The 1.6-litre 88kW/160Nm petrol opens the range, matched to a four-speed adaptive auto. Citroen claims a zero to 100km/h time in a relaxed 12.5 seconds and a thirst of 7.0l/100km. Those seeking perkier performance will choose from the 115kW/240Nm turbo-charged petrol or its super-frugal 1.6-litre, 82kW/285Nm turbo-diesel sibling. That petrol motor reaches 100 from rest in 8.7 seconds yet delivers a 6.4l/100km thirst when driven sensibly, a figure easily trounced by the diesel.
The 240Nm torque count, which delivers strong round-town pull, doesn't translate to startling zero to 100 times - at 11.2 seconds the HDi barely beats the entry level petrol.
But it boasts a claimed thirst of 4.4l/100km, produced in part by stop-start, which cuts the engine when you come to a halt at lights, then automatically refires it.
The C4's cabin is elegant in its simplicity, with a conventional flat-bottomed wheel replacing the outgoing car's fixed-hub design.
As a thoughtfully specified and well-priced family hatch it's a David that deserves to knock a few of the bracket's automotive Goliaths off their perch.
That saves fuel and slashes air pollution, part of Citroen's eco-commitment, which also sees natural materials like cellulose fibres and recycled plastics used for parts ranging from carpets and wheel arch liners to the rear bumpers.
Once under way, both the petrol and diesel turbos put power to the front wheels via the EGS six-speed robotised manual transmission, which swaps cogs electronically via a computer and robotised clutch - so they drive like a manual, yet have only two pedals. Citroen says this transmission is the key to the car's frugal performance because it delivers lower fuel consumption than an equivalent manual.
As for suspension, C4 is mounted on a MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear combination, a set-up also employed by Toyota's Corolla, which stops short of the more sophisticated fully independent system employed by the likes of Hyundai's i30 and the Mazda3.
Climb aboard and you'll find a cabin design that's elegant in its simplicity, with a conventional flat-bottomed wheel replacing the outgoing car's novel fixed-hub design. Citroen says the change cut more than 3kg in weight - one of the savings that ensure this slightly larger car is no heavier than its predecessor - but it's a pity, as the fixed-hub wheel was a novel feature that worked well.
The car's quirks are now limited to a choice of instrument light colours, which most owners will set and forget, and nice details such as the pop-out torch in the spacious 380-litre boot with its bag hooks. Want more space? Fold the seats to open 1183 litres, though a bigger-than-expected step over the folded seat back does intrude a tad.
Standard specification includes ABS and stability control along with six airbags as part of the car's five-star crash test rating; plus cruise control, cornering lights, rear park sensors, air conditioning, and USB and aux ports handy to a 12V socket by the driver.
The higher-spec Exclusive adds larger alloy wheels, leather seat trim, parking "gap" measurement, an auto park brake that lifts automatically when you touch the throttle, park sensors front and rear, and blind spot warning using ultrasound to detect cars the driver may have missed. There's a choice of four warning tones for the seatbelts and indicators including the intriguing Jungle Fantasy.
But fantasy apart, what's it like? Our press car was a 2-litre diesel manual, with 110kW on tap at 3750rpm and 340Nm at 2000rpm in Exclusive spec and six-speed manual format.
We won't get this motor, but it's a strong performer that allowed us to put the C4 to the test over everything from the UK's challenging and poorly surfaced back roads, to its high-speed multi-lane highways.
A keen driver may find the suspension a tad too soft and the steering heft a whisker too light, though the set-up will be appreciated round town and by the average driver more interested in a competent car than in point-to-point challenges.
We liked how well many of the background features work, like the "favourite speed" setting on the cruise control, and the cornering light function that activates the fog lights when the steering wheel passes 60 degrees - as helpful on England's narrow and badly lit back roads as it will be through New Zealand's towns or bendy back roads.
We also liked the unfussy dash design with its soft-touch materials, and the roomy door pockets.
This C4 may have a more conservative persona than the outgoing car and it doesn't break new techno ground. But as a thoughtfully specified and well-priced family hatch, it's a David that deserves to knock a few of the bracket's automotive Goliaths off their perch.
Alternatives
* Toyota Corolla - safe but dull model that dominates the bracket
* Hyundai i30 - the Korean Golf
* Mazda3 - quirky looks mask good all-rounder
* Ford Focus - a good-looking contender when it arrives but lacks Citroen's elegance
* VW Golf - the conservative alternative
