- Doors and Seats
2 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
2.0i, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
130kW, 202Nm
- Fuel
Petrol 8.4L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Manual
- Warranty
3 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
Citroen C4 VTS Coupe
French car manufacturers have a close relationship with the concept of the hot hatch, so it was no surprise that when Citroen unveiled its C4 small-car range, a sports model was parked at the top in the shape of the Coupe VTS.
Coupe is a misnomer, as this is a hatchback three-door rather than a traditional booted two-door. But Citroen is not the first company to stretch the truth a bit when it comes to eulogising a new model.
Not that Citroen needs to try too hard to verbally differentiate the C4 Coupe. The car does that well enough in the metal.
The prominent proboscis embossed with a huge example of the Citroen twin chevrons and huge swept-back lenses are shared with the five-door C4. But a long arcing roof and tiny vertical rear window are unique. These facets combine to deliver a distinctive exterior.
Inside there's even more trickery, such as the fixed-hub steering wheel in which only the rim turns; an LED-bar tacho the steering column that glows red as the redline approaches, a translucent LCD above the instrument stack.
There are some unusual options, too, such as a CD player in the centre console (soaking up storage space) and a panoramic glass roof.
But the further you delve into the detail the more orthodox the Coupe VTS becomes. The fundamental underpinnings are from sister company Peugeot's 307, and its 130 kW four-cylinder 2.0-litre engine and five-speed manual gearbox are also seen here in the Peugeot 206 GTi 180 hot hatch.
The engine's peak power arrives at a heady 7000 rpm with the assistance of continuously variable valve timing on the intake camshaft, and the maximum torque of 202 Nm is delivered at 4750 rpm. That means you're always revving the engine and working the rubbery manual gearbox hard to extract maximum performance. But for all that, it just doesn't feel it's delivering all it's claimed to. It's brisk without being brash.
The engine speed-linked power steering is similarly uninvolving, with little feel and a lack of weighting. This has nothing to do with the fixed hub, which you won't even notice after about 10 seconds. With the assistance of switchable traction and stability control, the VTS is a safe but dull handler, and the ride is acceptable on smooth surfaces.
Expose it to average roads and the VTS becomes unsettled. There's some kicking and bucking from the steering wheel, and lumpiness from the suspension. Worst of all are the bangs and crashes that emerge from the front suspension on sharp-edged holes and bumps.
But having dismissed the C4 VTS as a serious hot hatch, there's no reason to write it off altogether.
The C4 family is strongly built and well thought out, as Euro NCAP has bestowed an excellent five (out of five) stars on it for occupant protection.
The steering wheel design allows Citroen to fit a larger driver's airbag and mount a range of switchgear on the fixed hub closer to the eyeline. Not sure if the speedo positioning is a safety plus, though.
The C4 is very good value: there are six airbags plus electronic safety aids such as ABS, emergency brake force distribution and brake assistance.
There is also an impressive list of standard comfort equipment, plus such rarities as laminated side-glass, the swivelling headlights and rear parking sensors.
There is space and comfort for four adults, although rear head room is pinched when the sunroof is fitted. Rear visibility for the driver is challenging, with a small rear window and the reversed C-pillar. But there is a sizeable luggage compartment and ample storage spaces.
In the end, the C4 Coupe VTS is intriguing because of some of its parts, rather than the driving experience the sum of its parts produces.
What's it got?
Xenon directional headlights; air-conditioning; cruise control with speed limiter; single-CD audio; remote central locking; multifunction leather steering wheel; trip computer; scented air freshener; power windows; rain-sensing wipers; rear parking sensors.
What's missing?
Powered driver's seat.