Citroen C4 Exclusive 2005 review

And lot of the commotion involves the sassy C4, pictured, which Citroen considers pivotal to continuing its significant sales growth in recent seasons.

So with much ado the expectations for the C4 are programmed way north of above average.

There are crisp, contemporary lines, the C4 taking a striking and stylish form.

Inside there are innovations with a multi-function steering wheel which takes the operation of the trip computer, sound system, cruise control etc to another level.

There is the centrally-mounted digital speedo and instrument read-out, quality finish and a warm cabin with savvy architecture.

The instrument cluster, to some may seem an innovation, although Toyota would argue that they broke the mould in this funky design when the Echo landed here in October, 1999.

What is without question with the C4 is the high levels of standard equipment.

Included across the model variants are six airbags, anti-locking ABS brakes, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, remote locking, cruise control and the tricky multi-function controls on the tiller.

So internally the C4 comes up smelling like roses, and on that subject the cabin aroma can be changed to suit individual tastes with in-built air fresheners which can waft through the vents with a variety of fragrances to choose from.

These C4s are fun and functional inside with interior dimensions similar to a Mazda3, although the Citroen is slightly wider and higher.

More direct rivals include the 307, from Citroen's PSA stablemate Peugeot, the Renault Megane and Volkswagen Golf.

It cuts a smart figure on the road where, as one comes to expect from the marque, the ride quality is sumptuous.

Perhaps the 2-litre engine is a little undercooked, needing a bit more squirt, although it is armed with a healthy dollop of torque.

Mated to a four-speed automatic box with sequential function the C4 runs strongly with the crowd on the highway but just needs a little bit more urge down low which is particularly evident loaded up with a couple of passengers and some luggage.

It handles diligently and is dynamically as competent as anything else in its class.

This replacement for the Xsara, which continues to kick backsides in the World Rally Championship, is loaded with safety gear and has a 5-star crash-test rating as well as one of the highest ratings in terms of being pedestrian-friendly.

At the bowser the C4 consumed about just over 10litres/100km.

The contentious point however is that hoary old chestnut — price.

As tested this automatic C4 was $33,990.

If you wish you can blow out the sticker price with options that include metallic paint ($700), premium leather pack with driver's electric seat, two-position memory and heating ($3500) and full length glass sunroof ($1500).

The C4 is chic and plugs an important hole in the Citroen range.