Citroen C4 1.6 HDi 110 SX EGS

When it comes to unusual design, Citroen leads the way. From the bubble-shaped C3 Pluriel up to the funky C6, each model in the range has a strong and individual identity. The C4 is no different, and is a vast improvement over the disappointing Xsara it replaced.

It’s the only car here to be available in three and five-door guise, and the two versions are quite different. The five-door we tested may not be as adventurous, but is the better proportioned and more handsome of the two. In this company, it stands out more than the Kia, although it lacks the overall sportiness of the Leon.

The boomerang-shaped headlights and chrome chevrons built into the grille give it a sleek nose, and we also like the neat beetle-back rear hatch. The same sense of style has been applied to the cabin, with some distinctive features, including the unusual fixed-hub steering wheel and built-in scented air freshener.

However, these can’t hide the fact that quality is poor. There are numerous different plastics used, none of which is particularly good, while the switchgear feels cheap. The digital speedo is an attempt to give everything a more premium edge, but it’s not enough. While it’s obvious Citroen has focused on style, it does seem to have come at the expense of build quality.

There are some good points, however. The broad seats are comfortable and visibility is excellent, thanks to the thin A-pillars and large glass area. But rear passengers don’t get a particularly great deal. The sloping roof means that headroom is limited, and although legroom is on a par with the Leon’s, it feels the most cramped. The 320-litre boot is also the smallest on test.

Fire up the 1.6-litre HDi engine and first impressions aren’t good in this department, either. It sounds clattery initially, but thankfully is better on the move, and certainly smoother than the SEAT unit. With 240Nm, it has the least torque.

Despite having the lowest kerbweight, the C4 isn’t as responsive as its rivals, although vibration is minimal, even under full throttle. The Citroen was competitive at the test track, and a 0-60mph time of 10.5 seconds was quicker then the Cee’d and Leon. Its 30-70mph time was slower, however, and out on the road, the Citroen never feels as pacey as these figures suggest.

This is mainly down to the C4’s Electronic Gearbox System. The firm calls it the ‘best of both worlds’, yet it’s far from a success. In automatic mode, the changes are slow, and the car pitches and dives under hard acceleration. Selecting manual allows you to use the steering column-mounted paddles, but it’s not much better.

Thanks to this over-assistance, the C4 is also the least involving of the four cars on test here. And on bumpy roads, there is noticeable kickback through the column, while body roll could be better controlled through bends.

Surprisingly, the Citroen is the most expensive of the quartet of rivals, too. But thanks to the firm’s famous cashback deals, it’s unlikely you’ll actually pay the £16,115 asking price.

You can currently get £2,120 off this SX model, making it the cheapest car here. While it doesn’t come with climate control or electric rear windows, stability and cruise control are standard. At less than £14,000, the C4 is still good value for money, but is this enough to make up for its shortcomings?

Details

Price: £16,115
Model tested: Citroen C4 HDi 110 SX EGS
Chart position: 4
WHY: It’s the oldest model here, but the C4 has a lot to offer. Mid-range SX gets an electronic gearbox.

Economy

While a return of 42.1mpg seems adequate, it’s way off Citroen’s claimed figure of 62.8mpg, and 5mpg behind other C4s we’ve tested. The EGS box is to blame.

Residuals

Citroens don’t have a good reputation for reliability, which is reflected in the residuals. The C4 is a case in point, retaining only 36.2 per cent over three years.

Servicing

The Citroen is the most expensive car to maintain – the first three services come to £724. And the dealers finished a poor 24th in our Driver Power 2007 poll, too.

Tax

Although the C4 has the cleanest engine, its high list price makes it the most expensive company car option. Lower-band owners will pay £638 a year.