Some car makers are just rediscovering interesting car design, but Citroen started a while ago - its C4 is the proof. Always strong on value, with low prices and lots of kit as standard, the original C4 came practical five-door or stylish three-door coupé forms. With a raft of engines and trim levels, there's something for everyone, but reliability can be an issue.
Key Dates
10/04: The Citroën C4 arrives in five-door hatchback and three-door coupé forms, with 1.4 or 1.6 petrol engines, or 1.6 or 2.0HDi (turbodiesel) powerplants. The smaller diesel engine comes in 90bhp or 110bhp guises.
7/06: The Cool special edition debuts, and the 1.6 HDi is now available with a semi-auto gearbox.
1/07: The By Loeb special appears, with 1.6 or 1.8 petrol engines.
3/08: The Cachet limited edition debuts.
9/08: A facelift brings a revised nose and tail, extra standard equipment, fresh colours and wheel designs plus two new 1.6 petrol engines; 120bhp and 150bhp turbocharged units.
1/09: The Airdream+ limited edition arrives.
3/09: Another By Loeb special arrives, with 1.6 petrol or diesel power.
Citroen C4 (2004-2010) Checklist
- Wiper blades come adrift, then scratch the windscreen.
- The electrics and electronics play up, especially the dash displays, radio and electric windows.
- Look for loose or broken interior trim. Glove box lids fail too.
- Air-con compressor drive belts fail.
- Dual-mass flywheels eventually fail; cars used in the city suffer most.
- The rear shock absorbers can prove short-lived.
- The paint can peel off the rear spoiler.
- Water gets into the front and rear lights.
We Like
- Comfort
- Style
- Refinement
- Standard kit
- Affordability
We Don't Like
- Iffy build quality
- Numb steering
- Uncertain reliability