Review: Citroën Mk.1 C4 hatch (2005-11)

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

Overview

Released in April 2005, the Citroën Mk.1 Series I (Mk.1-I) C4 hatch was a small, five-door hatchback. Manufactured in Mulhouse, France, the C4 hatch range initially consisted of the 1.6i SX and 2.0i Exclusive models, but was subsequently expanded with the introduction of the 1.6 HDi SX and 2.0i VTR in 2006 and, in 2008, the 2.0 HDi. The full range is given in the table below.

Compared to the related Mk.1 C4 coupe , the C4 hatch was 13 mm shorter (at 4260 mm), 4 mm wider (1773 mm) and 15 mm taller (1471 mm), though wheelbase length was unchanged (2608 mm). Furthermore, the C4 hatch had MacPherson strut front suspension (with lower wishbones) and a torsion beam rear axle.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear passengers), ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters and outer rear seatbelt load limiters. The 1.6 HDi SX, VTR and Exclusive editions were further equipped with electronic stability control and traction control. The C4 also featured a fixed steering wheel hub to enable more effective deployment of the driver’s airbag.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , the 1.6i SX received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 34.56 out of 37. There was a slight risk of serious leg injury for the driver in the offset crash test and a slight risk of serious chest injury in the side impact test. Under ANCAP’s methodology, however, only models with electronic stability control were eligible for a five star rating.

Features

Standard features for the C4 1.6i SX and 1.6 HDi SX included a six speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, cruise control, front and rear fog lights, split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, tinted windows, a trip computer and an immobiliser.

Beyond this, the C4 2.0i Exclusive added 17-inch alloy wheels, dual zone climate control air conditioning, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers and courtesy lights. The 2.0 VTR was differentiated by its 17-inch ‘Resolfen’ alloy wheels, contoured sports seats, carbon-fibre interior trim and deeper front bumper and airdam.

2008 Citroën C4 1.6 HDi SX 85th Anniversary

In June 2008, the 1.6 HDi SX 85th Anniversary model was released; it was distinguished by its 16-inch alloy wheels, five-disc CD stacker, dual zone climate control air conditioning and Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity.

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)
• Press Kit: Citroën Mk.1 C4 Hatch VTR (February 2006)

Review: Citroën Mk.1-II C4 hatch (2009-11)

Overview

Released in March 2009, the Mk.1 Series II (Mk.1-II) C4 introduced a revised range, consisting of the 1.6 VTi, 1.6 HDi, 1.6 Turbo and 2.0 HDi variants; of these, the latter two were solely available in ‘Exclusive’ editions. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine was also new to Citroën , having been co-developed with BMW.

Visually, the Mk.1-II C4 hatch could be identified by its new bonnet, revised grille, alloy wheel designs and additional chrome trim. Inside, the tachometer was repositioned to the central translucent dashboard display and there were new grained materials for the dashboard and door panel trims.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the price-leading C4 1.6 VTi was the same as for the Mk.1-I C4; all other variants, however, were fitted with electronic stability control and traction control.

Features

Standard features for the C4 1.6 VTi included a six speaker sound system with CD player and MP3-compatibility, air conditioning, cruise control with speed limiter, front and rear fog lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, steering wheel audio controls, split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, height adjustable driver’s seat, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, 12 volt power outlet, tinted windows, trip computer and immobiliser. Beyond this, the 1.6 HDi added a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The C4 1.6 Turbo and 2.0 HDi Exclusive editions were further equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, a six-disc CD player, dual zone climate control air conditioning, velour upholstery and an electrochromatic rear view mirror.

Brochure

• Brochure: Citroën Mk.1-II C4 Hatch (December 2009)

Related links

• Press Kit: Citroën Mk.1-II C4 hatch (April 2009)
• Wikipedia.org: Citroën C4 (first generation)