Gyrating like a Transformer in front of the techno stage at the Burning Man Festival, it was meant to emphasise the fact that the funky little
French saloon was as technologically excellent as it was aesthetically pleasing.
But all that’s changed with the latest C4. This time Metal Mickey’s breakdancing pal has been booted into touch.
And I’m guessing that’s because the engineers behind the brilliant little car are keen to emphasise the fact that the technology is on the inside.
Having put its dance music days behind it, this latest incarnation of the C4 is more likely to be seen listening to a nice piece of classical music on its Bang and Olufsen stereo.
The transition makes sense.
Pick up an iPad and you’ll quickly come to realise that it’s an amazing piece of kit without ever having the desire to crack open the back with a screwdriver and take a look at all the gubbins inside.
Let’s get one thing straight.
The latest C4 is indeed a clever car.
It features smart technology which shows you when someone travelling more quickly than you is in the adjoining lane on the motorway.
It also features a glowing space-invader style dashboard, but first and foremost, this is a practical, well-built and good looking vehicle.
Finished in silver as my test car was, it actually looks more like a compact Audi than a cheap and cheerful Citroen. Dare I say it might even be a bit bland.
But it is a useful five-seater with a decent sized boot which would make a very good family motor.
I particularly like the engine which powers this version of the C4, too.
It boasts a four cylinder, 2-litre HDI diesel unit which is good for getting from 0 to 62mph in 8.6 seconds and combined fuel economy of 56.5 mpg.
Here, it’s mated to a six-speed manual gear box and it really does pack a torquey punch, especially when it’s unwound on a motorway journey.
The C4 is fresh from a Citroen which seems dead set on – and is succeeding in – proving that it’s a brand which has upped its game.
The DS4, based on the C4 but with similar design style to the spectacular DS3 will also be along shortly and should be amazing.
No longer does the double chevron indicate a car which is likely to be finished in cheap plastics and offered at a guaranteed discount which makes a nonsense of the price stated on the sign in the front window.
The old C4 always felt like a real compromise when compared to a class-leading motor like the Ford Focus, and this latest version is a massive game changer.
It might not be quite up there with Ford’s baby, but it’s a hell of a lot closer.
With the C4 you can be certain of driving off in a car which still represents decent enough value for money but is also more practical and better built than you might imagine.
It might no longer be able to put George Sampson to shame in the street dancing stakes, but it will serve as decent addition to your family’s fleet.
TECH SPEC
Make/Model: Citroen C4 Exclusive Hdi 150
Price: £21,495
0 to 62mph: 8.6 secs
Top speed: 129mph
Consumption: 56.5mpg
Insurance Group: 23E
Emissions: 130g/km
Price: The new C4 range starts at £15,595 for the 1.4 Vti 95hp VTR and tops out with the Exclusive driven here and priced at £21,495.
