Over the years Citroën has established a reputation for designing some of the most innovative cars in the world. But in the 1990s that all stopped as it slipped on the jacket of conservatism in the hunt for more sales. Perhaps the most obvious manifestation of this tactic was the Citroën Xsara, a perfectly nice, inoffensive and well priced car but one that failed to spark the imagination of potential buyers.

But in 2004 the launch of its replacement signalled a return to form for the French car maker. Not only was the C4 a much better looking car than the Xsara but it boasted some of that quirky innovation that had made the brand so famous.

Perhaps the best expression of this is the steering wheel: only the outer rim moves, leaving the centre static. This means the driver’s airbag remains at the same aspect to the driver regardless of the position of the wheel. At first it can be a slightly unnerving experience but drivers find they get used to it quickly.

Another thing that stands out in the C4 range is the difference between the three and five-door models. Most car makers simply seal up the back doors of the five-door to make a three-door. However, the C4 three-door looks like a completely different vehicle. Referred to by Citroën as a coupé, it offers a genuinely sporty look.

The biggest sellers are the more modest diesel versions, the standard 1.6 litre HDi, producing 92bhp, and the 110bhp 1.6HDi. The latter’s extra power is welcome and for just £300 more it’s money well invested if you are buying used. Quicker still is the 2.0HDi with 138bhp, available only on the top spec Exclusive, VTS and VTR+ models, but you will be paying a hefty premium (although the car does boast an uprated interior and multidisc CD player).

As a car that will appeal to family buyers, the C4 makes a fair job of blending compact dimensions with reasonable interior space. At 320 litres its boot is slightly larger than that of a Vauxhall Astra but smaller than that of a Ford Focus. Front seat space is good with a generous range of seat movement and an adjustable steering column as standard. Rear seats are a little tighter, though, and in three-door models the lower roofline makes the back feel more enclosed.

Equipment levels are generally good with all C4 models boasting a long list of standard safety kit including adaptive front airbags (which inflate according to the severity of the accident), CD player and an alarm with immobiliser. Additional safety equipment comes in the form of antilock braking with electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic brake assist and traction control.

There was also a long list of options with which new car buyers could personalise their C4, including adaptive xenon headlamps, which turn the corner ahead of you, satellite navigation and laminated side windows for extra security.

As if to emphasise that the car hasn’t lost all its quirkiness the C4 also came with plug-in “aromatisers” that were available in nine fragrances divided into three themes: vitality, sensuality and wellbeing. Whether these do what they say on the tin is open to debate, but should you want to test them refills are available at your Citroën dealer.

The C4 was a bold move for Citroën as it tried to re-establish its brand credentials as an innovative car maker. As a used purchase it is a pretty safe place to put your cash.

 

Safety Impressive five-star adult occupancy score with four for child occupant safety and three for pedestrians

Security Factory-fitted alarm and immobiliser make this car a safe bet for owners

Headlamps Twin adaptive xenon headlamps were an option. Worth paying about £250 extra for on a used car

Steering wheel Fixed centre boss on the wheel feels slightly odd at first but soon becomes familiar

Air vents Air-freshening fluid can be inserted via a slot and should last two months

Interior Hardwearing fabrics and good quality plastics should keep the interior feeling fresh for many years

Alloys Standard on all but base models. Check rims for scuffs

Sat nav An expensive factory option makes this uncommon on secondhand cars. Worth paying a £300 premium