THE car which is alive with technology has some added technology, so it's positively hyper!
The C4 HDi 110 DFPS engine now comes with a new, impressive six-speed electronic gearbox system which delivers high levels of driving satisfaction as well as enhancing fuel economy.
It’s a revolutionary alternative to normal manual and automatic gearboxes – and what's more, it's easy to use.
You choose between modes. In manual mode, you can change gear using either paddles by the steering wheel, or the sequential lever.
In automatic the gearbox will control gear change for you, maximising your drive comfort and optimising fuel consumption. Citroen reckons this saving is between three and five per cent lower than a conventional manual gearbox, also helped by a sixth gear.
If you are up for a faster drive you can also use the additional “sport” mode for responsiveness, and a “hill-start” mode will make up-hill starts easier.
With no need for a clutch pedal, and the chosen gear always displayed on the instrument panel, everything has been kept very simple.
But what you get is a high tech gearbox helping to deliver a superb drive.
It can only add to the legend that the C4 has already become a legend thanks to those technological innovations, and helped, no doubt, by the famous dancing robot TV ad.
There are two distinctive designs in the 25 vehicle range – a 5-door family Hatchback and a sporty 3-door Coupé – each very attractive and delivering great performance.
It not only looks good on the outside. Inside its stylish layout suggests as much thought as been put into the ergonomics as the aerodynamics.
Just as you would expect, it’s stunning and roomy, boasting the best legroom in its class.
Refined, harmoniously contoured and relaxed, it bristles with inspiration.
The cutting-edge, translucent instrument display is as clear as day even in the brightest daylight and the multi-functional, fixed centred controls steering wheel ensures that the driver’s airbag always deploys at the correct angle, which is a world first.
The unique design of the steering wheel, which features a fixed central hub around which are located key controls, not only frees up the dashboard but ensures that most essential controls are placed close to the driver's fingertips.
Citroen has also raised safety level stakes with the introduction of a driver's airbag which more closely matches that of the driver's body.
They are some of the safety features that have helped the Citroën C4 to achieve a 5-star rating for passenger protection by EuroNCAP, which makes it one of the safest cars in its class.
The C4 is also the first car in its sector to offer the Lane Departure Warning System. This device uses sensors to detect if the car is drifting across lanes, either through driver tiredness or lack of concentration.
If the indicators have not been activated and the car's speed is above 50mph, the system alerts the driver via a vibrating mechanism in the seats.
Very clever indeed, and no doubt something that other manufacturers will be keen to follow-up.
FAST FACTS
Citroen C4 1.6 HDi EGS 5dr
Price: £16,890
Mechanical: 110bhp, 1,560cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6spd electronic gearbox
Max speed: 119mph
0-62mph: 11.2 secs
Combined mpg: 58.8
Insurance group: 6
CO2 emissions: 128g/km
BiK rating: 15%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 12yrs anti-rust