NOW everyone goes on these days about electric cars when it comes to saving the planet – and fuel… but if you are not yet ready to go totally green there is an economical alternative.
Super-efficient hybrid cars can now give impressive real world MPG like the latest version of the Citroen C4, which I took for a 300-mile round trip to see friends in the North East of England.
Comfy and with performance to impress (135bhp from its 1199cc three cylinder petrol engine, 0 to 62 in eight seconds and a top speed of 130mph) my metallic red chariot of choice was the range-topping MAX Hybrid 136 e-DCS6, which Citroen claim can return over 62mpg. There are three driving modes, Eco, Normal and Sport.
After clocking up the miles in a week of busy motoring that claim seems more that realistic as I gave the car back with a surprising amount of juice still in the tank!
With prices that undercut many of its rivals the C4 range starts from £24k up to our test car at £26,625. They are available with a choice of three 1.2-litre petrol engines, starting with a mild hybrid called the Hybrid 110 with a modest 109bhp which gets from 0-62mph in 10.4 seconds. The next engine up is the petrol 130 with no hybrid tech but more power (129bhp) and at the top of the range is our Hybrid 135.
The C4 was perfect for both motorway cruising and pot-holed Yorkshire B roads thanks to Citroen’s Advanced Comfort Suspension which makes it one of the better-riding small SUVs, gliding over large undulations and cushioning you well from the ruts and mini craters in our UK roads.
The power plants are surprisingly quiet, only when working hard do they have that usual three pot thrum with the only slight downside being the occasional jolt when the petrol engine cuts in and out at slow speed (hybrid versions are autos). On the move there’s very little wind, road or suspension noise and the seats are comfy in a typically Citroen way.
Physical knobs and buttons for controlling features like climate control make it much easier to adjust things on the move.
All C4s come with clear digital instruments as standard and if you go for Plus trim or above you get a head-up display that projects key information into your line of sight. Rear parking sensors are across the range while Plus and Max trims add front parking sensors and a rear-view camera with a 360-degree system available as an option on Max trim.
All get automatic wipers and bright automatic LED headlights plus an easy to reach and read 10in infotainment touchscreen mounted high up in the middle of the dashboard with features like DAB radio and Bluetooth, plus you can run your phone’s apps. Wireless phone charging is available as part of an option pack.
Overall the C4 feels fairly plush inside with some soft materials and is quite well put together.
Head and leg room in the front is good and there are some thoughtful storage touches, including a dedicated area for your smartphone. All except entry-level ‘You!’ also get a tray that slides out of the passenger’s side of the dashboard which you can clip your tablet computer to!
Despite the reasonable price tag the entry-level C4 comes with plenty of standard equipment, including 18in alloy wheels, electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors, adaptive cruise control, dual-zone climate control plus the features we’ve already mentioned, including LED headlights, 10in touchscreen infotainment system, and rear parking sensors.
Upgrading to Plus trim does add quite a few extras: a larger driver’s display (from 5in to 7in), a head-up display, power-folding door mirrors, rear-view camera, sat-nav, and keyless entry and start. Top-spec Max gets part-electrically operated heated front seats, heated steering wheel and rear privacy glass.
So good value for money, comfortable, stylish, economical and practical… what’s not to like?
For more info see www.citroen.co.uk
By Motoring Editor Steve Howarth