First look: Citroen gives its C4 hatch the boot!

CHINA’S Dongfeng Peugeot Citroen Automobile Co has announced the domestic release of the world’s first C4 sedan - labelled C-Triomphe – and its significance to Australia should not be underestimated.

Why? Because the first C4 sedan is likely to be released Down Under next year as a direct rival for the "Golf-with-a-boot" Jetta sedan launched here early this month by Volkswagen.

"We’ve put our hand up for it," confirmed Citroen Australia spokesman Edward Rowe.

Normally, smaller-capacity engines are released first in fuel price-conscious Europe, but this is not a concern in China’s predominantly sedan-oriented market.

As such, the Asian market-oriented C4 sedan will be offered with a 2.0-litre engine from its launch there – and in Australia.

Set to slot in above the existing C4 hatch and coupe range with a mid-$30,000 pricetag, the C4 sedan adds a longer 2710mm wheelbase, bigger interior and, of course, a boot to the three/five-door C4’s arsenal.

Though it echoes the styling of the mid-sized C5 sedan, the four-door C4 forgoes its larger sibling’s hydropneumatic suspension but will be available here with a 2.0-litre engine and both manual and automatic transmissions.

The notchback C4 is expected to add incremental sales volume in Australia and features a 4800mm body length, the same 1770mm width, C5-style "boomerang" tail-lights and a chrome strip and front and rear to emphasise the spacious 513-litre boot.

China’s C4 sedan also offers a 60/40-split folding rear seat, 16-inch alloy wheels, a cooled glovebox, rear sunblind, power-adjustable front seats, "generous" rear legroom and drawers beneath the rear seat to house a five-CD stacker and two compartments.

Along with the C4’s ergonomic features, China’s version adds a speed-limiter to its cruise control system, Xenon directional headlights with washers, foglights and rear parking assistance.

Engine power comes from a 108kW/200Nm 16-valve four-cylinder that meets Euro IV emissions standards.

Some 280,000 examples of the C4 were sold globally in 2005, while in China the marque has shifted 600,000 Citroens in its 14-year presence there. Citroen sales outpaced China’s total market growth by rising 34 per cent in 2005, when 100,000 Citroen vehicles were sold.