We spend time with the all-new C4 in petrol form to see what Citroën’s latest has to offer.

While most of the headlines went to the fact that the third-generation C4 has gone electric, many buyers will be pleased to know that both petrol and diesel powertrains are also available. There’s a 1.2-litre petrol engine with three different power outputs (99-, 129- and 153bhp) and two 1.5-litre BlueHDi diesels (108- and 129bhp). Citroen expects the sales split to be one-third electric, with petrol accounting for the lion’s share (over 80%) of the internal combustion engined models registered.

We tested the 130 Puretech petrol with 129bhp and an eight-speed automatic transmission in range-topping Shine Plus trim.

As is the recent trend, the design of the all-new C4 straddles more than one established body style variant. It’s now somewhere between a five-door hatchback, a coupé and an SUV. Possibly the closest comparison is with the Toyota C-HR.

The exterior styling is suitably distinctive – as a Citroën’s should be –punctuated with some striking details but as a whole, it didn’t win me over – initially.* (see conclusion)

But Citroen’s main focus these days, is on comfort, and that’s to be enjoyed from the inside, where I was greeted by a sober Hype Black interior trim which includes leather upholstery sewn in unusual patterns, with grey cloth inserts featuring chevron prints in the seats and doors.

The central infotainment display has seen improvements over the Cactus model this C4 also replaces. As well as the increased screen size - 10in versus 7in - there are now physical buttons directly below it for 'home' and key driving functions, plus tactile air con buttons below the centre vents for improved on-the-move fan and temperature adjustment without multi-layer touchscreen interrogation.

I rather liked the new Citroën C4’s chunky steering wheel as it appeared to be a modern interpretation of the Austin Allegro’s ‘Quartic’ affair that didn’t catch on back in the 1970s. Perhaps it was just way ahead of its time as it seems to work really well in the C4. Who said wheels have to be round?

Another notable item is the slide-out tablet mount, which still allows room for a conventional glove box below. Called 'Smart Pad Support', it is standard on the Sense Plus trim and upward, although you’ll need an extra £100 to get a dedicated mount for specific products from the likes of Apple and Samsung.

The hatch’s split rear glass makes for a restricted view out the back and there’s no rear wiper, but at least rear parking sensors are fitted as standard.

There’s plenty of rear space for passengers. Both knee– and headroom are very good and only the tallest will brush up against that sloping roofline. Boot space is a useful 380 litres or 1250 with the rear seats folded.

While on the subject of the boot, I lifted the carpet to check the tyre inflation/repair kit and was surprised and disappointed to find that the body colour (Premium metallic Elixir Red – a £700 option on our test car, by the way) had not been applied to the tyre well and boot floor. I’m not sure if this has become common practice, but this is the first time I have seen such a thing.

On the one hand, you might say, why paint what you never see? But on the other, I found myself wondering what this might mean about standards and quality and that concern was the one that lingered after I spotted surface corrosion in a corner of the boot floor!

On the move, the 130hp three-cylinder power unit emits a pleasing thrum as it works its way through the lower gears of its eight-speed automatic transmission. It gets from 0-62mph in 9.4 seconds but this car is not designed for sprints. On the motorway, the Puretech 130 is quiet and calm, with a barely a murmur of engine noise; cabin insulation is excellent.

Much of this is thanks to the standard Progressive Hydraulic Cushions suspension system, which absorbs and release kinetic energy to prevent bouncing. Despite the soft suspension set-up, the C4’s body movements are well controlled.

Front-end grip good is and the steering is precise. At city speeds it’s on the light side, which is great for parking, but it weights up nicely as your speed increases.

Sport mode provides a little more entertainment when it comes to the twists and turns on country roads where you can play with the wheel-mounted paddle gear-shifters, but again, this is not a sports car, and most drivers will find them unnecessary.

Standard equipment on our C4 PureTech 130 Auto Shine Plus test car is extensive, including: Six airbags, active brake, speed limit and lane keep assist, driver attention alert, forward collision warning, auto lights and wipers, electric park brake, rear parking sensor, dual-zone climate control, 10in colour screen system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, DAB radio, 4x USB ports, 18in alloys and heated leather seats.

All this for £27,305 on-the-road, including the aforementioned metallic paint which was the only option fitted to our test car. 

So as I said “Au revoir,” to the C4, I had to admit that the Citroën’s bold design * was starting to grow on me but the comfort, space and ease of use were an instant hit. Sculpturally fascinating, the latest C4 design challenges potential buyers in an effort to create a stand-out vehicle with a distinctly Citroën brand identity. It’s worthy of a place on your shopping list.

- Massimo Pini