SPIED: New Citroën C4 Saloon Trots out to Scandinavia for Some Winter Tests

The PSA Citroën-Peugeot may be facing some troubles in Europe due to the financial and budgetary crisis, but life goes on and Citroën is looking for ways to increase its sales with the presentation of new models in the mainstream categories.

After the introduction of the new generation of the C4 compact hatchback in 2010, the sub-premium DS4 last year and more recently, the Mitsubishi-based C4 Aircross, the French carmaker is now preparing another proposal for the popular C-segment, the C4 sedan.

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POLL: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, Which is the Most Beautiful of All?

The results of a collaborative project between two or more automotive partners can vary deeply, depending on how far the participating companies are willing to take the rebadging process.

For example, the differences between the original Fiat Doblo and GM's Opel Combo spinoff (a RAM variant will also be introduced in early 2013) are more or less limited to the design of their front bumpers.

The French PSA Peugeot Citroën group on the other hand, gave its designers a little more breathing room when it came to the development of its new compact SUVs / crossovers, the Peugeot 4008 and the Citroën C4 AIRCROSS.

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New Citroen C4 AIRCROSS: PSA's Second Take on the Mitsubishi ASX

Is it sibling rivalry or pure coincidence? No matter: the PSA Peugeot Citroen Group unveiled today not one but two compact crossovers: the Peugeot 4008 and the Citroen C4 Aircross.

Both models are based on the Mitsubishi ASX and were created as part of an OEM agreement between the French automaker and it’s Japanese counterpart.

The differences between the two French models are purely cosmetic, with each variant featuring bespoke front and rear ends along with some other signature styling traits such as the Citroen's C-column trim.

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Citroën Releases Teaser Photo of New C4 AIRCROSS

Citroën will soon add a new model to its range called the C4 AIRCROSS. For the time being, the French carmaker released a single teaser shot of the new car adding that the full reveal will follow next Friday.

Details remain slim, but there's a chance it could be a crossover-ish version of the C4 hatchback in the likes of the same named C3 AIRCROSSER that was unveiled last year for the South American market.

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2011 Citroen C4: First Video and Complete Engine Specs

Following on from yesterday's release of the first photos of Citroën's new C4 compact hatchback, we just got our hands on a short static film as well as details on the engine range that will be available at launch.

When it goes on sale across Europe after its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show, the French firm's Golf-rival will be offered with a total of three petrol (plus one LPG capable) and three diesel engines.

The gasoline range includes a 95HP 1.4-liter unit coupled to a five-speed manual, a 120HP 1.6-liter available with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, an LPG capable version of the 1.6L unit, and finally a 1.6-liter turbo with 155HP that's hooked up to a 6-speed semi-automatic gearbox.

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New Citroën C4 Breaks Cover: First Official Pictures of Focus Fighter

Citroën just couldn't wait until this fall's Paris Salon to show us the all-new C4 five-door hatchback as the French automaker decided to release the first official photos of its C-segment model. As with the current C4, the new compact hatch will take on the likes of the VW Golf, Renault Megane, Ford Focus, Opel Astra and Toyota Auris.

If you're thinking it looks familiar in a conservative kind of way, you're probably right as the 2011 C4 is the five-door version of Citroën's near-production DS High Rider concept that was first shown at this year's Geneva Salon.

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Citroen C4 Press

Citroen C4

Isn't interesting how things come full circle? Take for example the latest Citroen C4, the dramatic and stylish replacement for the uninspired mid-range Xsara and ZX models. After almost a decade and a half of Peugeot ownership, and the efforts to increase market share by making conventionally-styled cars, Citroen finally realised that the brand really needed to return to the defiant, innovative spirit that characterised models such as a DS, GS and CX from the 50s, 60s and 70s.

Citroen C4

There used to be a joke in the 80s and 90s that each new Citroen model had to have a larger double chevron badge than the earlier models because it was increasingly difficult to tell Citroens apart from Peugeots and Renaults. Well, with the C4, this is definitely not the case, even if the double chevron has become larger and incorporated on the grille; this will be the new identity for all future Citroen models. Grille apart, the C4 has bold arching lines, making it look like a stretched and more dynamic C3. From the up turned headlamps in front, to the sloping rear, the C4 looks distinctive and unique, but also well proportioned and stylish. Even while standing still, its mild cab forward stance gives it a thrusting, forward motion. There is no mistaking this new Citroen for another brand of car.

Citroen C4 Picasso Safety

On the inside as well, the C4 recalls the futuristic dashboards of Citroens' passed. The futuristic digital instrument binnacle is a floating pod located in the middle of a symmetrical dashboard. The speedometer, fuel and temperature gauges, as well as the distance-to-empty reading for fuel, are all displayed in this singular LCD panel, and it is impressively easy to read. More than just a conventional digital display, the panel is actually translucent, and it changes colour according to the amount of light falling on it.

Citroen C4

The tachometer, gear selection and warning lights are mounted in a separate pod directly in front of the driver, and the entire assembly moves up and down when the steering is adjusted. Instead of having a red-line, the tachometer display itself changes to red when the engine is over-revved.

Citroën C4 Sport

Perhaps of the most radical aspect of the C4's dashboard is the steering boss. Instead of turning with the wheel, it remains in place. This means the switches mounted on it (cruise control on the left and in-car hi-fi on the right) don't move, and are actually easier to use this way. Having a fixed steering boss also allowed for the mounting of a larger two stage airbag for the driver. Like all innovative designs, one must ask why nobody thought of it any earlier? It is refreshing that Citroen is designing interesting dashboards again through intelligent re-thinking and questioning of the status quo, and not just for the sake of being different.

Citroen C4 Coupe

But unique looks aside, the C4 is also a great drive - the throttle is lively and responsive, and the steering feels positive and tactile, on top of being a wonderfully innovative design. Citroens have always been involving and good to drive, but with the C4, they once again have the distinctive looks to match. Sure, Alfa Romeos sound better, Hondas are more free-revving and the Mini has a sharper steering, but the C4 drives as though its suspension, engine and chassis are perfectly choreographed, each component playing its part so that the whole ensemble gives an outstanding and well-rounded performance.

But probably the most significant, but rational aspect of the C4 is that it is utterly conventional. There is no hydra-active pneumatic suspension, and it doesn't have a mind-boggling fluid based clutch or powered steering. In fact, mechanically speaking, the C4 is almost entirely identical to the Peugeot 307. Yet, the two cars could not be more different. While the 307 is tall and spacious, the C4 is curvy and feels snug inside. While the Peugeot has a conventional cabin, the C4 is completely digital and avant-garde. In the 307, one rides tall, like in an MPV, while in the C4, the set up is sportier and one feels like piloting a futuristic spacecraft. A true Citroen fan might bemoan the fact that the C4 is mechanically conventional, but does it matter when it is likely to be more reliable because it is made this way?

So yes, the C4 is distinct and dramatic the way Citroen's used to be. It looks and feels different, and drives better than any of its peers. From the nice details, such as the integrated car-fragrance perfume container, to the striking silk-like textured surfacing over the dashboard, Citroen has shown in the C4 it is still tops for out-of-the-box thinking and design. We wholeheartedly welcome the new breed of Citroen that satisfies both the left- and right-side of the brain.

Citroen DS High Rider Concept Previews DS4 Crossover, will Debut in Geneva

After a handful of dark teaser shots, Citroen today unleashed a slew of images of its new DS High Rider concept car that is set to be launched at the Geneva Salon on March 2. As anticipated, the DS High Rider is more of a pre-production model that teases the upcoming DS4 that than a pure conceptual study.

The second member of Citroen's growing DS family after the DS3 supermini is a strange mix of a C-segment three-door hatchback with muscular details, a gently sloping roof line and heightened ride.

With a few exceptions such as the fabric roof and the polished 19-inch alloy wheels, what you see in these pictures is what you'll get when the DS4 goes into production early next year.

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Citroen's new Special Edition C4 Coupe by Sebastien Loeb

Most of our readers are savvy enough to know that looks -even when accompanied by a brassy moniker- can be deceiving. Such is the case with Citroen's new special edition C4 Coupe "by Loeb", named after the French firm's highly successful WRC rally driver, Sebastien Loeb. Citroen has left the 3-door hatchback's mechanical gear intact preferring to concentrate on the car's looks and equipment list.

Available in either Sport Red or Black, the Citroen C4 Coupe "by Loeb" is offered with a choice of two 1.6-liter gasoline engines delivering 120HP (naturally aspirated) and 150HP (turbocharged), and a 1.6-liter turbo diesel with 110HP.

Somewhat inspired by the C4 WRC, the special edition model features Sébastien Loeb's signature on the doors, a unique 'by Loeb' sticker on the tailgate and door mirrors finished in either red, or black with aluminium-effect. Completing the car's style are a roof spoiler and 17-inch alloy wheels in either white or black depending on the body color.

Inside, Citroen equipped the hatchback with steel decor around the central air vents and aluminum finishes on both the pedals and gear knob. The leather steering wheel and gear lever are complemented by red stitching and the sports seats are finished in black and red '3D X-ray' mesh cloth. There are also floor mats with red surrounds detailed with a unique 'by Loeb' design. Furthermore, each limited edition will be tagged with a unique serial number plaque mounted in the cabin.

Prices in the UK are set at £14,395 OTR for the 1.6 16V VTi 120hp, £15,395 OTR for the 1.6i 16V THP 150hp and £15,895 OTR for the 1.6HDi 16V 110hp.

Citroen creates One-Off C4 dedicated to Arsenal Soccer Team

UK's Arsenal soccer team manager Arsene Wenger and players, Gael Clichy and Robin van Persie joined forces with renowned cartoonist Gerald Scarfe to reveal the so-called, 'Ultimate Arsenal Fans' Car' based on the Citroen C4 hatchback. Citroen, Arsenal Football Club's official car supplier, donated the C4 which will be raffled in aid of the Club's Charity of the Season, Teenage Cancer Trust.

Tickets to win the car cost £2 with all funds going to Teenage Cancer Trust. The Arsenal-themed C4 will be displayed at the team's Emirates Stadium for the next three Arsenal home matches -14th March Arsenal FC vs. Blackburn, 4th April Arsenal FC vs. Manchester City and 26th April Arsenal FC vs. Middlesbrough.

2009 Citroen C4 Facelift with New 1.6 & 1.6 Turbo Engines

French carmaker Citroen has taken the wraps off the facelifted C4 hatchback which is available in three-door and five-door variants. The new C4 will be world premiered at the Moscow International Motor Show that opens its gates to the public on August 26, 2008. Citroen has made subtle changes to the C4’s exterior appearance that include a new front bumper, a beefier bonnet and transparent crystal fixtures for the rear lights. Inside, the facelifted C4 features new upholstery and grain on several trim parts while the rev counter has been incorporated in the middle of the dashboard. -Continued

Engine-wise, the facelifted C4 is now available with two new petrol engines co-developed with the BMW Group. It is the first Citroen to be fitted with engines from this family. The C4’s VTi 120 normally aspirated engine replaces the 1.6i 16V and has a capacity of 1.6-liters developing 120Hp while the THP 150 that will replace the 2.0i 16V, is a 1.6-liter turbocharged unit producing 150Hp.

Squashed Citroen C-Triomphe Makes it out Alive from Chinese Earthquake

The Citroen C-Triomphe (sedan version of the C4 hatchback) pictured above was one of the less significant causalities of the devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake that hit central China earlier this month. Nevertheless, it is amazing –and horrifying at the same time- that the owner (?) of the car was actually able to drive it on the road despite the heavy damages. -One more pic after the jump

Pics: XKB , Via: CCT

Citroen C4 BioFlex: European Debut For Citroen's First Flexfuel Vehicle

Citroen’s launching its first flexfuel vehicle in Europe, the C4 BioFlex which is fitted with a 1.6-litre engine generating 112 Hp that’s designed to run on normal unleaded fuel (RON 95 or 98), on bioethanol with up to 85% ethanol content (E85), and on a mix of the two containing between 0 and 85% ethanol. According to the French company, although the C4 BioFlex consumes more fuel than the petrol only C4 1.6i, it’s considerably cheaper to run as in France, it costs 7.84 euro cents per km (with E85 fuel at €0.80 a litre) compared to the conventional model’s 9.23 euro cents per km (with SP95 petrol at €1.30 a litre). Sales of the 5-door C4 BioFlex will start in September, first in France and Sweden, and latter on in other European countries. -Continued after the jump

CITROËN C4 BIOFLEX

A new environmental model

Citroën is launching the C4 BioFlex in September 2007. The C4 BioFlex is a flexfuel vehicle using regular fuel and ethanol. It will be launched first in France and Sweden, and soon after in other European countries. Most of these countries have attractive policies for these new fuel types. The C4 BioFlex is the Marque’s first flexfuel vehicle in Europe. Citroën already sells flexfuel cars in Brazil, where this kind of vehicle accounted for 65% of the brand’s sales in 2006, and more than 80% since the start of 2007. With this offering, Citroën is present on a new market in this world region. E85 fuel pumps are beginning to appear in France. Some 500 pumps are expected to be up and running by the end of the year.

Fitted with a 1.6-litre engine generating 82 kW, the C4 BioFlex benefits from all the equipment on offer in the C4 range, with the same trim levels. It contributes to greenhouse gas reduction by cutting CO2 emissions by 5% over a combined cycle and also reduces fossil-fuel dependency by using renewable energy. From field to wheel, emissions are reduced by up to 40%. Available as a 5-door hatchback, the C4 BioFlex ships at the same price as the petrol 1.6i 16V models, at €18,650 for the Pack version, €20,000 for Ambiance, and €22,150 for the Exclusive model.

C4 BioFlex: an excellent environmental scorecard

Bioethanol is an alcohol produced by fermentation of sugar from plants such as beetroot or starch from cereals such as wheat and corn. The use of bioethanol has several environmental advantages:

Unlike fossil fuels, the greenhouse gas emissions (CO2) produced by cars running on biofuels are to a large extent absorbed by the growth of plants used to produce bioethanol. This process of absorption also concerns the CO2 emitted by other sources. From field to wheel, emissions are reduced by up to 40%.

Because this type of biofuel contains oxygen, it also helps reduce other pollutants, particularly carbon monoxide (CO). E85 fuel is also sulphur-free. Lastly, unlike fossil fuels, biofuels are renewable energies. The C4 BioFlex thus initiates a virtuous cycle of reducing and absorbing greenhouse gas emissions.

C4 BioFlex: an impressive economic scorecard

The economic scorecard of biofuel vehicles varies according to country and tax policy. At about €0.80 per litre, current E85 prices in France make the C4 BioFlex particularly competitive. In addition, biofuel use is encouraged by certain tax systems:

50% or total exemption – depending on the region – from the pro-rata tax on car registration fees,

Exemption from the tax on company vehicles for 2 years,

Exceptional amortisation of company cars over a period of 12 months, instead of 5 years,

80% recovery of VAT on fuel.

E85 is already widely used in Sweden. The country has 650 E85 fuel pumps and more than 13% of vehicles sold in 2006 were Flexfuel models. Numerous fiscal incentives (tax, tolls and parking) favour the use of biofuel. Over a combined cycle, the C4 BioFlex consumes 9.8 l/100 km and emits 160 g of CO2 per km, compared with 7.1 l/100 km and 169 g of CO2 per km for the standard 1.6i 16V model.

Although the C4 BioFlex consumes more fuel, it is considerably cheaper to run. In France, it costs 7.84 euro cents per kilometre, with E85 fuel at €0.80 a litre, compared with the conventional model’s 9.23 euro cents per kilometre, with SP95 petrol at €1.30 a litre.

C4 BioFlex: technological advance for real results

The C4 BioFlex powertrain was designed and developed to run on normal unleaded fuel (RON 95 or 98), on bioethanol with up to 85% ethanol content (E85), and on a mix of the two containing between 0 and 85% ethanol.

Developing the C4 BioFlex required work in two key areas. First, all components and parts had to tolerate contact with ethanol. Second, the engine had to function optimally regardless of the proportion of alcohol in the fuel.

Imported from Brazil, the engine features several modifications already applied to engines used locally, mainly concerning parts that come into contact with the fuel, such as rings and valve seats.

Changes were also made to the fuel circulation system, involving the tank, fuel gauge and pump module, pipes and fuel filter. Finally, the engine software has been adapted to include new settings that adjust automatically to the alcohol content in the fuel. Each time the tank is filled, an analysis is made of alcohol content in order to select the best operating curve. During the analysis, the engine functions with “protection” settings compatible with all authorised fuel blends containing between 0 and 85% ethanol content.

Performance has been boosted in E85 mode, with maximum power of 82 kW (or 113 bhp DIN, compared with 80 kW/110 bhp DIN) still at 5,800 rpm – for a 2.5% improvement – and maximum engine torque of 153 Nm (up from 147 Nm), still at 4,000 rpm, for a 4% improvement. Running on standard unleaded fuel (SP95), the engine performs practically identically to the 1.6i 16V version.

The adaptation is completely transparent for the customer, apart from the maintenance plan, with services every 20,000 km for the French market.