exclusive

comfortable — 2012 Citroën C4 1,6 HDi 90 HP

There is not much that distinguishes the Citroën C4 from its competitors in this class. With the PSA group's superb e-HDI powertrain, high level of equipment and level of safety, the C4 belongs in the top group of the class. The C4 is experienced as a comfortable car – perhaps the most comfortable in its class?

Look and feel

I have always liked the design of the new C4. The previous model was a good car, but it had some design quirks. Here in the new C4, everything is as standard as a Volkswagen. If you come straight from a Golf or Passat, you will find a surprising number of similarities. Same feeling of quality. Same electronic handbrake solution. Blue light in the dashboard - which Volkswagen has otherwise done away with... The seats look like Volkswagen, but the bright partial leather seats in the Exclusive version feel a little more comfortable.

Inside the car, I notice large window areas, apart from the visibility to the rear which is as bad as all cars of this type.

I got to test drive a version with GPS. The choice of materials in the dashboard and panels, as well as the large screen, contribute to a good feeling of quality.

Minus for strong glare in the instruments. The main instrument with speedometer is completely unreadable on a bright summer day with lots of sun.

Driving pleasure

The C4's engine/driveline is based on the latest version of the PSA group's HDI initiative. An e-HDI of 90 horsepower is more than enough to drive effortlessly everywhere. The gearbox's five steps cover the Norwegian speed ranges well so that the engine can run at favorable revs everywhere. The engine pulls very well at low revs. When driving long distances on foreign highways, I felt no need for a sixth gear.

The car's chassis is more comfortable than sporty. But it still feels like the car is fully capable of handling all extreme situations if needed. The gearbox is precise but not click-clack, and does not invite sporty driving. Nor does the steering invite sporty driving. This is a car for road cruising.

Comfort

The seats in the Exclusive version are comfortable. They are slightly softer than many competitors, but still provide sufficient lateral support. The chassis is thought to be comfortably set up, but not so much that it affects the driving characteristics. You actually get a bit of a big car feeling when the car is at speed.

Low noise level in all speed ranges contributes to the good feeling of comfort. Likewise, the equipment level with two-zone automatic air conditioning, automatic lighting, rain sensor, retractable mirrors - to name a few.

Place

In the back seat I get the feeling of sitting a little high, but it could also be that the large side windows are deceiving me. Legroom in the back seat is good, even when I'm sitting behind a driver's seat adjusted for a 1,88 meter person.

The trunk is easy to use and feels more spacious than it actually is.

Safety

Passive safety is at the top level. Blind spot warning in the side mirrors and seat belt warning for the rear seat are also standard on the Exclusive version. Distance detectors at the front and rear are connected to the large screen and provide visual notification of the parking distances around the car.

You can also order your C4 with high-tech adaptive lights and the AFIL system, which wakes you up if the car changes lanes without using indicators.

Economy

Very low operating costs. Low fuel consumption. You can order a service package that gives a full overview of the maintenance costs. Purchase price in the 250-300 price range is nothing to complain about as these are very well equipped cars. Citroën does not have a tradition of keeping trade-in prices high, but since the C000 shares a powertrain with Peugeot, Volvo and Ford among others, I think trade-in prices will remain at an acceptable level. C4 deserves a five here!

Comfortable seats and suspension
Low noise level

Strong glare in dashboard clocks

PHOTOS

See

citroen.no

Opel Astra 1.4 Turbo — Opel Astra 1,4 Turbo

The new Opel Astra is characterized by the fact that the chrome-plated part of the grill has been given a wider smile, and with a turbocharged petrol engine of 140 horses, the Astra really offers a smile.

2013 Opel Astra 1.4/140 Turbo Excellence 5 doors

Look and feel

The latest facelift adds more elegance. Although the Astra is both modern and stylish, I think it lacks distinctiveness compared to competitors such as the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf. I still can't put my finger on anything concrete.

When I open the door, get behind the wheel and close the door, I get the quality impression I expect in a German car. The equipment level in the test car includes, among other things, Opel's stylish, sporty seats made of partial leather and checked fabric. The leather steering wheel is good to hold.

Stylish button clusters, but difficult to use for us over 50.

When I turn on the ignition, however, I notice the glaring information displays in the dashboard. Red, bulky letters on an orange background are neither informative nor elegant. It is possible that it is possible to tone down the brightness of the displays, but jeg would opt for an upgraded infotainment system to ditch these hideous displays.

I also don't like the many, small buttons on the middle part of the dashboard. It looks stylish with lots of small buttons, especially in the dark - but with the level of functionality in new cars today, a more modern user interface is required. It should be possible to operate the radio and air conditioning without having to pull in to the side and put on reading glasses!

Driving pleasure

The chassis is thought to be sporty and works extremely well on the motorway. The steering and chassis give the driver plenty of driving pleasure and work equally well on both city streets and country roads.

The new 1.4 liter petrol turbo engine with 140 horsepower contributes to the great driving pleasure. My test car was brand new and I felt it sagged a bit when I tried to push it. On the other hand, I don't like to push engines hard in the very first few miles. I checked the carriage card to check that I had really received the 140 horse.

New petrol turbo engines have the same characteristics as turbodiesel engines with the same solid bottom line and the same sound profile. With an increasing focus on particulate matter and a possible winter ban on diesel cars, this is an excellent engine for Norwegian big cities.

Comfort

I sit well in the sporty seats. The first time I sat down, I felt that they pinched my butt, but this is typical for such seats. After two hours, I sat just as well.

Although the car seems a bit sporty, it is experienced as comfortable, especially on the motorway. With the 6-speed gearbox, the soundscape is very pleasant on high-speed motorways.

The "Excellence" package (equivalent to "Cosmo") includes all comfort equipment such as automatic lighting, rain sensor, automatic two-zone climate control, trip computer and more.

Place

With my height of 1,88, I sit royally in the back seat after adjusting the driver's seat to suit myself. Three adults fit fine in the back seat. Inside, it feels as if you are in a large mid-range car. But in the trunk I am brought back to small middle class (C-class). The luggage compartment has a double bottom where the cover can be folded in, or possibly taken out completely. In any case, the trunk is at least designed to function as a full-fledged family car, but as a station wagon or 4-door sedan version you get plenty of space. I give a five for the royal legroom.

Safety

The Opel Astra has all relevant safety equipment in place. The new Astra can be delivered with intelligent lighting that adapts to driving conditions. You can also order adaptive cruise control. This was not installed on the car I test drove.

Economy

Very favorable fuel consumption in relation to engine power and car size. The purchase price of this car is under 300, which is very favorable. If you choose a station wagon, you get a full-sized family car. The only thing that gives some uncertainty in terms of finances is the assumed trade-in value. As Opel's popularity has fallen - and is falling, Opel may not be in much demand as a used car.

Engine/driveline
Space in the compartment

Bright display in the dashboard
Far too many small buttons on the middle part of the dashboard

HONEST ABOUT CARS

The most comfortable in the class?