Citroen C4

• The engine is 1.2 litres with a turbo and 3 cylinders. It makes 130 hp and 230 Nm of torque at 1,750 rpm. The gearbox is an 8-speed automatic called EAT8. Shifts feel smooth. You get enough power for regular city and highway driving.
• The turbo 3-cylinder has decent torque low down with quick response. It is excellent for stop-and-go city traffic. The 8-speed automatic makes smooth shifts, not sporty ones.
• Front-wheel drive has special Progressive Hydraulic Cushions suspension. It provides amazing comfort. The suspension has hydraulic stops that absorb bumps. When the suspension goes down and comes back up, it creates what Citroën calls a "magic carpet ride", which is quite impressive!
• The wheelbase keeps you stable when driving. Ground clearance is 156mm, which is just fine for Saudi roads, not great, but higher than normal hatchbacks. Handles Saudi speed breakers well.
• The fuel tank holds 50 litres, and the efficiency of the turbo 3-cylinder is just fine, keeping your running costs reasonable.

Some limitations:

• The 3-cylinder engine isn’t as smooth as 4-cylinder engines. You may also feel the noise and vibration when you speed up; not everyone minds, but some may.
• Overall, considering the applications, size and use case scenario of the C4, the power of 130 hp is not much.
• The performance is smooth and efficient, not exciting. Acceleration is okay but not fast.

• On highways, the Progressive Hydraulic Cushions suspension feels like a magic carpet. Citroën actually calls it that. Hydraulic stops absorb energy when the suspension reaches limits. Less jolting, passengers feel fewer bumps. The ride feels calm and smooth for families.
• Advanced Comfort seats add more cushioning on long drives. The 15mm thick foam really is better than normal hatchback seats. Seats plus suspension make every trip comfortable.
• The 8-speed EAT8 automatic shifts smoothly during normal driving. The gearbox focuses on being smooth, not sporty. You barely notice gear changes.
• In cities, the small size helps. Easy to drive through streets. You sit higher up and are able to see better. Electric power steering makes turning easy, and parking is manageable even with the special styling.
• The coupe-hatchback design looks good but is still practical. The short front and rear overhangs. Large wheels give it a confident look.

Things to note:

• Comfort comes first, not sharp handling. The car leans a lot in corners. The body rolls to the side. Normal for comfort cars. Not meant to be sporty.
• The 3-cylinder engine vibrates and makes noise when you push hard. Not as smooth as 4-cylinder engines at this price.
• The coupe-like roof might limit headroom in the back for tall people. Normal hatchbacks have more headroom. This car trades space for style.
• Compact size means less cargo space than SUVs. The focus is on passenger comfort rather than maximum luggage space.

• The Advanced Comfort seats have special foam, with high-density foam in the centre and 15 mm thick foam on top. Seats feel like armchairs, and you will really feel like they are cradling you on long drives.
• The steering wheel has controls you can reach. Physical knobs for climate control. Not everything is on the touchscreen; this makes it easier to use.
• A standard 10-inch touchscreen controls entertainment, nothing fancy. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work fine. Your phone connects without cables; most drivers want it that way.
• The instrument cluster is 7 inches, and you mostly see all the graphics clearly. The sliding drawer on the passenger side and overall cabin storage is clever. The built-in tablet holder is thoughtful and practical.
• Climate control can be manual or automatic, depending on the model. The panoramic electric sunroof on better models makes the cabin feel open.
• USB ports and Bluetooth. Premium sound system on higher models.
• Five people sit inside. Rear knee room is best in class. More legroom than typical hatchbacks in the back. Boot space is practical for daily use.
• Size is compact outside but roomy inside. Looks like a coupe mixed with an SUV. Distinctive style. 360° body protection means it's durable.

The C4 gives you genuine French comfort with excellent ride quality. Good price for what you get, and it appears to be built for Saudi conditions. Not highly equipped with fancy features, which is good and bad: good because it keeps the price down, bad because it may disappoint buyers expecting more tech.

• Front and side airbags protect you. The anti-lock braking system stops wheels from locking. Electronic Brakeforce Distribution helps braking. Brake Assist adds extra help. Electronic Stability Program keeps you steady. Traction control stops wheels from spinning.
• Highway Driver Assist is available on better models. This is Level 2 semi-autonomous driving. Active Safety Brake helps avoid crashes. Cruise control makes highway driving easier.
• The 10-inch touchscreen shows information. Physical climate controls are safer. Less distraction than touchscreen-only. The digital instrument cluster shows important info clearly.
• Child safety locks protect kids. Rear seat belts for everyone. Central locking keeps the car secure. Body structure has 360° protection. Makes it strong and durable.
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring tells you when tyres need air. A higher driving position helps you see traffic better.

What to watch out for:

• As far as safety ratings, Euro NCAP has not yet tested this C4 for the Saudi market. No crash test scores are available. So it is not possible to verify how safe it is. Safety-focused buyers might worry.
• Highway Driver Assist is available on some models. But many modern safety features are missing. There is no blind-spot monitoring. No lane-keeping assist. No forward collision warning on all models. Just basic safety systems, which may be disappointing for many potential buyers who now expect it in this segment.
• Citroën has only a few dealers in key Saudi cities, all through Almajdouie Motors. Check if one is near you before buying. Parts might take longer than Japanese or Korean brands. The warranty is 3 years or 100,000 km. Many competitors offer 5 years; this is certainly shorter.