Citroen C4 Coupe 1.6 THP VTS

Nov 6 2008 Malcolm Robertshaw

THE latest C4 Coupe has already been applauded in many quarters for its new look, both inside and out, plus there's two BMW-sourced petrol engines now on offer to help it on its way.

The French car maker has always had a penchant for styling flair and the original Citroen C4 Coupe had justifiably earned a reputation for the rakish look of its refreshingly modern silhouette.

Now, changes to the exterior have shown that Citroen has taken its ability to make striking cars a stage further. Front end restyling has brought the C4 in line with the looks of the recently launched C5.

The car gets a new bonnet which features a more rounded and curvier shape while the grille benefits from the restyled, integrated, Citroen trademark chevrons.

The design team has also aimed for a stronger, more dynamic and sportier appearance, with the front bumper getting a revamp and the number plate adopting a higher position just below the bonnet while the whole ensemble is neatly completed by a rear lighting set-up finished in quite eye-catching transparent crystal.

Inside, the already comfortable three-door model has been further enhanced, its creators adding the likes of chrome inserts. A plush grain is now featured on the dashboard and door fronts and a further upmarket feel comes courtesy of some new fabrics and an integrated scented air freshener.

Although access to the rear of the cabin may not suit all passengers, there is room for four adults inside the C4 Coupe and there is some 320-litres of load space available in the boot along with a number of other storage places to hand, including an illuminated glove box, drawer under front passenger seat, front and rear armrest and a push and pull drawer on the dash.

You get plenty of car for the money these days with Citroen. All C4 Coupe models get the likes of cruise control, one-touch front electric windows, electrically adjustable door mirrors, air con and sound system with CD.

When it comes to safety and security, all C4 Coupe models deliver as standard the likes of six airbags, energy absorbing impact protection, remote central locking with deadlocks, ABS braking and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP).

The driving environment is hugely rewarding being a very user-friendly place to be with everything thoughtfully placed to hand or eye, thus helping to make the driving much more enjoyable.

Paired with a six-speed, slick-switching manual gearbox, the strong revving brand new 1.6-litre 150bhp Turbo High Pressure engine makes 0-62mph in an exciting 8.4 seconds.

Despite the VTS model driven here boasting a suspension a little on the firm side, the ride is certainly not uncomfortable, the C4 Coupe coping well with pock-marked tarmac along the way.

Power steering is sharp and on the mark, with body roll kept nicely in check and some excellent grip ever available.

Competitively priced, the latest Citroen C4 Coupe is very much an easy rider with plenty of individuality to help drivers stand out from the crowd.

FAST FACTS

Citroen C4 Coupe 1.6 THP VTS

Price : £17,495

Mechanical : 150bhp, 1,598cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox

Max speed : 131mph

0-62mph : 8.4 secs

Combined mpg : 40.9

Insurance group : n/a

CO2 emissions : 164g/km

BiK rating : 19%

Warranty : 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust