch the necessary numbers of scattered numbers, the third eye does not hurt.
 

Or here is another example. Is it possible to make the volume of the volume of the stereo system and temperature control of different at least in diameter? They are located very close. However, here the calculation is rather that you will manage with music using the steering wheel buttons. True, on the SX-Pak version on this steering wheel, the hub is more like a computer keyboard. It would be enough for me two or three controls of the radio tape recorder and an on-board computer. Here is a dozen keys and quartet of the wheels.
 

Speak, little things? Will Your. Ultimately, the person gets used to everything. Even to the fact that the steering wheel hub in this extravagant salon is made fixed. Wonderful, to God! Advanced computer users from such a driver's workplace may even delight come. Especially those who give up three hundred signs per minute and still manage to manipulate the mouse. I am a man of evidence. And quickly used ... correctly, not to use all the numerous menus and the submenu, forever settled on the C4 monitors. Moreover, as I found out, during the movement to manage this economy, without releasing the hands from the steering wheel, it will not work anyway.
 

So, the last look in the mirrors ... Deploying the reverse move whether the parked passenger cars will not be hidden? And here I visited me at first, stylish flags mirrors turn out to be far from the best helpers are clearly small. Yes, and the borders of a long falling nose from a driver's seat can not be visible. Oh, no wonder the French offer not only the rear, but also the front parking sensors. Without him tight. And the mirrors after the first kilometers of the way another minus is detected.
 



On roads
In bad weather, they are very quickly covered with mud. Well, I will stop the protrus ... But after a few kilometers the same story. Well at least behind the wheel of the 5-door saves a rather big rear wiper. The coupe is a janitor with a pencil. Cleaning area with DOT ambrusura. So strong emotions during rebuildings blindly are provided.
 

Over the city, fortunately, the roads of the clock. That's where C4 will certainly be able to show his frisky temper. Immediately notice the short first two programs, a pretty cheerful feedback on the gas pedal. It is a pity, a long sore of many cars of the PSA concern's long moves of the lever mechanics of the French and there were not treated here. But the 110-strong motor with a small immediate upgradation of the injection system is not at all in vain for years already, six holds on the conveyor. He did a rather rapid Ksaru, honestly worries on C4, providing a tangible pickup after 3000 rpm. Oh, now fucking!
 

What is it, damn it? Upon reaching the maximum revolutions, the tachometer is instantly poured with blood, and the cutoff circuit occurs so that the car begins to pulsate, like a watering plant on the garden. Yes, he knows how this guy causing strong emotions. And not only among others. It is guaranteed to avoid such special effects only automatics. But consider the dynamics of such a C4-1.6 worse than the Zhiguli. However, half, even a bit more buyers prefer exactly such a four, finding her overclocking quite acceptable.
 

In any case, the automatic C4 with a 143-strong engine take units, despite the fact that it exchanges a hundred for 10.1 per half seconds faster than the car 1.6 liters with mechanics. The tary of the same temperamental driving should pay attention to the 180-strong three-year. A kilometer from a place for 28.9 s, the maximum speed is good for 200 km / h in such a bright driver you will probably leave even times even sedans with powerful V6.
 

As part of the controlability in the standard modes from C4 with any motor, fortunately, you do not have to wait for any surprises. Always poured the steering force, it allows you to clearly track the car on the trajectory. The suspension that seemed hard at urban speeds, 120-130 km / h, on the contrary, will give you to relax, while holding the body from the slightest swing on the not perfectly level road. With wind noise, licking racks, and a motor, tuskingly worker on 3,700-4000 revolutions, it is quite possible to put up. But driving on different C4 not one hundred kilometers, I wonder that I understood everything about them.

 
Engine










1. Tank tuber of the glass wool. 2. The plug of the oil-wave neck of the engine. 3. Oil dipstick. 4. Tank of the main brake cylinder. 5. Rechargeable battery.


The road is anyone, and the winter the more so is one solid surprise. On one of the long overpass with a protracted turn, the wide field of the asphalt purified from snow turned into a narrow, no more than meter, strip. And the bus is eligible to the right way. Once in the snow, the left wheels immediately pulled the car to the separation barrier. Well, the speed was only 6070 km / h managed to reset. But the very fact that the car is so sharply loses the course stability and strives for darling, alert. In short, if there is an opportunity, it is better to order for ґ500 ESP. Expensive? Safety savings can be more expensive.
 



Safety
This very economy, the Russian importer of double Chevron has already done so. In Europe, all C4 are sold with six pillows. We in the basic version for the quartet of the side need to pay extra 400 euros. True, in all the rest of the C4 excellent, on EuroNCAP tests, the top five stars.
 

A shrill toilet machine will not allow not to wear seat belts and driver, and the front passenger. About those who are ready to carry out the instructions of electronics, they took care not in the class generously. In a large stationary hub, the steering wheel is hidden by Air-Bag greater than usual, the tanks will protect not only his head, but also the chest. Special thanks to the brakes with an emergency slowdown amplifier. Even with high, in 140150 km / h, the velocities can be sieved in sports intensively. Moreover, on the French tradition with a sharp braking, the on-board computer will include an emergency alarm: so surrounding will notice themselves. And if you care to stroke the pedal, it turns out to stop and smoothly, and it is where it assumed.
 

To transport children to C4 is better in special children's ledges on the back sofa for this there is a loop of the standard of Isofix. You can install a children's armchair and the front seat back forward. It is enough to open a glove box and turn the larva of the lock, turning off the airbag.
 

In favor of all the same security, but already pedestrians, on C4 rather long front Sve. And the extensive space between the metal elements of the body and the front plastic bumper is filled with a special, easily frozen material. True, winning from such a design in one, the car has slightly lost in the other.
 



On primer
Because it is not moderately a long nose, it strives to sund where it is not necessary, especially when a congress from the asphalt. On C4-VTS, a low sports bumper is better noted there. Although the rest of the geometric patency C4 is even better than many classmates. The ground clearance of the whole 16 cm plus a short rear Sve and attracted to the bottom of the muffler.
 

But the French obviously did not expect Russian drills along the sidewalks. Otherwise, for fog and flashlights of the reverse, they would have come up with a safer place than the lower edge of the bumper. Note that the protection of the engine compartment will not be superfluous: there are no plastic casing in the database. The branded steel sheet with the installation will cost an increase of 340 euros. But there is also our, Russian iron, and almost three times cheaper 120 euros.
 



Wegor suitcases
Wow! And then the trunk is big exactly so I thought, opening the rear door of the coupe with a curved huge boomerang. Even with a 5-seater layout, this, judging by the title, is not the very functional body of a rather impressive area of \u200b\u200b790 by 1050 mm. And the useful volume is 314 liters to the shelf, only 6 liters are less than that of five days. In the upholstery of the wheeled arches there are capacious pockets separated by partitions. In Nishe, the plastic pan with recesses for tools. The split is not only the pillow, but also the back, so that it turns out an almost smooth area with a hollow of the trunk. And for reliable fastening of the cargo there is a quartet of the loop around the perimeter. All this gives a legal basis to name three-door C4 full hatchback, filled with a temperamental coupe. Bravo, French!
 

The five-door body, understandable, is even more practical. Here a little wider open, and therefore you can carry more cumbersome things. The maximum loading length of 1535 mm, as in three hours. In a word, in both cars, if necessary, even a small entrance hall. That's just the body wagon at C4 is not. Extremal homes will have to look at the machines of other brands.

 
   
Almost thief with a trunk floor of the back facilitates loading large-sized

If you need to increase the container of a fairly deep and wide (790 x 1050 mm) trunk, you can remove the shelf

Like relatives C4 from Peugeot, the key from the gas tank cover can be removed, only closing the neck


The same who wants to make the luggage compartment C4 as convenient as possible, we will advise you will not regret 150 euros per bag of life driving. Then in the trunk will appear folding flaps separating the trunk on the compartments and the grid. Especially convenient when transporting bags from the supermarket. By the way, as a bonus in the same package box under the front armor, adjustable driver armrest, mesh pockets behind the backs of the front seats and an extra rosette in the trunk.
 

 
Car dimensions, mm
 
Size of the cabin, mm


Operation, service
Citroen dealer network in recent years has grown to 18 cities of Russia from Krasnodar to Krasnoyarsk. Most dealers in Moscow 6, and all of them 24.

Factory warranty by car 2 years. However, for several hundred euros, you can get another year from the dealer. There is nothing special about this, such conditions are offered by many sellers of European cars in Russia. But the interservice intervals of 20 thousand km, pretty inexpensive and consumables of the undoubted advantages of double chevron compared with many competitors. With one reservation, you will be asked to arrive at the first check service after one and a half thousand kilometers. But its value by the standards of foreign cars.
 

Traditionally, the roads are only body parts. But these unexpected substitutions will still probably insure every year.

 
We liked
 


Bright appearance

Comfortable trunk

High Passive Security Starting from SX version


As well as:

Spacious salon
Excellent brakes
Large interservice intervals
 


 
We did not like
 


Small, in bad weather rapidly contaminated mirrors

Low located fog and reverse lights


As well as:

Mediocre dynamics of cars 1,6-ac
Hard suspension
Long moves of the IPP lever
Equipment tied to the motor and body type
Uncomfortable flightcomputer control algorithm and non-systematization of its testimony
Sharp work speed limit



 
 
Citroen C4 1.6 M / T

common data
 
Body (number of places / doors)
Hatchback (5/5)
 
Curb weight, kg
1200.
 
Full weight, kg
1732.
 
Speed, km / h
194.
 
Acceleration 0-100 km / h, with
10.6
 

Fuel consumption, l / 100 km highway / city
5.7 / 9.5
 

Fuel reserve
60.
 

Engine


 
Location
Front cross
 
Design
gasoline, 4-cylinder, inline, with two upper camshafts
 
Diam. Cylinder x Piston stroke, mm
78.5x82.
 
Working volume, SMZ
1587.
 
Power, hp at rpm
110/5750
 
Torque, kgcm at rpm
15/4000
 

Chassis


 
Drive unit
on the front wheels
 
Transmission
mechanical, 5-speed
 
Gear ratios I; II; III; IV; V; Z.Kh.
3.42; 1.81; 1.28; 0.97; 0.77; 3,58.
 
main gear
4,69.
 
Suspension: in front
Independent, such as Mac-Ferson, with a transverse stability stabilizer
 
rear
Elastic transverse beam
 
Steering
Rack type with amplifier
 
Torkemose
Disk, ventilated, with ABS
 
Tires
205/55 R16
 

Car
from 0.24 $ / km


 
Prices for spare parts and then rubles.

TO1 (1500 km) 770
TO2 (20 000 km) 3935
TO3 (40 000 km) 5800
TO4 (60 000 km) 5800
Oil filter 341.
Filter Air 715.
Ignition Candle (1 pc.) 245
Timing belt with rollers 5387
Brake front pads / rear (with ABS) 2145/1420
Tip steering thrust 1140
Steering Rake 756.
Ball support 600.
Front shock absorber / rear 1870/2230
Front wing / rear 4380/10 320
Hood 850.
Front door 6090.
Rear door 8061.
Front bumper assembly 10 593
Rear bumper assembly 10 838
Windshield 7103.
Side glass 3042.
Front headlight assembly 7974
Rear lamp assembled 1772
 
    
We decided:

Bright, technically exquisite car with spacious interior, convenient trunk and inexpensive maintenance. In optimal versions of SX or VTR, it is also not very expensive and most secure. Here are just some important elements of the convenience of using the car are sacrificed to designer special effects.
 

Alexey Sergeev, Maxim Goncharov photo
 
 

A source: Journal buy cars [01/2006]