Citroën C4

The Citroën C4 is a small family car produced by French automaker Citroën since autumn 2004. The C4 was designed to be the successor to the Citroën Xsara. It is mechanically similar to the Peugeot 308, which was launched in 2007. A revised version with new front end, reverse light and dashboard revisions was launched for the 2008/09 model year. In January 2010 it was announced that the Coupe version was to be discontinued in favour of the new Citroën DS4. The C4 came in 2nd place in the 2005 European Car of the Year awards.
A major selling-point of the C4 is its extensive use of technology. For example, the car features the "Lane Departure Warning System" (only in the top-of-the-range "Exclusive" model), which alerts the driver if he or she crosses a road marking without using the turn signals; directional headlights; perfume dispenser integrated into the ventilation system; translucent dashboard, transparent glass roof; ESP (Electronic Stability Program), and a fixed steering wheel hub which lets the driver operate several functions of the car without removing his or her hands from the wheel. The fixed hub also allows for the first production use of a "shaped" driver airbag. Because the hub maintains a constant position, the airbag can be optimally shaped to spread the load across the greatest possible area of the driver's body in a collision, thus reducing the chances of serious injury. In addition, the car features an innovative centrally mounted translucent LCD speedometer display that remains clearly visible in all lighting conditions.

Surprisingly, given the emphasis put on technology, the car's In-Car Entertainment, while well integrated into the car's information system via CAN Bus, is not DAB ready. MP3 playback is supported by the entry level audio system and high-end audio with double layer sound insulated windows and integrated navigation system is available as extra. In September 2007, a USB box accessory[5] (Ref: 9702.EZ) was released to enable full iPod connectivity with the standard RD4 radio.

The C4 does not feature Citroën's hydraulic suspension, which is reserved for higher class models, such as the C5 and C6. The Picasso version can get a pneumatic rear suspension.

Underneath, the C4 uses an identical mechanical design to the contemporary Peugeot 307. Interestingly, its underpinnings date back to the 1991 Citroën ZX, although it includes much more electronic technology than that and the Xsara that was produced between the ZX's demise and the C4's launch.

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