Citroen C4

The Citroen C4 is a good-looking hatch that keeps up the good vibes with some nice gimmicks and new technology. Handles well – just needs a more gutsy flagship. Maybe a 4x4 with 300bhp like the WRC rally car? We can but pray.

• Comfort

  Comfort is well up on the C4's agenda with excellent damping and a great all-round view of your surroundings. The VTR is too stiff for little performance reward though - if it were quicker we might be more inclined to forgive it. The diesels make it an excellent long-distance car; quiet at speed and good economy.

  

• Performance

  You get a choice of 1.6 or 2.0-litre sizes in either petrol or diesel. The 1.6 VTR Plus does 0-100km/h in 10.6 and 177km/h, but you need either 2.0-litre for more performance; the 103kW lump in the VTR gets to 100km/h in 9.7 seconds and on to 208km/h. That's not fast for a ‘hot' variant though.

  

• Cool

  Out of the mire that is the modern hatch, the C4 stands out. Cool enough.

  

• Quality

  Let's face it, Citroen hasn't got the greatest reputation but the C4 is really very nice. Well screwed together and funky touches like hub-centre steering make this a lovely car to mooch about in.

  

• Handling

  The C4 shows why sometimes the French can have moments of brilliance. Well damped, little roll and a willingness to play make the car feel lighter and more responsive than it really is. The steering's good but too light, the grip is more than adequate. The ‘hot' VTR is too stiff and not quick enough.

  

• Practicality

  Rear seat passengers will bemoan that roofline, but sod them. Just beware that you might not fit a decent-sized pram in the back because the tail tapers quite strongly. The fact it's not a box makes it look nice, but isn't as practical.

  

• Running costs

  Cheap insurance on most models is a boon, but residuals aren't the finest. Buy the larger diesel and get 7.4L/100km and the best engine by far.