Citroen launches all-new C4 and DS4
Brooklands Motors Sdn Bhd is looking to give the Citroen brand a new lease of life in the Malaysian with the launch of the all-new Citroen C4 last week. Competitively priced at RM125,990 before insurance, the C4’s launch coincides with the opening of Brooklands’ new 3S centre and HQ along Federal Highway at Petaling Jaya.
Riding on the same platform that also underpins the Peugeot 308, the C4 is powered by the same 1.6-litre Prince engine that is also found in the 308 Turbo with 156hp and 240Nm. Where the C4 differs from its Peugeot cousin is in the transmission department, where Citroen has opted to use its 6-speed EGS automated manual transmission rather than follow the 308’s lead in using a conventional auto.
The result of this setup is a top speed of 212kph with the century sprint taking 9.6 seconds. Fuel consumption, which from our consumption is a strong forte of the Prince, is a commendable 6.4 litres/100km when tested on the combined cycle. Carbon dioxide emission, meanwhile, is rated at 148 g/km.
In terms of equipment, the sole Exclusive trim level comes standard with auto climate control, surround sound system, steering-mounted controls, and USB connectivity. Citroen is also at pains to emphasize the effort that was put into the cabin’s sound engineering. In addition to muting external sources of noise, efforts have also been put to ensure internal sources such as air-con fans and parking brake are refined and minimized.
Rated five stars by Euro NCAP, the C4 comes with a strong complement of safety gear that includes blind spot monitoring, stability control, traction control, cornering lights, ABS, EBD, and six airbags. Four disc brakes provide stopping power, but, like most European hatches bar the VW Golf and Ford Focus, there’s no independent rear suspension.
Also unveiled with the C4 last week but not officially available for sale yet is the DS4, expected to arrive in February 2012 at a targeted price of RM150,000. Two variants have been mentioned, both using the aforementioned 1.6-litre Prince engine in different states of tune – the THP 155 as per the C4 above, and the THP 200 with 202hp and 275Nm.
Mechanically identical the C4, the DS4 will be offered with the 6-speed EGS gearbox in the THP 155, and a 6-speed manual in the THP 200. Stopping power is supplied by huge 340mm vented discs up front as standard and aided by ABS, EBD, and Emergency Brake Assist. Stability and traction control systems are similarly standard features, and the steering rack utilizes electro-hydraulic assist.
The second member of Citroen’s new DS family after the DS3, the DS4 has a dynamic coupe-like body, but the backstory is that it did start off on the drawing board as a 3-door coupe. The rear doors then, are added almost as afterthoughts, and as a result, they have two peculiar features. First is that the windows don’t wind down, and that kink at the rear where the handles are hidden is quite a hazard when opened by unsuspecting folks.
Inside, occupants are treated to an advanced audio system with processing software that Citroen claims to provide ‘effective soundscaping, delivering high quality, authentic sound evenly throughout the cabin’. Drivers can select their own on-board ambience from four ranges of polyphonic sounds – Classic, Crystal Symphony, Jungle Fantasy & Urban Rythmik – for alerts and reminders.
