There is good news at all Citroen showrooms in Malaysia. The all new C4 has arrived in full glory and its selling price puts a full stop to sales of its sibling, the Peugeot 308. Why? Well the Citroen comes with the same platform and engine as the 308, but uses Citroens very own robotic semi-auto sports 6-speed gearbox.
This is because the Peugeot 308 gearbox has been plagued by problems from day 1 (since launch) and this issue has not been able to be rectified as the local dealers don’t know what and how to solve this and many other issues that come with the 308 ownership. Citroen knowing this has used a better and more efficient gearbox, the EGS6-speed gearbox which is internally developed and so the local distributor Brooklands will have little worry in convincing would be buyers.
Brooklands have also added more passive features into the C4, like blind spot monitoring (its uses 4 ultrasonic sensors at each corner of the car) central locking with plip & electronic, child safety locks, electric sequential and anti-pinch front & rear windows, automatic illumination of the hazard warning lights, front and rear parking sensors with parking space “gap” measurement system and a fuel filler flap with automatic opening (no messing of hands when fueling up). All this for a mere RM125,000.
Yes, the price puts this C4 right next to the VW Golf TSI which is the current segment leader. So does it fare with us behind the wheel?
Even with a curb weight of 1420kg the 1.6-litre engine propels this car to 100kph in just 9.6 seconds. It very easily hits its top speed of 212kph without fuss. As we headed out to the open roads around KL, we took on some tight turns while keeping the throttle on boil and along the smooth tarmac, we never managed to break this C4 free from its grip without being silly.
However if you want you can slide this car around a hairpin if your approach is beyond sane limits. The entertaining driving experience delivered to us resulted in us being hooked to this compact hot hatch as it just made more sense over its sibling the 308 but it however needed a little more oomph to trounce the Golf TSI. Of course, all the credit can’t go to the C4’s engine alone.
The suspension working with the busy looking 17-inch alloys certainly did its part when it came to delivering the rock-solid performance and the slick-shifting robotic gearbox (best in manual mode as the auto mode is lethargic as it is constantly in fuel saving mode) was a welcome after some bland auto boxes we are testing last month.
After a day with the C4 we have to say that that the handling and power capabilities of this new Citroen is good and bang for your buck (ringgit) as it delivers nothing short of fun with good comfort. Pick out a neck wrenching twisty road and this C4 will ride it, returning some entertaining steering feedback. There is little body roll on fast corners and quick changes of direction do little to upset the stiff chassis that is easily controlled once you have learnt its limits.
Its reasonable selling price is the biggest shock. Don’t forget the great build quality as it is fully imported and not locally assembled like the 308. Also, there is a 3-year 100,000 km warranty and 6-airbags which also better than what its sibling provides.
Citroen C4 1.6 THP EGS Specifications
Engine: 4-cylinder/16v
Power: 155bhp @ 5800rpm
Torque: 240Nm @ 1400rpm
Capacity: 1598cc
Transmission: 6-speed EGS semiauto
Top Speed: 212km.h
0-100km/h: 9.6sces
Price: RM125,990.00
