Why Citroen C4 diesel could well be one for the long haul

I had a 1.5-litre 110bhp 6spd manual diesel at my disposal in the new Citroen C4 (there are also petrol and electric versions in the line-up).

Maybe I am overdosing on nostalgia, but it was just great to have the opportunity to drive a diesel.

New ones are a relatively scarce commodity on fleets these days. There is a proliferation of hybrids, EVs and plug-ins – all reflecting current demand.

No, my test car, in entry-level ‘Feel’ spec, wasn’t fast and furious and it felt a wee bit underpowered in top gear when I had a full load on board (we drove to quite a few places over a glorious couple of days). Still, it was a nice feeling. I love the subdued ‘burr’ hum of a diesel working.

And, I know this might feel like a bit of a cheap shot, but it was good not to be constantly looking at the gauge, as has become my wont, in some electric cars with what we’ll call ‘lower ranges’ between charges.

I think it is fair to say Citroen have always made tasty-looking cars – with the exception of one or two rogues.

I’ve happy memories of them. My brother had a GSA Special way back when God was a boy. I can still remember the reg (ODI 364) and how sweetly it drove and handled thanks to the wonderful suspension.

The C4 is, I suppose, a direct generational successor, but with a caveat: Technically it is a small-family hatch; in reality it tries to meet the demand for ‘SUVs’ by being a subtle crossover attempt.

That effect is largely generated by having it sit noticeably tall, but I think its crescent shape still maintains its C4 identity.

The height (1,525mm tall with ground clearance of 156mm) and wheelbase of 2,670mm also help provide the basis for a roomy cabin. We certainly had plenty out front.

They also claim best-in-class rear knee room (198mm) and my back-seat passengers concurred with some enthusiasm. There’s a fair-sized boot too (380 litres).

That, if you’ll forgive the pun, is the ‘upside’. The downside is that the car felt less taut on the road and was inclined to demand more by way of steering input and effort than I would have expected.

I liked the seating, supportive and strong, and the displays worked well. No messing around there.

Gear-change was slick but I did feel I had to use it a bit more than maybe I would have liked. God, the back roads of remote Cork are beautiful – especially when the sun shines, as it did on our trips – but they sure can meander and demand.

I now feel our sat-nav took us the long way home a couple of times. I don’t think there was such need to take so many off-the-beaten-track routes. We trust these things too much sometimes.

The lack of road markings on some more far-flung routes was a bit disconcerting and it really focussed my attention on driving tight and ultra cautiously. You never know what’s around the bend.

It was a real test for the C4 diesel too; one which challenged its handling and ride. I think it really preferred the long, loping dual carriageways and motorways.

I know I did. I haven’t driven roads like those for some time. It was a good exercise for man and machine.

Now I wouldn’t be jumping up and down extolling the C4’s prowess, but it certainly came across as a solid car with its suspension set-up.

I discovered an interesting fact: the C4 has best in class driver eye height (1,220mm) for improved visibility and ease of access. You don’t usually think about things like that.

However, you do – I certainly do – think about warranties.

In this case, no doubt to provide an underlay of confidence in what is, largely, a new start for the brand in Ireland, there is a five-year warranty as standard, as well as three years’ roadside assistance.

So would I buy it? Yes for the space, the height, the diesel, and the excellent cabin, the cabin.

Not so sure I would for the overall dynamics. But it is a big, roomy car. And it’s got a diesel. For now anyway.

They plan on having 80pc of their cars and vans electrified by 2023. By 2025 that figure is targeted to rise to 100pc. So you can see why I cherished my time in the 1.5-litre diesel.

Time may be running out on its ilk but it’s still a fine power source. And I got 53mpg.

Hard to pass up that sort of consumption if you are heading for far-flung parts where electric chargers are scarce as hen’s teeth.

Factfile

Citroen C4 family hatch: From €24,740.

Standard ‘Feel’ spec (tested) includes 18ins alloys, rear parking sensors/camera, auto air con auto LED headlights, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. ‘Feel Pack’ adds Connect Nav, ConnectedCam, Smart Pad support, Advanced Comfort Seats, head-up display. ‘Flair’ adds speed sign recognition, front parking sensors, ACC, diamond cut alloys; ‘Flair Pack’ adds EAT8 gearbox, leather interior, heated seats and highway driver assist.