Citroen C4 HDI 1.6-litre 2006 Review

7-day Test

There's plenty to like about Citroens. They are well built, there's a surprising amount packaged into all their cars and they are usually pretty good performers too. But this little baby packs more than most -- leading edge safety and almost unbelievable economy. Two things on everybody's lips. Need we say more?

But let's start with the styling. There's a large slice of "Look at moi!" about the C4. Especially inside where things like the fixed steering wheel hub -- the rim spins around it -- the digital tacho on the steering column and the 'new wave' dashboard all shout "Hey I'm different!" I thought all this went out with Roger Moore's last Bond outing.

The interior is an acquired taste so if you are looking for something with a point of difference queue here please. The steering wheel controls for radio etc are well thought out and the easy-to-use cruise control is a triumph.

Interior-wise though there is one major niggle. The seats are as flat as a footy club theme song. The car is in a tough price bracket we know but even so why car companies refuse to make comfortable seats in this segment is a disgrace.

Mechanically though things are promising. The little 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine spins around quickly -- and is quite willing -- meaning you are working the gears often. But the five-speed 'box (there's no auto option on the diesel) is a delight so no matter.

The engine develops 80kW but more importantly there is up to 260Nm available on demand. But with a top speed of 192km/h and a rather breathless 11.2secs to 100kays you won't see the C4 at Bathurst any time soon.

It handles pretty well though; it has impressive performance and good brakes. In short it's a pretty neat little driver.

It is at the forefront of safety too receiving a five star NCAP rating. Something to always keep firmly in your mind and something for which the French company should be heartily congratulated. Très bon, Citroen!

But where this car may steal a serious slice of the action is with those customers who have one eye cocked on the petrol bowser. And that's plenty.

The diesel engine is incredibly frugal. We used a quarter of a tank of diesel and drove 324km! With a range of 1200km you can easily drive from Sydney to Melbourne on a single 60-litre tank of fuel and still have plenty in reserve to nick out and visit the rellies. This is almost unbelievable and could save you thousands of dollars over the life of the car.

In the past diesel usage has had a lot of negative connotations. Dirty and smelly at the pump -- not to mention queuing behind beer-gutted Bazza and his B-Double. And when you turned the key there was that chattery engine and run-on when you turned it off.

But while the world hasn't exactly turned on its head diesel has come a long way. It is available almost anywhere, petrol stations are installing 'car only' bowsers and engines have become a lot smoother and quieter.

In Europe diesels make up nearly 50 per cent of some market segments and everybody from Peugeot to Jaguar are towing the line eager to be at the thin edge of the technological wedge.

Diesels are a genuine alternative and one we at CarPoint don't hesitate to recommend.