Entry-level Sense Plus petrol still flies the comfort flag and is well-equipped, finds Martyn Collins.

SECTOR Lower Medium Price £23,010 FUEL 52.3mpg CO2 122g/km

Citroën C4

With its distinctive Citroën family nose, taller stance, curvier roof line and rugged-looking lower plastic cladding, the C4’s styling clearly demonstrates a new confidence from the French manufacturer – even in entry-level Sense Plus trim.

The same is true on the inside, with the instruments taken care of by way of a 5.5-inch TFT instrument cluster, with the 10-inch infotainment system in the centre at the top of the dashboard. For an entry-level model, this C4 has plenty of standard kit, including navigation, a head-up display and automatic air-conditioning.

Interior space is generally impressive and the driving position comfortable, but like the rest of the range, the C4’s focus is on comfort, with the Advance Comfort seats fitted as standard. Sadly, rear headroom is more compromised, thanks to that curvy hatchback roofline. Still, boot space totals a practical 380-litres.

Our vehicle was fitted with the willing, three-cylinder, 1390hp, 1.2-litre Pure Tech 130 petrol, which we previously tried with the smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic. This time, our UK car has the other alternative – a six-speed manual. This gives a 52.3mpg combined consumption figure and 122g/km emissions.

Citroën’s USP is comfort, and the C4 benefits from its clever Progressive Hydraulic Cushion dampers; this is their best application yet. It has an impressively comfortable and composed ride – even on the standard 18-inch wheels. Sadly, what you gain in comfort with the C4, you lose in dynamism, as the steering lacks feel, the manual box is not the slickest and there is more body roll than expected.

The electric e-C4 is going to get more attention from fleet buyers, but if you value comfort and want something different from the family hatchback norm, the new Citroën C4 deserves keen consideration.

FW RATING: 4/5