Citroen C4 refreshed for 2015

Citroen's C4 is moving upmarket, with the range narrowed down in Australia to two levels of trim, each variant powered by the same 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine.

No longer can you buy the C4 priced below $28,000, or with diesel power, or with robotised manual transmission. The updated C4, (read our review here), matches an Aisin six-speed automatic to the petrol engine, which has already been seen here in Peugeot's 308.

Producing 96kW and 230Nm, the new engine delivers improved fuel efficiency and a faster 0-100km/h time than the previous 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. Citroen claims the turbo engine develops 8kW more power and 70Nm more torque than the 1.6. The new model completes 0-100km/h in a leisurely 11.4 seconds, but that is 1.1 seconds faster than the 1.6-litre C4. At 4.9L/100km, the combined-cycle fuel consumption figure for the three-cylinder C4 is 2.1L/100km better than the 1.6-litre variant's figure.

The new engine and transmission combination has reduced weight over the front wheels by as much as 105kg over the 1.6-litre petrol engine and 125kg over the diesel. Citroen has adjusted spring and damper rates to suit, and the steering is now electrically-assisted.

Prices for the updated models start at $29,990 for the base-grade C4 Seduction and rise to $33,990 for the C4 Exclusive. New standard features introduced in the entry-level C4 Seduction include satellite navigation, seven-inch infotainment touch screen, auto-on/off headlights, rains-sensing wipers, dual-zone climate control, cruise control/speed limiter, electro-chromatic rear-view mirror, rear parking sensors and electric fold-in mirrors.

According to Citroen, the additional equipment represents $5500 of extra value in the Seduction level of trim, yet the price has not risen.

In contrast, the C4 Exclusive adds $5000 of extra features, for a price increase of $1500. These extra features include reversing camera, part-leather upholstery, panoramic glass sunroof, Blind Spot Monitoring, front/rear parking sensors, keyless entry/start, electric parking brake and 17-inch alloy wheels (versus 16-inch alloy wheels for the Seduction variant).

The C4 Seduction comes with a full-size (steel) spare wheel, but the C4 Exclusive is fitted with a space-saver spare. For $2000 more, the C4 Exclusive can be specified with full leather upholstery, front seat heating and driver's seat massaging.

Driver-assist technology across the range comprises intelligent traction control, Hill Start Assist, front fog lights with static cornering facility, and blind spot monitoring (C4 Exclusive only).

The revised C4 can be identified by new headlight and tail light clusters. It's also available in two new colours – Galet and Gris Platinum – joining the seven colours carried over.

Citroen is moving away from the budget offerings at the base of its local range. In addition to moving the C4 upmarket, the importer has pulled the plug on the C3 light hatch. And C4 will be more a niche offering for those who prefer to buy a more conventional small car than the upcoming Cactus (due Q1 next year).

"Citroen will always stand apart from the competition, be it for design, driving comfort or standard specification. We believe [that] in the new-look C4 we have achieved that balance," the importer's general manager in Australia, John Startari, told local journalists yesterday.