The C4 certainly boasts a number of firsts: a multi-functional fixed-centre steering wheel; an inbuilt air freshener; and lane departure warning.
Prices for the Citroen C4 start at £11,095 for the three-door 1.4i 16V VT, and rise to £18,395 for the range topping five-door 138hp 2.0HDi Exclusive. In all, there are 22 variants, including a choice of eight engines as well as dramatically different three-door coupe and five-door hatchback versions.
The C4 is the first all-new Citroen to feature the Company's new corporate look. The front end shows off the boomerang headlamp design and chrome double chevron grille to maximum effect but it is from the B-pillar back that the hatchback and coupe models break into their own highly original styles.
The dramatic profile of the coupe is particularly stunning. The long, swooping roofline arcs right back from the windscreen pillar to the sharply angled rear where it drops almost vertically, the rear screen forming both part of the roof line and the vertical tailgate.
Highly aerodynamic, with a best in class drag coefficient of 0.28 for the coupe - the same as for the Porsche 911 Carrera - the C4 also has plenty of room inside, where there are numerous useful touches including a fold-out partition that divides the boot into four separate compartments.
The unique design of the steering wheel, which features a fixed central hub around which are located key controls, not only frees up the dashboard but ensures that most of the essential controls are placed close to the driver's fingertips. Using such a wheel design has also enabled Citroen to introduce a world safety first, allowing the shape of the driver's airbag to more closely match that of the driver's body.
The dashboard also features an innovative, easy-to-read translucent digital display, which is perfectly readable in all light conditions, including bright sunshine, thanks to its technology that adjusts to the prevailing lighting conditions.
The C4 is one of the safest and most secure cars in the class and includes significant steps to improve pedestrian protection. There are six airbags as standard, as well as ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Emergency Braking Assistance. Many models also feature the latest Electronic Stability Programme with Traction Control.
Alain Favey managing director of Citroën UK, said,
"The C4 is set to make a big impression among both private and fleet buyers who will be drawn to its impressive combination of highly distinctive styling, safety and extremely advanced and useful technologies that significantly move the standard in the sector forwards."