Review of the new Citroen C4 Hdi Range

The key thing in evaluating gadgets in cars is whether they're there serving some useful purpose or simply chucked in as showroom attention-grabbers of questionable practical benefit. All Citroen C4s have a fixed hub steering wheel, speed limiting cruise control and more digital displays that you could shake your i-Pod at but there's also more. Tick the right boxes and your C4 can feature automatic air-freshener dispensers, Dual Function Directional Headlamps and a Lane-Departure Warning System. You could conceivably order a C4 with a gadget quota to rival the field in TV's Wacky Races but the most beneficial piece of technology to have fitted to your model could well be an HDi diesel engine.

The HDi range opens with an engine that made its debut in the C4, although in fact, it's simply a lower output version of the 110bhp 1.6-litre HDi engine that's already appeared elsewhere in the manufacturer's line-up. With 92bhp, this 1.6-litre 16-valve unit still delivers a fair turn of speed, particularly lower in the rev range where the 159lb/ft of torque at 1,750rpm makes its presence felt. At higher speeds, throttle response is less than immediate but 112mph is possible if you persevere. This engine is the budget diesel choice and, as such, will be bought as much for its claimed 64.2mpg combined fuel consumption as its performance credentials.

Next up is that 110bhp 1.6-litre HDi engine we just mentioned and while the official performance figures aren't a massive improvement over the 92bhp engine (11.2s 0-60mph and 119mph top speed instead of 12.5s and 112mph) there is noticeably more urge off the line. Maximum torque here is 177lb/ft at 1,750rpm and average fuel economy is said to be 60mpg - identical to the less powerful 1.6-litre engine. Both of these 1.6-litre units are extremely quiet, whether you're inside at the wheel or standing outside admiring the view. The 110bhp engine is the only one available with Citroen's 6-speed electronic gearbox.

The ultimate C4 HDi is the 140bhp 2.0-litre 16-valve version and it's less quietly spoken than the 1.6-litre contingent. That mild extra gruffness, however, is a price that the keen driver will be happy to pay for a 9.7s 0-60mph sprint. This powerplant feels significantly more muscular at lower engine speeds thanks to a brutal 236lb/ft of torque at 2,000rpm and it's more responsive higher in the range too. The other big factor that will draw buyers in the direction of the largest HDi is its gearbox. The 5-cog set-up that's matched to the 1.6-litre units feels loose and aimless in the worst Citroen traditions but the 6-speed 'box you get with the 2.0-litre is a big improvement. The 2.0-litre manages a creditable 53.3mpg combined fuel consumption figure and like all the C4's HDi engines, it's compliant with the latest Euro emissions regulations.

"Despite all the new hi-tech gadgets, the familiar HDi diesel engine is the most important part of the C4's technical armoury.."

If you're familiar with the original C4, then the changes to the facelifted version we're looking at here 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 C4 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.

The C4 range is split between the 3-door and 5-door bodystyles, or Coupe and Hatchback as Citroen would have us call them. Adhering to the trend in the wider motor industry at the moment, the two derivatives each display their own unique character, reflecting the specific markets at which they've been targeted. The C4 Coupe is a strikingly styled car by any standards and its edgy lines are accentuated when viewed in comparison to most rival 3-door hatchbacks. The chiselled rear, the stubby chevroned nose and the long arcing roof combine to cohesively sporty effect. The Hatchback is less extrovert but isn't without its charm. The front ends of both vehicles are identical but as you progress rearward, where the Coupe becomes progressively sharper the family-orientated Hatchback goes all curvy on us.

Citroen can call the two C4 bodystyles what they like, both have hatchbacks and both yield similarly decent amounts of luggage space (320 and 314-litres in Hatchback and Coupe respectively). Where as the 5-door's hatch boasts a wide aperture, however, the 3-door's tapered rear can only accommodate a more restricted opening. The C4 has excellent aerodynamics with a drag coefficient of 0.28 shared by both bodystyles and the two C4s also share similar on-road dynamics. They're characterised by a smooth, comfortable ride and handling that's balanced but doesn't quite trouble the class leaders in terms of sheer fun.

First impressions on climbing aboard the C4 are that 'this is going to take a bit of getting used to'. The steering wheel's hub doesn't turn with the wheel itself. It stays fixed in position as you round corners, the digital rev counter and the warning lights situated on a console above it. Any other information you might require is then available from a clear centrally mounted multi-function display on the top of the dash. It's all a bit unusual but, remarkably, after a few minutes on the road you really don't feel that anything's amiss.

The fixed steering wheel centre houses controls for the stereo, cruise control and the multi-function display but because it stays still, all are nice and easy to put your finger on. More importantly, the static hub means that an airbag can be fitted that's optimally shaped to give the best protection in an accident. Normal steering wheels must have round airbags because it's uncertain which position the hub will be in when the bag is deployed. Overall, the clean, uncluttered dash, the quality soft-touch materials and the clear multi-function display are C4 strong points. Well built though it is, the car doesn't feel quite as solid as a Focus or Golf and rear visibility is restricted by the Coupe's unorthodox rear window.

C4 buyers have a range of trim levels to choose from split between the Coupe and Hatchback bodystyles and the premium you'll need to find between equivalent petreol and HDi diesel models is around £1,500.

Overall, C4 pricing looks attractive, particularly given the level of technology contained within the package. It's a good-looking, safe, well-designed car that heads its class on originality. The HDi engines provide performance and economy in generous measure, depending on your requirements. They probably still represent the pick of the C4 range.

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