Increased Practicality with a Larger Body

The new Citroën C4 went on sale in Japan on July 1, 2011. The previous model, introduced to the Japanese market in 2005, was a hit, accounting for 45 percent of Citroën's total sales. This new iteration features a more conventional exterior, with a more pronounced long roofline that enhances its practical appeal. While the interior boasts improved quality, features like the semi-transparent meter from the previous generation have been removed, making it significantly more standard. The lineup includes two engine options: a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter and a turbocharged version. The "C4 Exclusive" with the turbocharger is particularly enjoyable.

A key characteristic of the new C4 is its emphasis on functionality. The body dimensions have increased compared to the previous model: length is up by 35mm, width by 15mm, and height by 10mm. To address concerns about the previous model's small luggage capacity (reportedly voiced in Europe), the rear overhang has been extended by 65mm. This increases the luggage capacity by 28 liters to 380 liters.

This is the largest capacity in its class, for example,Volkswagen Golfit is 30 liters larger than the.

The lineup consists of two models, primarily differentiated by their engines.

・C4 Seduction: 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine, 120ps, ¥2,560,000

・C4 Exclusive: 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, 156ps, ¥2,990,000

The Underpowered Seduction and the Powerful Exclusive

While the body is largely the same, the transmissions differ along with the engines. The C4 Seduction is equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission, while the high-performance C4 Exclusive features a 6-speed automated manual transmission with a dual-clutch system.

Beyond the difference in their sub-names, the C4 Seduction and C4 Exclusive have distinct characters due to their powertrains. The C4 Seduction prioritizes mildness and comfort, while the C4 Exclusive allows for an engaging driving experience.

The C4 Seduction, with its slightly underpowered 120ps engine paired with a fuel-efficient 4-speed automatic transmission, is particularly well-suited for city driving or steady highway cruising.

The C4 Exclusive's 6-speed transmission effectively utilizes the engine's torque band, with each gear holding its revs beyond 4,000rpm (perhaps due to a learning function). This allows drivers to fully experience the power of the 156ps engine, which produces 240Nm of peak torque from 1,400 to 3,500rpm.

The C4 Exclusive's 6-speed transmission offers quick shifts and remarkable performance improvements. The engine revs smoothly, powerfully propelling the 1.3-ton vehicle.

When within the torque band, the engine responds sharply, quickly accelerating the car in response to the driver's input on the accelerator pedal. The engine and transmission form a well-matched pair.

High-Quality Interior with a Simple Design

The steering wheel has a three-dimensional cross-section shaped to fit the human hand, and the leather wrapping feels supple. Combined with the high-quality materials used on the dashboard, the perceived quality, particularly through touch, has significantly improved.

There is little difference in ride comfort between the C4 Seduction and C4 Exclusive, both equipped with 16-inch tires. The C4 Seduction uses Michelin Energy Saver "green tires," which give a slightly firm impression on the tread.

In contrast, the C4 Exclusive was fitted with Michelin Primacy tires, which also aim to improve handling. This seemed to contribute to a slight difference in handling. There was no harshness, indicating a focus on comfort.

Compared to its rival,Volkswagen Golf,at a similar price point, the 1.2-liter turbo TSI Trendline (¥2,570,000) competes with the C4 Seduction (¥2,560,000). The C4 Exclusive (¥2,990,000) seems to compete more with the sporty 1.4-liter TSI Highline (¥3,150,000) rather than the single-turbo 1.4-liter TSI Comfortline (¥2,780,000).

Volkswagen Golf TSI Highlineis a model that emphasizes its "over-the-top" features, such as the bucket seats, which can be a polarizing factor for some drivers. The C4 Exclusive, while sporty, offers comfortable seats and a setup that appeals to a broader audience.

An optional panoramic glass roof (packaged with 17-inch alloy wheels for ¥170,000) is available for the C4 Seduction.

Another appeal of the C4 is its consideration for passenger comfort. However, currently, only an off-white fabric called "Lama" is available for the seats. While it's a beautiful color, it might be prone to showing dirt. To avoid this, the leather package (black) is the only alternative at ¥250,000. We hope they will reconsider this option.

CITROEN C4 | CITROËN C4
Body Dimensions: Length 4,330mm x Width 1,790mm x Height 1,490mm
Wheelbase: 2,610mm
Engine (Seduction): 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder DOHC
Engine (Exclusive): 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder DOHC, twin-turbocharged
Transmission (Seduction): 4-speed automatic
Transmission (Exclusive): 6-speed electronically controlled gearbox system
Max Output: 88kW (120ps) / 6,000rpm (Seduction), 115kW (156ps) / 6,000rpm (Exclusive)
Max Torque (Seduction): 160Nm (16.3kgm) / 4,250rpm
Max Torque (Exclusive): 240Nm (24.5kgm) / 1,400-3,500rpm
JC08 Mode Fuel Economy: 12.1 km/ℓ (Seduction), 13.1 km/ℓ (Exclusive)
CO2 Emissions: 143g/km (Seduction), 148g/km (Exclusive)
Seating Capacity: 5 people
Price: ¥2,560,000 (Seduction), ¥2,990,000 (Exclusive)