In the past 60 days South Africa has seen the arrival of no fewer than seven new Citroen models.
Last month the French car manufacturer released its face-lifted C5 range, a trio of luxury family saloons that boast high standards of fitment, comfort and safety. The 2,0 litre C5 is available in auto or manual guise, while the 3,0 litre comes in two-pedal format. All are well-priced and positioned to rival the BMW 3-series, Volvo’s S40 and Audi’s A4 models.
Hot on the C5’s heels is the spunky C4 range, which comprises three 1,6 models and a sexy 2,0 litre coupé.
The 1,6i 16V engine develops 80kW at 5 800rpm and maximum torque of 147Nm at 4 000rpm. Torque is rated at 132Nm, which comes in from 2 000rpm upward.
The 2,0i 16V found in the VTS develops a healthy 135kW at 7 000rpm and is the most powerful engine in the range. Torque is 202Nm.
The 1,6 HDi engine boasts power of 83kW at 4 000rpm, supplying maximum torque of 240Nm at 1 750rpm. Torque can be increased to 260Nm at 1 750rpm on the three highest gears, thanks to the over-boost function.
All the engines feature a cylinder head with a double overhead camshaft, four valves per cylinder and a motor-driven throttle.
The C4 1,6 models are equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels with 205/55 R16 tyres, while the VTS comes with 17-inch alloy wheels with 205/50 R17 tyres. Variable-assistance power steering is standard and controlled by an electric pump unit.
The C4’s anti-lock braking system features ventilated discs at the front and discs at the rear, combined with electronic brakeforce distribution. All models have emergency braking assistance and automatic hazard warning light activation.
The 1,6 HDi and 2,0 VTS models feature electronic stability programme, which is coupled with traction control to prevent skidding. The VTS’s Xenon dual-function, directional headlamps provide improved lighting for cornering.
Standard is the multifunctional fixed-centred controls steering wheel, which is streets ahead of the opposition. There’s also cruise control, a speed limiter, parking assistance, rain and light sensors, a low tyre-pressure warning system and six airbags.
The range features a new information display unit — vehicle speed, speed limiter and cruise-control settings are displayed on a translucent strip in the centre of the dashboard. The display contrast adjusts to ambient light conditions to ensure a clear read-out. The seatbelts have three anchor points, a force limiter and a warning light for all seats, while the front seatbelts are fitted with pyrotechnic pre-tensioners and are height-adjustable on the saloon.
The C4 retains its distinctive chrome chevrons, which span the full width of the radiator grille. It also sports boomerang-shaped lights and flag-shaped rear-view mirrors. Interesting innovations include a rev counter with a background that changes to amber/red once the maximum revs are attained. The built-in air freshener comes with a choice of nine fragrances, which are distributed via the air-conditioner in the 1,6l models or the dual climate control in the VTS.
I got to drive the VTS and both 1,6 petrol models, all of which have fine handling and good performance. The VTS ideally could do with an extra cog, although the motor rarely screams at higher speeds. In the case of the auto, the gearbox is reasonably smooth, but tends to hunt a little in the hilly bits. All models have superb rearward vision, especially the VTS with its all-glass boot lid.
The range is covered by a three-year/100 000km warranty and service intervals are pegged at 20 000km. The 1,6 models come with a service plan of two years/60 000km, which is optional on the VTS.
The C4 1,6 M will set you back R174 995, the 1,6 A R194 995, the 1,6 HDi R194 995 and the VTS R249 995.