C4 Family Is Shaping Up Well

Auto Express magazine's exclusive picture of the C4, produced with the help of insiders at the company, shows a five-door version, due next year. However, head of products and markets, Vincent Besson, has admitted the manufacturer has big plans for the newcomer.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Richard Yarrow

25th March 2004

Just as the company is offering a variety of models in the supermini segment - the C2, C3 and Pluriel convertible - he said it will do the same with the C4. Drivers can expect to see a three-door version, a lifestyle model badged XTR and perhaps even a proper SUV. However, there will be no cabrio. "We will have to choose which ones we do, but in the short term, there are no plans for a convertible," said Besson.

While sun lovers will be disappointed, mini-MPV fans will be relieved to learn that the successful Xsara Picasso will continue to be produced, even after the C4 replaces the Xsara. However, it's not clear whether the 'Picasso' part of the badge has a long-term future. That's because the current deal with the Picasso Foundation, which looks after the late artist's estate, stipulates his name can only be used in conjunction with another word - hence Xsara Picasso.

Insiders have revealed that there's a strong chance there won't be a C4 estate. The Xsara load-lugger hasn't been a big seller in the UK, and it's believed French bosses will leave that style of car to sister company Peugeot, which has SW versions of the 206, 307 and 407. Sporty C4 VTR and VTS models are likely, but will remain on the drawing board for the time being.