Citroen C4: Fresh appeal to buyers

Citroen's C4 with rejigged price and features is the marque's best hope to boost sales. Photo / Supplied

Citroen rejigged its line-up and prices to revitalise interest in what remains a niche brand in New Zealand.

What's new

A new C4, plus lower prices and a boost to trim and equipment lists across the board in recent weeks.

The wee C3 now gets the panoramic Zenith windscreen as standard, plus Bluetooth and a $29,990 price, while its sporty DS3 sibling boasts a 70kW engine produced as a joint venture with BMW and a starting price of $34,990.

The seven-seater C4 Picasso diesel, with its extra-flexible cabin, is repriced at $44,990 with a tad more power, while the elegant C5 sedan range has been rejigged, opening now with a 1.6-litre turbo engine at $46,990 and topping out with the lavishly-equipped 3.0 V6 diesel at $74,990. We'll also get the Berlingo car-van crossover at $29,990.

But Citroen's great hope is the C4, selling in NZ's largest segment, currently dominated by Toyota Corolla and Mazda3. The car starts at $32,990 in 1.6-litre petrol four-speed auto format, with the top-spec $39,990 petrol turbo Exclusive including blind spot monitoring, auto wipers, a rechargeable boot torch and massaging front seats.

The incoming eHDi will even tell you how many minutes' stop-start has cut the engine during your daily commute - a reminder of fuel saved.

The company line

Expect sporting DS4 and DS5 variants plus the C4 Aircross that shares its underpinnings with Peugeot's 4007 next year. Dealerships will have special DS zones for sport models, while the brand's new specification and pricing is expected to lift sales from 220 this year, to a still modest 300 in 2012.

What we say

Citroen takes a creative approach to technology, though it's less obvious in this latest C4, which replaces the old, fixed-hub steering wheel with a conventional design. It retains the brand's aura of Euro elegance, a plus given buyers now expect more than basic transport from their car. It adds the ability to tailor features like instrument lighting and alert sounds to the buyer's taste. But it's a shame there's only a four-speed auto for the entry-level C4 from a brand otherwise touting its techno-forward approach. Lower entry pricing and a longer specification list should renew interest in the brand, but with only 159 sold to the end of September, dealers will be working overtime to hit this year's target.

On the road

Those following Citroen's rally success will be disappointed by the 88kW 1.6-litre petrol variant we sampled at the Sydney-region launch, though its relaxed delivery will suit the average driver who will enjoy the car's smart and spacious cabin and the merest whiff of French flair.

Why you'll buy one

You like the C4's elegant Euro style and its 380-litre boot, sharper pricing and the diesel choice with its 4.2l/100km fuel claim in auto format thanks in part to the Michelin low-rolling resistance tyres fitted to New Zealand cars.

Why you won't

You'll wait for the super-frugal eHDi with its start-stop; you hate four-speed autos; you don't trust niche brands.