Citroen C4 gets Mini upgrade

The wait is finally over with Citroen's Australian importer, Ateco Automotive, confirming details and pricing of the new-look C4.

News first broke on the upgrades to the C4 in the middle of last year (more here) but with the car now on sale the time has come to outline the changes.

In addition to a makeover inside and out the biggest change comes under the bonnet. The new C4 will be powered by two versions of the 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine developed by BMW. Citroen (and sister brand Peugeot) developed the engines with BMW to meet emissions targets while at the same time improving performance.

The 1.6-litre is the same engine used in the MINI range and Citroen will use both the naturally-aspirated and turbocharged versions.

The C4 will be fitted standard with the 88kW naturally-aspirated unit, known as 1.6 16v VTi, but there will be a choice of two levels of performance on the turbo engine. The turbo will be called 1.6 16v THP and be available with either 103kW with an automatic gearbox or 110kW with the manual transmission.

Citroen claims the new petrol engines cut fuel efficiency and emissions over the previous engines offered in the old model.

The VTi returns figures of 7.0L/100km and 165g/km; and emissions reduction of six per cent. The turbo engines are arguably more impressive with Citroen claiming consumption figures of 5.3L/100km for the 110kW and 7.7L/100km for the 103kW. Emissions for both engines are 183g/km, according to the French firm.

As well as the new petrol engines the C4 range also includes the 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre turbodiesel powerplants from the previous model. The 1.6 HDi offers 81kW and 240Nm and uses diesel at a rate of 4.7L/100km. The 2.0 HDi produces 100kW and 320Nm using 6.6L/100km.

The other major changes are focused on the design. Citroen has worked at giving the car a fresh look with a new front end that resembles the recently released C5, including a new bonnet, integrated chevrons, front bumper and number plate position. There are also three new alloy wheel styles, new colours and new taillights.

Changes continue inside with the repositioned rev counter, new trim and the option of the company's latest satellite navigation system, NaviDrive.

Pricing for the C4 begins at $26,990 for the manual 1.6 VTi, the C4 Turbo starts at $31,990 while the diesels are priced from $30,990 for the 1.6 HDi and $36,990 for the 2.0 HDi.