Citroen C4 1.6 e-HDi (110) EGS Exclusive 5dr Car Review - February 2012

The e-HDi gearbox is probably one of the most frustrating aspects of the driving experience of this C4, and although there are many wonderful paddle gearboxes available, this one is not a particularly good example. Until they get used to the needs of the gearbox, the driver will find that the experience is quite jerky and simply is too different to what people will be used to in a manual car. The ride itself is very comfortable and the suspension is quite soft, and this does mean that the handling of the car does not give as much feedback as some people will like.

In terms of the engine performance, the sluggish acceleration will not be to the taste of every driver, going from 0-62mph in 11.2 seconds. The top speed of 118mph will be enough for the vast majority of drivers who are on the roads and motorways. Driving aids such as ESP and traction control are certainly a welcome addition to the driving experience, and will help ensure the driver gets the necessary support behind the wheel.

The C4 has been on the market in many guises over the years, and the current incarnation is a sleeker and more attractive model than many of the boxy C4's that have appeared previously. Alloy wheels and leather seats add to the overall image that is portrayed by the EGS Exclusive level of trim which is the best available for the C4. Although it has many of the same design features that have appeared in many models over the years, this C4 is attractive without setting the design world alight.

This version of the C4 is the most well equipped of all, and the leather seats certainly make a big difference in terms of the level of comfort in the car. Bluetooth connectivity is included as standard, but even at the top end satellite navigation is still an optional extra. Power seats are a nice luxury option included as standard on this model, and the rain sensing wipers is certainly a feature that is becoming more common in this class.

The safety of the C4 is very good, and the five star award given after the Euro NCAP test is certainly reassuring for those who will be driving with their family. The usual range of airbags including curtain airbags certainly help to ensure that the passengers and driver is safe, and the ability to switch off the passenger airbag is also useful for those wanting to transport young children in safety seats on the passenger seats. Security features are typical for this class of vehicle, but a secure spare wheel as standard would be beneficial.

The C4 is a very practical car and can carry five people comfortably. The space in the boot is not huge, but it is perfectly adequate for the majority of uses that will be made of the C4.

This particular version of the C4 tips the scales at £21,245, which is one of the most expensive cars in the C4 range. The mid-sized family hatchback market is particularly competitive, and many people will baulk at paying this much for a family hatchback.

In terms of the long term running costs for the car, the benefit of having the automatic gearbox is that it does deliver excellent fuel performance, with an average 64.2mpg. The C4 does have quite a good insurance group, and when combined with the three year warranty and one year breakdown cover, once the car is bought it is quite low in terms of the running costs.