Review: Citroën Mk.1 C4 coupe (2005-09)

Overview

Released in April 2005, the Citroën C4 coupe was a small, three-door liftback. Manufactured in Mulhouse, France, the front-wheel drive C4 coupe range consisted of VTR and VTS editions, powered by 1.6- and 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines respectively.

Of these engines,

• the 1.6-litre TU5 petrol engine had double overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder; and,
• the 2.0-litre EW10 petrol engine had double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and variable valve timing for the intake camshaft.

Both engines were mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

Compared to the related Mk.1 C4 hatch , the C4 coupe was 13 mm longer (at 4273 mm), 4 mm narrower (1769 mm) and 15 mm lower (1456 mm); wheelbase length, however, was unchanged (2608 mm). The C4 coupe had MacPherson strut front suspension with lower wishbones and a torsion beam rear axle.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the C4 VTR included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters and outer rear seatbelt load limiters. The VTS was further equipped with electronic stability control and traction control. The C4 also had a fixed steering wheel hub to enable more effective deployment of the driver’s airbag.

Features

Standard features for the C4 VTR included a six speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, cruise control, front and rear fog lights, split and folding rear seats, a multi-function steering wheel, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, trip computer, tinted windows and an immobiliser.

Beyond this, the C4 VTS added 17-inch alloy wheels, dual zone climate control air conditioning, bi-xenon headlights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, courtesy lamps, power folding mirrors, an electrochromatic rear view mirror, tyre pressure monitoring and a rear spoiler.

Brochures

• Brochure: Citroën Mk.1 C4 Hatch and C4 Coupe (August 2006)
• Brochure: Citroën Mk.1 C4 Hatch and C4 Coupe (May 2008)

Related links

• Press Kit: Citroën C4 Coupe and C4 Hatch (April 2005)
• Wikipedia.org: Citroën C4 (first generation)

Recalls: Citroen C4 coupe

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Citroen C4 coupe

• In March 2006, a recall was issued for Citroen C4 coupe vehicles due to a possible leak at the join of the flex pipe to the steel pipe in the rear brake pipes (PRA 2006/8406).
• In May 2006, a recall was issued for Citroen C4 coupe vehicles due to a risk of injury caused by deployment of the front airbags (PRA 2006/8471).
• In March 2008, a recall was issued for Citroen C4 coupe vehicles due to a non-conforming brake assistance vacuum pump (PRA 2008/9924).
• In January 2009, a recall was issued for Citroen C4 coupe vehicles due to vehicles being fitted with a non-conforming engine relay unit (PRA 2009/10557).
• In April 2011, a recall was issued for three-door Citroen C4 vehicles due to the harness sleeve, located at the connection of the tailgate and the body, not being adequately secured. After a number of tailgate movements, damage could occur to electrical wires which could lead to functional problems with electrical equipment connected to the tailgate. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2011/12516.
• In January 2011, a recall was issued for Citroen C4 coupe vehicles due to rare cases in which the braking assistance circuit vacuum pump valve may have problems operating. For the full list of recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2011/12304.

Problems and faults: Citroen Mk.1 C4 coupe

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Problems and faults: Citroen C4 coupe

• For early Citroen C4 coupe models, the windscreen wiper blades could detach from the wiper assembly and scratch the windscreen – clips were subsequently fitted to the wiper blades to prevent this.
• Water may leak into the foot well due to the drains becoming clogged.
• Whining noises from the air conditioning system may require the compressor drive pulley to be replaced.
• Knocking noises from the front suspension may be due to excessive wear of the front ball joints that require replacement.
• The airbag warning light may illuminate due to a loose connection under the driver’s seat.
• The reversing lights may stop working due to corrosion of the rear wiring looms.

Released in April 2005, the Citroën C4 coupe was a small, three-door liftback. Manufactured in Mulhouse, France, the front-wheel drive C4 coupe range consisted of VTR and VTS editions, powered by 1.6- and 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines respectively… Read full Citroen Mk.1 C4 coupe review

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Euro NCAP: Citroën Mk.1 C4 hatch crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing, the Mk.1 C4 received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 34.56 out of 37 – this result, however, occurred prior to the requirement that electronic stability control (ESC) be fitted for a five star rating and ESC was not standard throughout the range. For additional information regarding this test, please go to the Euro NCAP website.Videos are provided with the permission of Euro NCAP.