DRIVE A‘ FLYING CARPET’
CITROeN hopes that you will soon be sitting comfortably in its handsome new C4 compact hatchback.
That’s because the French carmaker believes its blend of style, tech, design and engineering will offer a chic gallic alternative to the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf.
With an electric, petrol and diesel version, the C4 promises to provide a super-smooth suspension and hydraulic system, which Citroen says will be like ‘travelling on a flying carpet’.
That may be overegging it, but there are 20 new patents on the suspension, so a great deal of work has gone on.
The comfort-factor goes doubly for the pure electric e- C4 version, which will add ‘exceptional silence’ to the mix.
Citroen promises extra knee room in the back (198mm, which it claims is best in class) thanks to an extended wheelbase. There’s also plenty of elbow room in the rear, even when sitting three abreast.
Seats are to be filled with high density foam to avoid the ‘settling effect’ after hours of 39 litres driving. of binnacles Clever and storage cubby will holes include dotted around. The practical 380-litre boot has a convenient loading sill.
The new motor — the tenth version of the C4 compact hatchback since 1928 — will also have a slide- out computer tablet or iPad holder for the occupant of the front passenger seat.
The petrol-powered C4 will come with a choice of three 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo engines. An eight-speed automatic gearbox is available on the most powerful petrols.
There The zero- are emissions also two four- all- electric cylinder e- diesels. C4 is powered by a 136hp (100kW) electric motor and 400V (50kW) lithium ion battery. It accelerates from rest to 62mph in 9.7 seconds, up to a top speed of 93mph. The range is said to be 217 miles. It has three driving modes: eco, normal and sport. Order books open on October 1 ahead of first deliveries in the New Year. Prices are expected to be from around £19,000.