from:
http://www.topgear.com/content/news/cars_coming_soon/32/
What is it?
The replacement for the ancient Xsara - yes that thing that you
thought had gone out of production years ago, but which has
actually been trickling out of the showrooms over the last few
years. That car was first seen in 1997 and managed to average
little more than 500 sales a month throughout 2003.
When's it due?
The C4 will make its debut at the Paris Motor Show in September
2004 before going on sale in November.
What are the engines and transmissions?
There'll be a choice of three petrol or two diesel engines; the
latter coming in 1.4, 1.6 or 2.0-litre flavours and offering
between 90bhp and 180bhp. Opt for a diesel and you'll have a choice
of 1.6 or 2.0-litre turbocharged common-rail units, with between
92bhp and 138bhp on tap.
What about the design?
Unlike the very ordinary-looking Xsara, the C4 has eye-catching
styling - especially in three-door form. Whereas the five-door car
focuses on practicality, the three-door model is more sporty with a
strange split window in the hatchback. Remember the three-door
Mazda 323 of the early 1990s? Thought not - but you may have
noticed a similar treatment on the current Toyota Prius. The C4
also follows the current trend for oversized headlamps and short
overhangs, the latter being in a bid to improve ride quality and
increase interior space.
How fast does it go?
With a drag coefficient of just 0.28, the C4 is very slippery -
especially for a small hatch. That'll help with the performance,
although nothing official has been said about how fast the C4 will
be. Expect the 180bhp model to manage around 135mph and a 0-62mph
sprint in 7.5 seconds or so; entry-level cars will have a top speed
closer to 105mph with a 13-second 0-62mph time.
What does it cost?
No prices have yet been announced, but expect only a small price
increase over the equivalent Xsara. That means the cheapest
(1.4-litre) car will set you back around £:11,000 while the
range-topping 180bhp car will be closer to £:17,000.
What's new?
Everything except the engines and transmissions, which have already
been seen in other cars within the PSA (Peugeot-Citroen)
Group.
Any special features?
The slippery shape should help to reduce noise levels, which will
be cut down further thanks to the use of laminated side glass
(which will also help improve security). This is the first time a
car in this class has offered such an innovation, but more
noticeable will be the neat fixed steering wheel boss. This remains
static while the steering wheel turns around it, improving safety
by offering a better base from which to launch an airbag in the
event of a crash.
Other gadgetry that will be available includes a lane departure
warning system, a speed limiter and a tyre pressure warning system
- which we hope will be more reliable than most of the offerings
seen elsewhere. To round off the new toys there's a dual-function
directional xenon headlamp set up, which gives better lighting when
the car is being cornered.
Who's going to buy it?
Fleets - or at least Citroen will be hoping so - and trendy young
buyers who want something different from the usual small hatch.
Sales will always lag behind the Focus, Astra and Golf, so anyone
buying a C4 is guaranteed to have something less common.
The Top Gear verdict: favourite or failure?
The pricing is sure to be keen and the exterior styling heralds a
return to the creative designs that Citroen used to be noted for.
It's also unlikely that Citroen is going to pass up the opportunity
to compete with its major rivals in terms of driveability - which
all adds up to a car that should offer a strong all-round package.
In other words, a favourite.
Well Done Citroen! I am looking forward to it 
Personally, I prefers the 5-door hatch rather than the 3-Door
one
What do you guys think? Comments?
