The C4 ad being flighted on TV is quite funky - the one where the Citroën turns into a dancing robot - and my seven-year-old daughter loves it.
But the French hatchback has little in common with the robot. The ad is a bit incongruous - like a middle-aged accountant in a pinstripe suit trying to breakdance at a teenagers' party.
The C4 is the successor to the Xsara, a sophisticated alternative to competitors in the family hatchback market such as the Renault Megane, Toyota RunX and Volkswagen Golf.
It's available in four models - three five-door 1600s (including a turbodiesel) and a two-litre three-door coupe.
The 1.6-litre petrol version on test here, although not the star performer in the range, offers a good all-round package.
Citroën has opted for a bold look with a chrome double chevron spanning the full width of the radiator grille and the boomerang-shaped lights extending up the wings.
It's powered by a new 1.6-litre, four-cylinder, quad-valve engine with 80kW on tap and 147Nm of torque - putting it near the top end of the 1.6 stakes.
At R174 995, it competes with the Megane 1.6 Dynamique with 83kW and 152Nm (R176 000), Toyota RunX 160RX with 81kW and 146Nm (R177 625), and the Golf 1.6 Comfortline with 75kW and 148Nm (R184 270).
It has a claimed top speed of 194km/h but we found that the speedo overreads slightly which is probably good news for the driver and bad news for the fund-collecting efforts of the traffic department.
The C4 clocked 12.7sec in the zero to 100km/h sprint - not enough to blow your socks off but ample for everyday motoring.
The five-speed manual gearshift is smooth while the steering is light without much feedback despite its variable power assistance that loads up at higher speeds to aid directional stability.
The fixed-centre steering wheel is the C4's party trick - the one you show to strangers who walk over to admire your new set of wheels. The centre of the steering wheel no longer turns with the rim and the audio controls and speed cruise are placed on the fixed hub.
The rev counter, indicator and headlamp settings are behind the steering wheel and the digital rev counter flashes red when it's time to change up a gear. The hooter button isn't in the centre as per tradition - it's a thin strip on the lower part of the steering wheel.
The cabin is a bit sombre with black soft-touch plastic and no see-through bits as on the C2.
The fascia is uncluttered with a centre-mounted instrument cluster, like many MPVs (multi-purpose vehicles), containing an easy-to-read digital display that self-adjusts to ambient light - although one passenger said she found the display distracting.
This modern look is spoiled by the ventilation controls which look as though they came from an 1980s Nissan Sentra. The controls are laid out logically and easy to use but the hazard light switch is obscured by the steering wheel.
Scented air
There was mixed reaction to the scented air-freshener in the central air vent that diffuses your choice of nine fragrances through the air-conditioning system. Fortunately it can also be adjusted or switched off.
The steering wheel is adjustable for both reach and height and the driver's seat can also be adjusted for height. The seats are among the most comfortable we have experienced in a test car and the C4 has ample leg and headroom.
Rear seat accommodation is also ample and adults can be transported in comfort. Luggage space is generous, and as with other hatchbacks, the rear seat has a 60/40 split which increases the loading area. Stowage nets behind the front seats are handy for items such as magazines.
The C4 scores highly on both active and safety features with six crash bags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist. There is no electronic stability programme on the petrol versions although it is featured on the diesel model.
The Citroën took just under three seconds to come to a safe standstill from 100km/h under emergency braking conditions - no surprise with this plethora of hi-tech safety devices.
Summary
Citroën's latest contender is good looking, packed with all sorts of gizmos and one of the safest cars on the road. The French flair is there but it's a bit more subtle and would probably be appreciated by the more mature driver. - Star Motoring