• Interior is plush, airy and welcoming
• Interesting design but more usable than previous Citroens
• Infotainment is boosted by additional physical buttons

How is the quality and layout?

For a number of years Citroen has pursued a policy of fitting very few physical buttons to its interiors, making tasks such as adjusting the climate control an unnecessary faff by using the touchscreen. Now, many of those functions have returned to being physical, with a pleasing action to them that suggests good quality.

The driving position is more SUV-like than you’d expect, and you are perched higher up that you would be in something like a Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf. Forward visibility is aided by this slight elevation – and although it’s not up there with a more traditional family SUV such as a Nissan Qashqai, this loftier position will appeal to those who enjoy a good view out.

In addition, it’s been well set-up to deal with modern life. There’s plenty of space in the centre console, easily-accessible USB sockets, storage bins between the seats, and a total of 16 compartments result in 39 litres of space in the cabin. Citroen also points out a range of accessories and options that includes a wireless phone charger and tablet bracket that pops out of the dash for the front passenger.

Infotainment and tech

Inside, it gets a development of the all-digital instrument panel and infotainment set-up found in other Citroens – which means extensive use of the touchscreen for many of the car’s functions. The 10.0-inch screen’s display is bright, crisp and easy to read, and is something of a design feature as it sits proud of the dashboard with an irregular shape. Pity that the sat-nav graphics haven’t been given a thorough makeover, though.

While the frameless digital instrument cluster looks simple, it’s on the small side and can be tricky to read depending upon how you have it configured. The rev counter, for instance, must be one of the smallest ever to appear on a car. Better-equipped models also feature a large, colour head-up display system that augments the instrument screen – in reality we think you’ll actually use it as your primary source of driving data.

Comfort

• It’s here that the Citroen C4 excels
• Soft seats are also very supportive
• Suspension soaks up bumps impressively

Much of the C4’s interior is finished in soft-touch materials, and comes in a range of tasteful trims that amplify its comfort. Just a pity British-market cars don’t enjoy the wide range of more interesting interior colours – it can look a bit dour.

These plush looks are more than just superficial, with the soft and supportive seats setting up the C4 as one for those who like a relaxing ride.

Despite its large wheels, the ride quality is soft and compliant, and at speed road and wind noise levels are agreeably low, even on rough surfaces. It’s on the motorway where the C4’s refinement is its most impressive, with an overarching sense of isolation making this a very effective way of covering long distances. For that extra luxury, top models are also available with massaging seats.

Also impressive is how quiet the engines are, although the diesel’s slightly gruff engine note lets the side down, which means all of Citroen’s good work elsewhere with the C4 isn’t undone by a clattery motor under the bonnet.