Geneva 2012 – Citroen C4 Aircross

Scheduled to go on sale this fall, the Citroen C4 Aircross has made its public debut last week at the Geneva Motor Show. Design-wise, the car borrows a few styling cues from the Hypnos concept that we’ve seen back in 2008, especially if we look at the taillights and the 18-inch alloy wheels.

This five-seat compact SUV measures 4340mm long, 1630mm high and it is 1800mm wide. It comes with a unique panoramic glass sunroof that at night is illuminated by LED lights. The cargo volume offered by the C4 Aircross is of 442 liters.

When this French sport utility sport vehicle will hit the dealerships it will only have a 2WD configuration for the 1.6-liter gasoline unit that pumps out 114 hp, along with a 1.8-liter diesel that generates 150 hp. There’s also going to be a 1.6-liter diesel with 110 hp which will be available in both 2WD and 4WD. Both diesels are going to be linked to a 6-speed manual transmission, while the gasoline-powered C4 Aircross is going to get a 5-speed transmission. In the European market, the 2.0-liter gasoline engine will not be available.

As far as the design is concerned, we notice that it has integrated LEDs in the front, light guides in the rear light clusters, indicator repeaters integrated in the door mirrors, along with a built-in rear-view camera. Inside the cabin we find GPS with sat-nav system, Bluetooth and USB connection.

The car shown in Geneva is an exclusive version of the compact SUV as it wears a Vapor Gray frosted-texture paint finish, while the door handles, door mirrors and the roof bars are now all chrome-finished in order to match the car’s new color.

Source: Citroen via Autocar

Post tags: Tags: Citroen, Citroen C4, citroen c4 aircross, geneva-motor-show, motor shows

Citroen C4 Aircross Unveiled

Citroen C4 Aircross

The newest compact SUV from Citroen has arrived. It is the C4 Aircross that it will be available in both 2WD and 4WD versions when it will go on sale next fall. It borrows some of the styling we’ve seen in the 2008 Hypnos concept, especially if we look at those 18-inch alloys and at the taillights.

Citroen C4 Aircross

The car measures 4,340 mm long, 1,800 mm wide and 1,630 mm high. It packs a panoramic glass sunroof which is illuminated by a set of built-in LED lights and at the back you get 442 liters in the trunk.

Citroen C4 Aircross

For the two-wheel drive version only there is going to be a 1.6-liter gasoline engine that produces 114 hp, along with 1.6-liter with 110 hp and a 1.8-liter 150 hp diesels. The diesels will be linked to a 6-speed manual gearbox while the gasoline unit will feature a 5-speed transmission. Those of you who live in Europe will not be able to order the C4 Aircross with the 2.0-liter gasoline engine.

Citroen C4 Aircross

At the front of this French compact SUV we find vertically integrated LEDs, along with indicator repeaters in the door mirrors, an integrated rearview revising camera and light guides in the rear light clusters. Some of the goodies include USB and Bluetooth connection as well as a GPS satellite navigation system that will feature a touchscreen.

Source: Citroen via Autocar

Post tags: Tags: Citroen, Citroen C4, citroen c4 aircross

Citroen To Show Three Concepts At Geneva

Citroen C3 Red Block

We are only one week away from the 81^st edition of the Geneva Motor Show and Citroen announced that they are going to bring three concepts, based on the automaker’s production models. The design studies are the C3 “Red Block”, the DS4 “Purple” and the C6 “Noir et Blanc”.

The French supermini C3 has bespoke matt grey paintwork with red accents on the window line and sits on 17-inch alloy rims, plus smoked headlamps and tail lamps. In addition, it features a lowered suspension and the exclusive interior trim is highlighted by the red leather seats, and the various aluminum accents located on the door panels, stee

Citroen DS4 Purple

ring wheel and the center console.

The DS4 Purple will make its debut alongside with the production model. This concept “takes inspiration from the techniques of jewellery craft.”

The C6 “Noir et Blanc” is going to be a study on new colors and materials for the automaker’s most expensive model.

My personal favorite is the DS4 Purple as it looks very aggressive and it has a nice interior. The C6 is perhaps the ugliest car from Citroen’s current lineup and this concept doesn’t really bring anything new. Probably the next-generation C6 will adopt an entire new styling as the current one isn’t attractive at all. Most likely, the new one will take some of the design ideas from the DS3 and DS4 which both look very good in my opinion.

We’ll be able to provide more information next week when the Geneva Motor Show starts.

Post tags: Tags: Citroen C4, citroen c6, citroen ds4, geneva, special-edition

2011 Citroen C4 revealed ahead of Paris debut

First off, while Citroen is hyping up the C4 as a all-new model, it still sits on a modified version of the old model’s chassis and will retain many of the engines used by its predecessor.

Still, its new design and the fact that it will only be offered as a five-door hatchback will satisfy a lot of people. The style of the new C4 borrows heavily from the bigger C5 as well as from the DS High Rider concept we saw at the beginning of the year in Geneva.

Unlike its predecessor, the 2011 C4 will arrive only as a hatch and targets models like the Volkswagen Golf or Ford Focus. It will employ a fresh design combined with increased utility. While the former C4 featured some extravagant options, the new one is a bit more conservative.

Still, even if you won’t have a central-mounted display, you will be able to change the background light for the new dashboard as well as customize plenty of accessories. The steering wheel no longer has a fixed center, but Citroen knows that won’t affect many potential buyers.

As we revealed above, the engine lineup will be almost the same as the outgoing C4, but will see the addition of the first e-HDi diesel-electric hybrid system. According to sources, it will use an electric motor, combined with the 1.6-liter HDI unit, to achieve around 109 g/km of CO2 emissions and an impressive fuel average.

Even if it isn’t as funky as its predecessor, we really like the new 2011 Citroen C4. What about you? Check out the photo gallery below and then cast your verdict on this new French hatch.

Photo Gallery: 2011 Citroen C4

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Post tags: Tags: 2011 citroen c4, Citroen, Citroen C4, france, hatchback, paris motor show, photo-gallery

Citroen C3 Picasso and C4 get eco airdream+ versions

As you can imagine, the two new models are focused on increasing fuel averages, by using the new entry-level HDi diesel units, and decreasing CO2 emissions, by using tweaked transmissions. The C3 Picasso will use a five-speed manual, which will have a gearshift indicator to swap gears at the optimum time, while the C4 will get an automatic gearbox.

Besides these changes, options like parking sensors, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, power windows all around and mirrors, as well as automatic A/C, will also be included in the airdream+ versions.

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Post tags: Tags: airdream+, Citroen, citroen c3 picasso, Citroen C4, Green

Video: Citroen DS3 WRC begins testing

Next year, Citroen will introduce the smaller DS3 WRC model, in an effort to change things up and to promote the brand new car, in which it has placed high hopes for the regular market. As is natural, the French company has already begun seriously testing the DS3 race car, in order to ensure peak performance for its rally team.

Now, this new video popped up, showing the Citroen DS3 WRC undergo some tough testing stages. For any rally fan, this footage will be a real treat. Hit the jump to see how the smaller race car performs and then share your thoughts about the switch the French company will make next year.
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Post tags: Tags: Citroen, Citroen C4, citroen c4 wrc, citroen ds3, citroen ds3 wrc, Motorsport, Video, wrc

Test Drive: Citroen C4 limited edition “by Loeb”

Even though it bears Sebastien Loeb’s name, the car isn’t all that sporty, but, as we learned in the time we spent with it, can be pretty agile when needed. Plus, the extra options are certain to make your trips with this special C4 more enjoyable.

You can check out the complete test drive of the Citroen C4 limited edition by Loeb at this link.

Post tags: Tags: Citroen, Citroen C4, citroen c4 by loeb, test drive

Citroen C4 limited edition “by Loeb”

During the winter holiday season, red is all around, so we’d thought we’d go along with the trend and test out the new Citroen C4 by Loeb this winter, which sports a Santa-style red paint. Well, the paint had nothing to do with our choice, but it was a nice touch. As a general impression, the Citroen C4 Coupe was always a car which I considered pretty interesting, but it never really attracted me, so I was curious to see what I’ve been missing out on.

Last year, the C4 received a facelift, but the changes are so small even the designers have problems saying which is which: the front end is slightly restyled, on the inside the revcounter was moved from the top of the steering wheel to the central display and new upholstery choices were added. New options like navigation system, new headlights or safety systems are now available, as well as a few new engines, developed in partnership with BMW, among which is the 152 HP 1.6-liter gasoline unit that powered the model we tested.

Exterior

As I was saying, on the outside there aren’t many noticeable differences as opposed to the old model, but it doesn’t mean that the C4 isn’t attractive. The rear, at least, was love at first sight. This special limited edition by Loeb is even more attractive. Besides the bright red (Rouge Aden) paint job, the model also has two side vinyls and Loeb’s signature under each of the outside mirrors.

Besides that, the 17-inch white sport wheels are available only on this limited series. Overall, the model looks gorgeous, especially when coming out of the car wash on a sunny day.

Interior

On the inside, the first thing which pops is the sporty red and black combination, a great touch, specific to this limited edition. Other customized features include the steering wheel (which is wrapped in black leather with red stitching) and the red inserts on the gear knob or carpets, plus the aluminum sport pedals. The center console, on top of the ashtray’s lid, has a really cool plate which says “C4 by LOEB Edition Limitee No XXX”, which makes you feel very special. Of course, you don’t feel that special any more when the number is 1,359, but still, it was a great touch. But by far the coolest thing on the interior was the glass roof, which left a lasting impression on all the car’s passengers (including us). The roof is definitely worth every penny (the package, which includes the wheels too, costs 750 Euros, ~$1,100). Other features in our model were cruise control, electronic folding outside mirrors, park assist and navigation (which compared to BMW’s, for example, is pretty good even in countries like ours, which don’t have a great digital map coverage).

I also enjoyed the seats. When you first get in, they don’t strike you as sporty, and are quite comfy. You’ll actually think that maybe they made a mistake at the factory, as this more aggressive model needed rally ones, but they will give you plenty of lateral support in corners, and are great for sporty driving. The only problem with the C4 is the rear visibility, largely due to the unique design in the back (which is nice) that binds the rear window with the roof right exactly where your inside mirror needs to be pointed at. In bad weather you’ll also be cursing the back wiper which covers an insignificant amount of space, rendering it useless.

I noticed that in terms of controls, Citroen really wants to be different from everyone, by any means. First off, the steering wheel. I’ve drive other Citroen models before, and I knew about the fixed center design, but it’s still quite weird until you grow accustomed to it. Then there are the audio controls. Although the sound system is great, especially when you crank it up, this is the first car I’ve driven where if you turn the big knob on the center console, you actually change stations/songs, instead of modifying the volume (not to mention I searched for the shuffle function for quite some time). Last but not least, the digital display, a Citroen trademark, which has generated a lot of talk. Some like it, but others, myself included, aren’t really into it, because I’d rather see the classic clocks instead of this video game-like lines. But it’s not that important and hasn’t swayed my opinion about the car.

Now you’ll ask “OK, it’s a coupe, so how’s in the back?” Well, the rear space is plentiful. The access is a bit difficult, but I’ve had three people (girls, albeit) in the back and they didn’t complain. The boot is quite large, and can easily fit three people’s luggage for a winter trip.

On the road

Seeing as how I had the C4 for two weeks, I’ve had plenty of time to see what it can do. At the beginning, I was pretty disappointed. I knew it had 152 HP (yeah, it’s not a lot) but reported to the weight of the car, made me expect a sportier feel. I can’t really put my finger on it, maybe it’s the gearbox ratios or my high expectations, but the C4 by Loeb isn’t exactly rally material. Yes, when you’re not afraid to put your foot down, the car complies, but not the way I would’ve expected. I mean Bobby blasted me during a mini-drag race in our long-term Mercedes-Benz GLK (even though it has an extra 150 HP)

All jokes aside, after you get used to revving the car a bit, it’s rather fun. Also, the road handling is great. Another interesting thing is the ride height. At the beginning, knowing it was a sport-oriented model, I expected a ground height so low I’d be afraid to park it on a sidewalk, go over tram lines or hit any pot holes. That lasted until I got a closer look and saw that it has plenty of clearance, which, coupled with the great suspension, make it handle great on normal or mountain roads and you won’t really feel any pot holes.

In terms of fuel consumption, I think the C4 has room to improve. Even though I drove it a bit (just a bit) more aggressive, the average was around 9.7 liters/100 km (29.1 Imperial mpg), and in the city it was between 10.5-10.7 (26.6 Imperial mpg). Outside, on the highway, I drove for two hours on an awful snowy weather so I had an average speed of 60 km/h (37 mph), with the consumption around 7.0 liter per 100 km (40 Imperial mpg).

Conclusions

Frankly, I was very, very eager to see the car’s price, as I enjoyed it and thought that it would’ve been a shame to have a high price that would ruin it. But the price in Romania, including taxes, is 20,850 Euros. Is it really worth it? I don’t really know, it’s up to each and every one of you, but I think it does. The Citroen C4 by Loeb looks and handles great, has plenty of features and the only small drawback is the fuel consumption.

Now though, at least in our country, Citroen has plenty of special offers, with discounts up to €6,000, which, at least in my opinion, are great and will attract anyone on the hunt for a hatchback, especially on the smaller engine models, which go as low as 9,000 Euros (7,900 pounds or $13,000).

We liked:
- the paint job (color, vinyls and Sebastien Loeb’s signatures);
- the panoramic glass roof;
- the red and black interior trim;
- the audio system;
- the seats;

We didn’t like:
- the engine;
- the fuel consumption;
- poor visibility through the rear window.

Citroen C4 by Loeb specifications:
Weight: 1,337 kg (2,948 pounds)
Engine: 4-cylinder 1.6-liter (1,587 cmc), 152 HP (112 kW) at 5,800 rpm, 240 Nm at 1,400 rpm
Performance: 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 9.2 seconds and top speed of 212 km/h (132 mph)
Fuel consumption (urban/extra-urban/combined): 9.3 / 6.9 / 5.3 (liters per 100 km) or 30.3 / 40.9 / 53.2 (Imperial mpg)

Big thanks to Laura Antonov from Citroen Romania, which helps us with all Citroen test drives!

Click for the photo gallery: Citroen C4 by Loeb Test Drive

Post tags: Tags: Citroen, Citroen C4

Citroen C4 special Arsenal edition created by Gerald Scarfe

This special Citroen C4, called “The Ultimate Arsenal Fans’ Car” was designed by the famous cartoonist Gerald Scarfe and it will be raffled in aid of Arsenal’s Charity of the Season, Teenage Cancer Trust. A few Arsenal players including Robin van Persie, Gael Clichy, Bacary Sagna and Manuel Almunia shared their thoughts and ideas with Gerald Scarfe around Club culture, legends and what they felt it meant to be part of Arsenal.

“This is something different for us to be involved in and although we all play for the same team, we had very different ideas which can be seen throughout the car’s design. Manuel spoke of Club heritage, I had the idea of pace and style, and Gael had an all together different idea about ‘planet Arsenal!’ I guess that’s what’s wonderful about art and this car in particular, we all had our part to play and our own distinctive ideas.” said van Persie, whose father is also an artist.

Raffle tickets to win the car, which will be seen at Arsenal’s upcoming home matches, cost £2 and are available to buy through www.beagoonerbeagiver.org or by calling 020 7612 0370. The draw will take place on May 24th at Arsenal’s last home game of the season against Stoke City and all funds going to Teenage Cancer Trust.

Comments around the car are useless, especially when you know it was created for a good cause, but you have to admit, it’s quite an interesting work of art.

Photo Gallery: Citroen C4 Arsenal

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Post tags: Tags: arsenal, Citroen, Citroen C4, gerald scarfe, special-edition

2008 Citroen C4 Picasso

The Citroen C4 Picasso is an MPV (multi purpose vehicle). It’s basically a car you can use for a lot of stuff, especially for driving kids to school and carrying strollers in the trunk (which is very large, especially on the vertical). If you’re a dad who can only afford one car, this is the one you’ll want. I tested a Citroen C4 Picasso Exclusive, with leather interior, 17″ wheels, electric controls and seat memory, “Follow me home” system, electric mirrors which fold down when the car is locked…it was a full option version.

How it drives

Nothing to complain about. The car runs well, the suspensions are soft enough so you don’t feel every bump in the road. However, I didn’t like the gear box. It changes gears very strangely, with a weird bump everytime it changes gears and you need to adjust the speed from the two paddles on the steering wheel. At one point I even gave up driving with the automatic gear box and switched to manual. Honestly, it might be something I didn’t understand, but so far I haven’t seen such an automatic box and such reactions. Other than this, the car works very well, including on rough roads (we climbed a little so we could take photos).

The fuel consumption is very good. We had the 118 hp 1.6 liter HDi diesel, and the average consumption was 7.2 liters/100km (32.6 US mpg) on the highway and 8.8 liters/100km (26.7 mpg) in the city. (more…)

Post tags: Tags: Citroen, Citroen C4, citroen c4 picasso