Citroen C4 Hatchback test drive since 2004 hatchback

Solid "four"

Citroeon C4 is a proposal that is difficult to refuse with the emergence of the C4 model, which replaced the outdated XSARA, the update of the Citrooen Passenger line can be considered almost completed. Finally, the lineup will form a crush C1 and the new flagship of the French brand C6, whose premieres should take place in early March to a motor show in Geneva. However, not at all detracting the advantages of these models, from the standpoint of marketing they are a kind of frame for a family diamond, which the hero of our test can rightfully be considered. After all, he has to defend the company's position in the most responsible market segment.
 
The successor of the XSARA debuted in two bodies at once: customers are offered three- and five-door hatchbacks. The first, however, is called the coupe, but leave this marketing move on the conscience of the manufacturer. In the end, the demand determines the proposal, and if a certain category of young and dynamic customers want to ride a compartment, and the funds allow only a hot hatchback, then Pourquoi Pas? In addition, cars differ from each other not only by the number of doors. Let's say more, general stylistic solutions are traced only in the design of the front, and behind the central rack of the body are actually different machines. The rapid silhouette of the three -door is really similar to the compartment: the smooth bend of the roof, almost vertically breaking off behind the rear racks (they have a reverse tilt, recalling the rocket stabilizers), effectively turning into the nozzles of lanterns. Glass of complex shape continues the roof line, flowing into the luggage lid.
 
A five-door version looks completely different, which came to our test. Conceptively hatchback is more like a minivan, as if created based on Xsara Picasso: highly littered front racks with additional windows to improve visibility, mirrors, high sloping roof, smoothly passing into a convex fifth door. The chubby minivanism relates C4 and with a fellow concern PSA Peugeot Citroeon - Peugeot 307, in which the novelty adopted a number of design and design solutions, for example, the scheme of the front wipers (brushes move in a battleship, towards each other). However, there is nothing surprising here - the models are created on the same platform.
 
The features inherent in the minivans are also found in the cabin. A huge front panel, which is far -back to the windshield, is crowned with a remote combination of devices, in which the digital speedometer dominates (on the sides of it there are vertical scales of the fuel reserve and coolant temperature). The tachometer was awarded special honor - it was placed in sporting, on the steering column, so that an important device is always before the driver's eyes. The solution, quite appropriate on the compartment, looks in the cabin of the hatchback with a moderate temperament is somewhat strange - but not to redo the interior!
 
The steering wheel C4 is the subject of special pride Citroeon. The hub of a two -spoke lamb remains motionless, only the rim rotates. Bold innovation made it possible to bring to the steering wheel (more precisely, to the hub) control of many functions: from cruise control and radio to the regime of air recirculation in the ventilation system. There are also access keys in the on -board computer menu. In the center is a pillow of safety, but not ordinary round, but maximally corresponding to the forms of the human body when disclosed. To moderately, hard chairs have good lateral support, but the back, unfortunately, is absolutely straight. Perhaps, in other, more advanced options for execution of C4, the manufacturer shows the care of customers, but there was no hint of a lumbar background in our car. A standard set of three mechanical settings (along the length, height and tilt of the back) in combination with an adjustable steering column allows you to choose a convenient landing of almost any driver. Unless a tall person can complain to a short seats. So, the author of these lines had to change positions at the wheel several times - legs were tired (however, this problem is characteristic of the vast majority of tested cars).
 
In the back seat you can accommodate and three, but it will hardly be convenient - only two can travel there. But they are unlikely to complain about the lack of living space: there is enough space for both legs and above their heads. At the same time, the C4 interior cannot be reproached for impractical - passengers have an impressive number of drawers, shelves and pockets for trifles (depending on their configuration can be more than 20). A special mention is deserves a system of folding partitions separating the luggage compartment into sections. The option is extremely useful with incomplete loading: things do not hang around the whole trunk, but lie peacefully in their places. I must say that in terms of original accessories for the luggage compartment, the French are large masters. For example, in the list of additional equipment compactwane XSARA Picasso, a folding trolley on wheels is listed. And finally, if the owner of the C4 needs to transport something voluminous, the rear seats can be folded or even completely removed from the cabin (thanks to convenient mounts, this operation is performed simply and quickly).
 
A wide selection of C4 sets, including equipment, familiar to the machines by the class above (for example, separate climate control), for some reason does not apply to power units. Citroeon offers Russian clients only three gasoline engines: 1.6 l, developing 110 hp, and two 2-liter (143 and 180 hp). The most powerful motor, installed only on the compartment and aggregated only with a 5-speed manual gearbox, allows you to accelerate to 227 km/h, and the car is gaining a hundred in 8.3 seconds. An exclusive unit-a 143-horsepower engine, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission, is also available in a five-door hatchback. The base 1.6-liter engine (plus mechanics or automatic machine) is available with both body types.
 
We got C4 1.6 with an automatic gearbox. We did not expect any special surprises regarding the dynamic characteristics of the car (he did not present them). However, one curious feature was nevertheless noted: the speed is felt in the C4 salon, that is, it seems higher than real. But, if you figure it out, there is nothing wrong with that. On the contrary, the car, as it were, offers an additional (and completely free!) Active security tool.
 
In fact, the engine power is enough for calm movement from point A to point B, and nothing more. The machine, which was clearly not in the list of innovative solutions, did not differ in a liveliness of character, mobilizing only in Sport mode. In principle, the driver can take control of the box, but this will not entail significant changes in the behavior of the machine: the vigilant electronics suppresses the slightest attempt to twist the engine, allowing only to slightly expand the working range of each of the programs.
 
But, albeit leisurely, the ride was comfortable. Of course, C4 cannot boast of a proprietary hydropneumatic suspension - the rank is not the same, but the car will not shake the soul from passengers. The developers of the chassis did without special technical delights (in front - a thousand -rifle McPherson racks, a half -dependent beam with a twisting effect; both pendants are equipped with transverse stability stabilizers), but were able to achieve a completely acceptable compromise between comfort and controllability.
 
However, we just did not have a chance to evaluate the control of the machine. Alas, everything was against this: the weather, and the road workers, and even the dealers themselves, who shoeed the car, albeit in the winter (more precisely, all -season), but unshaked rubber. The snowy road was constantly kept in suspense: you will accelerate a little, the car even strives on the straight tail with its tail, and you can safely pass the turn only under the traction. Of course, if you keep yourself in junction, nothing terrible will happen. Yes, and electronics (in the C4 database ABS is equipped, and the stabilization and anti -circulation systems are offered as an option) is always ready to help. But we would prefer conclusions about the sled character of the machine on dry asphalt
 
Be that as it may, the appearance of C4 will definitely not go unnoticed. Perhaps this is one of the most tempting offers of Citroeon in recent years. In any case, in terms of the ratio of invested dollars per unit of car, this car looks quite attractive against the background of numerous competitors. The only trouble is that you have to invest not cheap American currency, but an expensive European one (for example, for our C4 dealers ask for 17,990 euros). And Citrooen’s persistent reluctance to leave the Eurozone, while almost all competitors have already returned to the dollar, it is unlikely that the Russian debut of the Xsara successor will facilitate.
 
Text: Andrey Tsybulsky, Alexander Polunin
 

Source: Mkobil magazine [21.02.2005]