2022 CITROEN C4 SHINE


Citroen Australia has added the latest generation C4 to its model range. Initially only one
model is coming Downunder, the Shine variant. Should it be successful it’s likely that we
will see other models coming here.

New Citroen C4 Shine is 4355mm long with a 2670mm wheelbase. It’s 1525mm tall and
1800mm wide. This puts it up against the Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, as well as another
French car the Peugeot 2008.

STYLING
In a clever move, the new Citroen C4 blends SUV characteristics with hatchback versatility
and coupe styling. It has a wide bonnet, a narrow opening that has Citroen double
chevrons in the centre and slim daytime running lights at each end. There are large
multiple headlights in the lower area.

The lower part of the body and the wheel arches are finished in black which adds to the
SUV look – well, sort of.

The roof has a rear downward slope that works well visually. The lower area of the tail has
a complex black three-dimensional shape with multiple trapezoidal shapes that, yet again
in this car, look like nothing else in this class, or indeed in any class. Observers who
checked over the car during our test period had differing opinions of the rear. We loved it…

INTERIOR
The dashboard area has the instruments in a squared off binnacle that’s shrouded to keep
off reflections. In the centre there’s a large rectangular screen for satellite navigation as
well as controls for many of the minor functions.

The front passenger has a dashboard tray, effectively a large, sliding drawer with a
cushioned opening position to store and hold a tablet (or other object) in place. The tray is
covered with a graphic anti-slip coating.

Dual-zone climate control with rear centre console air vents make it a pleasant place to
travel for all occupants.

INFOTAINMENT
The Citroen C4 has DAB digital radio and a six-speaker sound system. There’s no
branding on the system, presumably because it’s been developed specifically for the
Citroen by one of the major players. Sound quality is fine but not what you would call
outstanding.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
Power comes from a three-cylinder, 1.2-litre, turbo-petrol engine with 114 kilowatts of
power and 240 Newton-metres of torque. It drives the front wheels through Citroen’s latest
eight-speed Efficient Automatic Transmission.

There are three driving modes: Eco, Normal and Sport. We found that Normal gave decent
performance, but we did prefer to run it in Sport as we do love driving.

SAFETY
Australasia’s independent voice on vehicle safety, ANCAP gave a 4-star safety rating to
the Citroen C4 with performance falling short in three of the four key areas of safety
assessment.

It achieved scores of 76 per cent for Adult Occupant Protection, 81 per cent for Child
Occupant Protection, 57 per cent for Vulnerable Road User Protection and 62 per cent for
Safety Assist.

“Unfortunately, the Citroën C4’s scores fell short in three of our four key areas of
assessment meaning it was unable to meet the five star safety standard consumers and
fleets have come to expect,” said ANCAP Chief Executive Officer, Carla Hoorweg.

“It is likely that with some small enhancements, Citroen could see the C4 elevated to five
stars, and we would strongly encourage Citroen to consider introducing such
improvements.”

DRIVING
The Citroen “Advanced Comfort seats” include a high-density layer at the heart of the seat
structure covered by a 15mm-thick textured surface foam, providing a padded effect. Their
styling is again fascinatingly French.

The front seats are electrically heated, not something that we’re going to be testing our C4
on the Gold Coast in the middle of summer. We may borrow another one in winter to see
how they go.

The driver’s seat has four-way powered adjustment with manual longitudinal adjustment as
well as a massage function.

The front passenger’s seat has multi-way manual adjustment, with electric lumbar
adjustment so there are plenty of ways to get it just right.

Rear seat legroom is fine, but tall people may touch the roof due to the sloping tail.

Ride comfort is exceptionally good in the manner of all French cars. The C4 almost seems
to float along and only the biggest of bumps and potholes cause it to be slightly upset.
There’s a fair bit of body roll, something that Citroens have had for years but it’s part of the
comfort package and Citroen lovers are happy with that.

Handling is competent enough but is set up more for comfort than sporting feel. The
steering is rather too light and it doesn’t respond as quickly as we like.

A colour head-up display projects the main driving information, including speed, into the
driver’s direct field of vision. This is so much easier to see when wearing polarising
sunglasses as I do. Big marks to Citroen for this.

Could we live with a Citroen C4 as our own car? Probably, the pluses outweigh the
minuses and it’s enjoyable to be in something that doesn’t look like everything else on the
road.

AT A GLANCE

MODEL RANGE
Citroen C4 Shine: $37,990 (automatic)
Note: This price does not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your
local Citroen dealer for drive-away prices.

SPECIFICATIONS (Citroen C4 Shine 1.2-litre turbo-petrol five-door wagon)

ENGINE:
Capacity: 1.199 litres
Configuration: Three cylinders in line
Maximum Power: 114 kW @ 5500 rpm
Maximum Torque: 240 Nm @ 1750 rpm
Fuel Type: Premium unleaded petrol
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 5.2 L/100km
CO2 Emissions: 119 g/km

DRIVELINE: Eight-speed automatic

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4355 mm
Wheelbase: 2670 mm
Width: 1800 mm
Height: 1525 mm
Turning Circle: 10.9 metres
Kerb Mass: 1247 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 50 litres

BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Solid disc

STANDARD WARRANTY:
Five years / unlimited kilometres

RATINGS
Looks: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Safety: 6/10
Thirst: 7/10
Practicality: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10
Tech: 7/10
Value: 8/10

 

About Ewan Kennedy

Ewan Kennedy, a long-time car enthusiast, was Technical Research Librarian with the NRMA from 1970 until 1985. He worked part-time as a freelance motoring journalist from 1977 until 1985, when he took a full-time position as Technical Editor with Modern Motor magazine. Late in 1987 he left to set up a full-time business as a freelance motoring journalist. Ewan is an associate member of the Society of Automotive Engineers - International. An economy driving expert, he set the Guinness World Record for the greatest distance travelled in a standard road vehicle on a single fuel fill. He lists his hobbies as stage acting, travelling, boating and reading.
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