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Rating

Verdict C’est magnifique!

The Citroën C4 may be the same size as a Ford Focus or Vauxhall Astra but it can do far, far more.

For instance, if you nod off while driving down the motorway, sensors under the front bumper will detect the moment when you stray into another lane and set off a vibrator in the seat to wake you up. My wife liked this feature so much she drove all the way to London on the hard shoulder.

Then there’s the steering wheel. The rim turns but the middle bit stays still, so all the buttons are always in the same place, and my, what a lot of buttons there are. You can set the sat nav, organise the cruise control, change the radio station, adjust the volume and answer the phone.

And now you’re expecting the but. The moment when the whole pack of cartes comes crashing down.

Well, sorry, but the five-door version is elegant and the three-door is properly striking. And the 2 litre VTS coupé I drove went and handled with much aplomb and vigour.

Of course, I can pretty much guarantee that your C4 will break down every 15 minutes. Citroëns do, and I’m not fooled by the three-year warranty. Having the fault fixed free of charge in no way compensates for being stuck on the hard shoulder at 3am.

Current price £18,295

Price when tested (Jan 2005) £17,195

Engine 1997cc, four cylinders

Power 180bhp @ 7000rpm

Torque 149 lb ft @ 4750rpm

Transmission Five-speed manual

Fuel/ 33.6mpg (combined) / 200g/km

0-60mph 8.3sec

Top speed 140mph