Citroen has released the first photos of the next-generation C4 hatchback today. Although we like to think of the current C4 as Sebastian Loeb's WRC car, in France, the C4 is just an ordinary family car. It doesn't come with all-wheel drive (front-drive only), and there aren't any exciting turbocharged engines.
That won't be changing on the 2011 Citroen C4, which debuts at this fall's 2010 Paris Auto Show. It's still an attractive hatchback, but it seems to have lost the edgy design of the current car. We don't suppose this matters now that the stylish Citroen DS3 has joined the lineup. The DS3 will provide the basis for Loeb's next rally car.
It's still about the size of a Toyota Matrix, at 170.4 inches long and 70.4 inches wide. The cars range from 2,650 to 3,000 pounds, depending on how you (the hypothetical French person) equip your 2011 C4.
Citroen will launch it with 5 different turbodiesels, the most potent of which makes about 148 horsepower (and a goodly amount of torque, we expect) and gets the family hatch to 60 mph in 8.5-8.6 seconds, according to Citroen. There are 5 gas engines, too, and the best of those makes 154 hp and is also good for a 0-to-60-mph run in the high 8s. Citroen will offer both a conventional manual gearbox and a six-speed automated manual transmission.
The 2011 C4 will include all the popular fuel-saving strategies, including start-stop technology, grip-who-needs-grip Michelin Energy Saver tires and an eTouch driver interface that monitors owners driving and fuel consumption habits and advises them on how to improve.
Video after the jump.
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ed124c says:
09:42 AM, 06/ 1/10
This is a Citroen? It looks so.... so mainstream. No one would guess the brand name by just looking at it. The styling is nice, but derivative and very safe-- so unlike Citroens of old.
Now, as to a total of 10, yes TEN, available engines-- Huh? I can see a prospective buyer looking at the brochure: "Let's see, the diesels... 148 hp, 138 hp, 128 hp, 118 hp, and 108 hp. Hmmm... let's see, the gas engines are.....154 hp, 144 hp, 134 hp, 124 hp and 114 hp. Nope, nothin' here I want-- I need 131 hp, and not one hp more or less."
Just crazy from this US perspective. Why would they have that many choices?
starliner54 says:
10:00 AM, 06/ 1/10
When Penske was looking for vehicles to sell through Saturn stores, I was hoping that he would stop by PSA and see if he could get Citroen. I think they just might click with this generation of American consumers. They're not as odd looking as before, but they still offer the plush ride and interior comfort that has made them unique in their price range. I know that PSA dose not feel that their current cars are suitable for American tastes, but selling Citroen through the customer service oriented Saturn network just might have worked.
carlisimo says:
10:41 AM, 06/ 1/10
Such a step back in how modern it looks...
I know it’s weird to us to see so many engine options, but it’s pretty normal over there. They have the whole diesel thing going on, for one. They also have engine-based taxes and insurance so engines have a huge effect on price. But most of all, they don’t have auto malls like we do. Urban showrooms only have a few floor models so you end up ordering the car you want. (This might not be right everywhere, but it’s certainly common.)
Either way, they’re used to having a million billion options. American truck buyers do too, but the trend in cars has been to reduce options to a couple of trim levels or packages… often going too far, like needing the sunroof package to get ABS brakes or something.
santiagofdz says:
11:00 AM, 06/ 1/10
It looks good but nothing that really screams "I'm a Citroën".
Is it just me or does it look like the child from a previous gen C4 and a Scoobie Impreza?
mazdamike17 says:
02:49 PM, 06/ 1/10
Reminds me of the new VW Golf... especially the head and tail lights... Doesn't look to bad though...
bodyblue says:
03:15 PM, 06/ 1/10
Why is it the Eds can get all of the engine options correct for a car that you cant even buy in the US but cant remember the name of the Pentastar V6 in the new Jeep? Who cares about a boring French family car that one can't purchase in the US?