Settling into the C4 provides an attractive and unique vista. Immediately obvious is the fixed-hub steering wheel with its plethora of buttons (horn, cruise control, air recirculation and hi-fi controls) around the centre boss.
Your eye is also drawn to the speedo perched on top of the dash. In fact, there are four separate electronic displays dotted around the dashboard: the stereo display occupies the middle-dash, the climate control readouts sit low down in the centre console, while the narrow strip of electronic rev counter can be found at the top of the steering hub. Although this layout gives the cabin an individual look, it’s difficult to take in all the widely spread information in one sweep.
More seriously, the clutch pedal is set too high, leaving most drivers with awkwardly bent knees. You can move the seat back, but with a maximum front legroom of only 1060mm (VW Golf 1140mm) some drivers still felt cramped. Room in the back is about average for the class, while the boot is smaller than a Golf’s (320 v 350 litres).
What’s really noticeable is how Citroën has made a substantial leap in the quality and construction of its interiors with the C4. Most of the plastics feel expensive, with widespread use of soft-touch materials.
VTR Plus drivers benefit from standard climate control, CD player, plug-in air-freshener and cruise control. On top of the electronic safety features, there are six airbags as standard, two Isofix child-seat anchorages and options such as tyre-pressure and lane-departure warning systems.
At £15,895, the C4 VTR Plus is good value considering the level of standard equipment. The identically engined new five-door Ford Focus Titanium is considerably more expensive at £16,875, as is the VW Golf 1.9 TDi Sport at £16,900.
Citroën claims a remarkable combined 60.1 miles per gallon, but on our touring route we only managed 45.2mpg, which sank to an average of 39.1mpg when our performance testing was factored in.
