Review of the new Citroen C4 VTS 1.6 THP

If appearances are anything to go by, Citroen's C4 platform really should yield a competitive hot hatchback. In three-door form, its wedge shape and sporty stance lead one to expect the best from a driving perspective and it's even called the Coupe which underlines the car's racy intent. Despite all this, the C4 has never quite delivered a version to bewitch the fast hatchback aficionado. The VTS badge which has spelt excitement on other Citroen models didn't transform the C4 in the way that was hoped. The car looked up for it but was ultimately found lacking against the best of the rest. Has that changed with the installation of a more modern 1.6-litre THP engine from the MINI Cooper S?

Citroen has access to some great engines but they tend to be diesels and their greatness is centred around their fuel economy. When the C4 was first launched, a fire-breathing powerplant to give the C4 VTS a chance against the Golf GTI, Astra VXR and Renaultsport Megane was needed. What the VTS ultimately got was an aging 2.0-litre 16-valve petrol engine. It had 178bhp on tap which, although not sufficient to worry the leading hot hatches, did put the VTS in amongst the second tier contenders. The problem was that you needed to rev the engine hard to get that power and at low speeds, the VTS never felt that punchy. Eventually, Citroen launched a powerful diesel version of the VTS which was a better all-round product but those wanting an explosive petrol model were left disappointed. It's the job of the 1.6 THP engine to put that right. It might not have the raw power but it has the pedigree to get the C4 taken seriously in the right circles.

When BMW needed to develop really competitive small petrol and diesel engines for its ultra-popular MINI venture, it turned to the people who know about that kind of thing - PSA Peugeot Citroen. One of the results of this liaison was the 1.6-litre turbocharged unit found in the MINI Cooper S, the same basic engine that Citroen can now offer in its C4 VTS. In the MINI, the engine develops 173bhp, enough to make that car an extremely potent proposition, but the larger, heavier C4 only gets a 150bhp version of the THP (Turbo Hight Pressure) unit. It still means that the 0-60mph sprint can be tackled in 8.4s and the 131mph top speed will be more than most buyers ever need. Crucially, there's 240Nm of torque available from just 1,400rpm which gives this engine far better flexibility and a stronger pull at low speeds than the old normally-aspirated 2.0-litre unit that used to power the C4 VTS.

".less sporty in focus than today's elite performance hatchbacks."

The VTS C4 models get a six-speed manual gearbox but they are far less sporty in focus than today's elite performance hatchbacks. It's better to think of the 1.6 THP model as a fast all-rounder that can entertain but that has its true strengths in areas of comfort and refinement.

If you're familiar with the original C4, 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 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. Inside the cabin, the rev counter has been relocated to the innovative translucent central display unit.

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. Ouch.

Fitted with 17-inch wheels as standard, the VTS looks as if it's just leapt fresh off a stylist's Mac. This variant features a spoiler at the rear, and safety and security are bolstered further with the fitment of acoustic laminated side windows and a volumetric and perimetric alarm. Active safety is enhanced with ESP and Traction control standard on both models, while xenon Dual Function Directional headlamps improve the driver's field of vision when cornering in the dark.

Making life easier, both VTS models come with rear parking sensors as standard, with front parking sensors an option. The interior benefits from a leather trimmed steering wheel with chrome inserts, heated and folding door mirrors as well as footwell and door sill lighting. A five CD autochanger is concealed neatly in the front central armrest.

The MINI that shares an engine with this C4 VTS uses all manner of efficiency-boosting gadgets to lower its running costs. The Citroen takes a much more straightforward approach and as a result costs are less than stellar. With combined fuel economy pegged at 40.9mpg and carbon dioxide emissions rated at 164g/km, buyers will have to pay for the extra pace that the VTS serves up. Many will be interested to note that Citroen also offers a 2.0-litre HDi diesel engine in its VTS C4 Coupe. With 53mpg and 140g/km emissions, this looks a more cost-effective choice for higher mileage drivers.

Does the turbocharged 1.6-litre engine enable the C4 VTS Coupe to compete at the top end of the hot hatchback market? Unfortunately, it doesn't but that's not really the market that Citroen is targeting with this car. The engine is a very capable one and it gives the C4 respectable pace but the VTS package isn't focused on thrilling handling. Instead, it makes the most of the C4 Coupe's good looks while delivering good levels of comfort to go with that straight line speed.

The diesel engine that's also offered in VTS trim will be a more compelling proposition than this petrol unit for buyers keen to minimise running costs but the 1.6-litre THP petrol engine is cheaper to buy and is likely to prove more fun. If you're seeking a fast, well-equipped car that isn't the obvious choice and shows a bit of personality, this could be it.

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