Citroen C4 Aircross 2014 review

The Aircross is one of a trio of small soft roaders that spin off the same Mitsubishi-based platform. They are the Mitsubishi ASX, Peugeot 4008 and the Citroen C4 Aircross not to be confused with other shared models. Mechanically they are very similar, but Citroen has played with the ride and handling settings.

Value

Our test vehicle was the front-wheel drive entry model. At $31,990 it is the most expensive of the group but Citroen has adopted a driveway price, at least for the time being.

In comparison the ASX kicks off at $25,990 and the 4008 is priced from $28,990  but neither include an auto as part of the price. There are two Aircross models, one front wheel drive and the other all-wheel drive -- both called Exclusive.

The all-wheel drive version is $2000 more but apart from that there is no difference  they get the same clobber. Leather adds $2500 (includes heated seats), Xenon lights $2000 and a panoramic sunroof $1500 extra (only 4x2 version).

Engine and transmission

It's powered by a 2.0-litre four cylinder petrol engine that produces 110kW of power and 199Nm of torque.  It's old tech multi-point injection, instead of direct injection, with 16 valves and variable valve timing, with an electronically controlled alternator recovers energy during braking and deceleration.

The engine takes premium 95 unleaded and is hooked up to a 6-step CVT style auto with gear change paddles mounted on the steering column. Surprisingly there's no diesel alternative, although Citroen is noted for its diesels. Fuel consumption for the two wheel drive is rated at 7.9 litres/100km while the heavier, all-wheel drive uses slightly more fuel at 8.1 (we were getting 7.6 after 400km).

Features

It gets climate air but misses out on leather upholstery. Standard kit includes cruise control, auto lights and wipers and a rear vision mirror that dims automatically,  front and rear foglights, leather-clad steering wheel and 18 inch alloys with 225/55 profile rubber.

The six-speaker audio has auxiliary and USB inputs and Bluetooth phone connectivity. The Bluetooth system includes audio streaming as well as voice control, with steering wheel mounted controls. You could previously order a high-end Rockford Fosgate audio system  but we're told it's no longer available.

Safety

Gets a full five stars for safety, with seven airbags and a small reversing camera that is incorporated in the rear vision mirror. Rear reversing sensors are also included. Other safety systems include electronic stability program with ASR traction control, anti-lock brakes with brake assist and hill start assist.

Driving

Performance is adequate without being outstanding, but acceleration off the line feels laboured unless you put the boot in, thanks to the CVT transmission with its continuous ratio setup.

The ride is firm bordering on harsh and the tyres generate quite a bit of noise on anything but smooth bitumen. Inside the centre console there's a 12 volt outlet and USB and AUX jacks for music players (AUX has separate red and white inputs). Unfortunately, neither were able to accommodate our iPod Classic. A raised floor covers the full size steel spare but it intrudes on the boot space.

Acceleration is laboured unless you switch to manual mode, and on the ride quality side some passengers complained that they felt carsick but we couldn't feel any ill effects from the driver's seat.