CITROËN C4
WHEN IS A hatchback a crossover? And when does a crossover become an SUV? These are the questions you might well ask yourself when you see the new Citroën C4. The carmaker says it is a hatchback, although the higher-than-normal ride height and chunky looks nudge the C4 towards crossover territory. But whichever category it belongs in, to our eyes the C4 is a handsome car.
There’s an all-electric model, which drives smoothly and quietly. But if you want to tow a lightweight caravan, there are petrol and diesel models with between 100hp and 155hp.
We’ve driven the 130hp Puretech petrol. It’s an excellent engine, with an appealing engine note and a willingness to rev. It should cope well with a lightweight caravan, although it will need to be light. The car’s kerbweight including driver is 1322kg, and the legal towing limit is just 1200kg. So the C4 makes a suitable match for the likes of the Swift Basecamp rather than anything bigger.
The ride is smooth – a little fussy on choppy surfaces, but very comfortable. The flipside is lots of lean in corners. We enjoyed the Citroën’s relaxed demeanour and distinctive appearance.