Review of the new Citroen C4 Coupe Range

Citroen confounded most people's expectations with their C4. To the outside observer, the French manufacturer seemed to have turned away from roots steeped in the creation of quirkily innovative cars and settled into a cosy niche, selling models that were competent and extremely tightly priced but rarely dynamic or challenging. Then the C4 family hatch arrived and made the kind of impact that you'd more readily associate with its plastic explosive namesake. The C4, and particularly the sporty Coupe version, looks fresh and distinctive - an impression that is only enhanced when you get to grips with the car.

It's the striking facelifted Coupe models that we're looking at here but in this case 'Coupe' is Citroen-speak for 3-door hatchback. The family-orientated 5-door derivatives are called simply 'Hatchback' and they take a more rounded styling direction than the altogether edgier Coupe. Both cars are identical as far back as the B-pillars but progress rearward and the Coupe takes on a look of its own. Different observers have likened the C4 Coupe to a variety of models past and present - original Honda CRX, Toyota Prius, and so on. There may or may not even be a bit of Renault Megane in there but whatever it looks like, people seem to like the look. It's a resolutely cohesive design, the long arching roof and the stubby nose making the car appear all of a piece. The vertical rear window with glass roof section above does little for rear visibility but draws the eye in. Much like film star Jennifer Lopez, the C4 Coupe's hindquarters represent its defining feature.

The latest, facelifted Citroen C4 Coupe models are tasked with appealing to buyers who may be younger and are after something both sporty and stylish. If you're familiar with the original C4 Coupe, then the changes to the facelifted version won't come as too much of a shock. There's a redesigned, curvier bonnet to make it look more like the large C5, whilst the grille benefits from restyled integrated chevrons. The front bumper has also been revamped and the number plate repositioned for what Citroen hope is 'a stronger, sportier, more dynamic look'. The rear lights of the Coupe are now finished in transparent crystal, there are fresh wheel designs and paint colours, plus in the pursuit of 'added elegance', chrome inserts are featured on some models.

"Much like film star Jennifer Lopez, the C4 Coupe's hindquarters represent its defining feature.."

This car fulfils the 'stylish' part of its remit with some aplomb but how sporty the car is depends largely on which engine and trim level you choose. Three trim levels are offered with the C4 Coupe, VTR, VTR Plus and VTS. The sporty overtones become progressively more evident as you ascend the range but all models are well catered for in terms of standard equipment. All Citroen C4 models receive ABS with EBD and brake assist, twin front and lateral airbags plus side window airbags. There's a multi-function trip computer, a CD stereo, remote central locking, electric front windows, electric door mirrors, power steering and cruise control with a speed limiter. This is a well equipped car and it becomes even more so as you ascend the trim level range.

The engine range opens with Citroen's older 90 and 110bhp 1.4 and 1.6-litre 16-valve petrol units. Best however, if you're a petrol buyer, to try and stretch either for a diesel or for one of the two more modern engines. Many will choose the 120bhp 1.6-litre VTi option with its 120mph performance and 42mpg combined fuel economy. Above that, the ultimate petrol engine is now the 130mph 1.6-litre THP 150bhp.

In general, these high-revving petrol units are not without their charm but many buyers will be swayed by Citroen's impressive HDi common-rail diesels. The 1.6-litre HDi oil-burner is remarkably quiet. In 92bhp form, it will reach 62mph from standstill in 12.5s and if you upgrade to the 110bhp option there's a 11.2s time for the sprint and the option of Citroen's 6-speed electronic gearbox. The range-topping diesel is the 140bhp 2.0-litre HDi unit which has a 9.7s 0-60mph time.

The initial impression when driving the C4 is that its makers may have over done it on the innovation front. Digital read-outs shine back at you wherever you look and the centre of the steering wheel is fixed in position. Remarkably, however, once you get over the initial strangeness, everything works very well. You only need to divert your eyes from the road slightly to pick up the wealth of information on the main dash-top display and if you really get your foot down, the steering wheel mounted rev-counter flashes red at the limit, prompting you to change up.

The C4 rides with impressive smoothness and composure but it doesn't quite offer the level of feedback you sometimes want from a sporty hatchback. The variable assistance power steering has an accurate feel and the car is nicely balanced through corners with a decent amount of grip at the front end. The VTS version has stiffened suspension to enhance its sporting pedigree and offers a sharper driving experience generally. The gearchange on most C4 models is a fairly sloppy affair thanks to the long-throw 5-speed box but the 2.0-litre HDi engine comes with a 6-speed box that is far superior - another reason why the big diesel could be the engine to go for.

Rear visibility is hindered somewhat by the unorthodox rear window on the Coupe but parking isn't a problem as the bottom section of the split screen gives decent view of objects immediately behind the car. The interior is spacious and the Coupe provides similar amounts of rear legroom and boot space to the Hatchback. The boot opening is narrower, however, and the levers that fold the front seats forward allowing access to the rear have a habit of sticking up to catch the shins of passengers climbing in.

With the C4, Citroen have thrust themselves back into the family hatch spotlight, resurrecting their reputation for innovation in the process. The car is truly outstanding in terms of safety and comfort, it's an enjoyable drive (if a little less focused than some of its rivals) and the diesel engines are at the head of their field. The Coupe's styling will justifiably attract a lot of attention but it's the quality of the overall package and Citroen's aggressive pricing that should do most to part buyers from their bank details.

TOP 5 C4 DEALS

The results below show the top C4 deals on buyacar

Citroen C4 1.6HDi 16V VTR Plus [110] 3dr EGS Diesel Coupe
Price £16,954 Click for a C4 Review	Save £715
Citroen C4 1.4i 16V VTR 3dr Coupe
Price £13,693 Click for a C4 Review	Save £500
Citroen C4 1.6HDi 16V VTR 3dr Diesel Coupe
Price £14,937 Click for a C4 Review	Save £586
Citroen C4 1.6i 16V VTi VTR Plus 3dr Coupe
Price £15,230 Click for a C4 Review	Save £597
Citroen C4 1.6i 16V VTi VTR 3dr Coupe
Price £14,461 Click for a C4 Review	Save £549