Citroen C4 gets a facelift

Citroen has given its C4 hatchback and coupe a mid-life facelift. The headline news is under the bonnet, where a new 118bhp, 1.6-litre VTi engine will replace the 1.6i 16v engine, and a 148bhp, turbocharged, 1.6-litre motor will replace the current 2.0-litre unit. Both of the engines have been developed in conjunction with BMW and offer greener solutions to the units they replace without any compromise in performance. The 118bhp VTi returns 42mpg over a combined cycle, an increase of six per cent, while CO2 output is cut to 159g/km from 169g/km. The 148bhp engine does even better, with a 10 per cent increase in fuel economy to 41mpg on a combined cycle and a reduction of emissions to 164g/km.Other modifications to the engine range include a revised 2.0-litre HDi oil-burner, which now complies with Euro 5 standards. All of the diesel engines in the C4 have improved fuel economy and the HDi 92 and HDi 110 have dropped below the 120g/km emissions mark with outputs of 117/gkm and 118g/km respectively.Subtle tweaks have been made to the C4’s distinctive looks in order to bring it in line with the new Citroen design language that appeared on the C5. The mods are extremely minor, but they do lengthen the car, by 15mm.The interior been revamped; the rev counter has been relocated to the central dashboard display from its original place over the steering wheel, and there are new materials and design schemes available across the range.A new infotainment system completes the upgrade, offering auxiliary-in, a USB socket, Bluetooth handsfree functionality and a high-resolution colour screen. Expect prices to be confirmed nearer the car’s launch later this year.

Vicky Parrott