The Citroën C4 HDi, the turbo diesel variant of Citroën's mid-size hatchback, is now on sale in Australia, delivering a unique combination of economy, performance and safety.

"Citroën has played an integral part in the rise of diesel powered cars in Australia with the Citroën C5 HDi sedan and wagon proving what an amazing combination of economy, performance and even driving pleasure modern diesels can deliver," explains Miles Williams, General Manager of Citroën in Australia. "Australian car buyers have taken to this new generation of diesel-powered Citroëns in ever growing numbers, with diesel sales out-numbering petrol almost two to one."

"Now it is the turn of the C4 to benefit from the latest generation of diesel power units," explains Mr Williams. "Anyone who thinks that diesel engines are a trade-off of economy against power should look at the figures for the C4's new 1.6 turbo diesel. Not only does it have the same power as 1.6 petrol unit in the C4, it has a huge leap in torque from 147 to 240 Newton metres. This means that driving the C4 HDi is a remarkably effortless experience as that torque, the essential motive force that provides acceleration, is available not just in such a plentiful quantity, this ultra-smart engine will actually increase the available torque to 260 Nm under acceleration when it's most needed!"

"At the same time as this effortless driving experience, the C4 HDi is also delivering in spades what diesels are most renowned for: Economy. With an open road figure of just 4.0 litres per 100 km, or 70 mpg in the old money, the Citroën C4 truly gives new meaning to the word frugal!"

The heart of the Citroën C4 HDi is the newest diesel engine to be produced by Citroën, using the latest common rail direct injection technology, aided by a variable displacement turbocharger with an overboost feature to provide that extra torque under acceleration.

The HDi 110 features a second-generation injection system delivering injection pressure of 1,650 bars, controlled by piezoelectric-type injectors. A variable displacement turbocharger enhances driving pleasure and performance.

This engine makes full use of the potential offered by the common-rail system with its multiple injection technology and the enhanced management of fuel injection into each cylinder, providing four injections per engine cycle:

• Two pilot injections to reduce combustion noise
• Two main injections to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions at source.

Citroën's long term experience with diesel engines also means that noise, often seen as a diesel handicap, is kept well at bay. Indeed, under most conditions most people could not pick that the C4 HDi is even a diesel version of the C4. This has been achieved by a process that goes right back to the initial design of the C4, with the bodyshell designed to take the latest sound deadening technology. Computer-controlled engine mounts alter their stiffness to match the engine speed so as to minimise vibration and noise transmission. The anti-noise package is completed by total encapsulation of the engine with sound deadening materials, which even stops noise bouncing off the road surface and, as the C4 moves forward, bouncing back into the passenger compartment.

The Citroën C4 shares its equipment package with the C4 1.6 hatch and is, therefore, equally innovative, stylish, well equipped and offers excellent value for money to match its fuel economy.

Starting with safety, the C4 has the same benchmark pedestrian safety system, ANCAP five star accident safety standard, ABS equipped brakes, ESP Electronic Stability Programme, cruise control with speed limiter and personal safety features such as the remote operation headlights and central locking that locks the boot automatically and which can be set to lock the doors when the C4 HDi goes above 10 km/h.

Equipment levels are lavish. The unique fixed-hub Citroën steering wheel operates speed sensitive power steering. The front and rear windows and locks are also power operated. A CD audio system provides a high quality of sound entertainment and information. The stylish interior abounds with storage spots and clever features that make owning the C4 a delight. Even the boot is well equipped with the ModuLoad system providing a unique solution to the problem of items rolling loose around the boot. Alloy wheels and front fog lights complete the equipment package.

The Citroën C4 HDi arrives on the Australian market priced at $29,990, slotting into the range between the 1.6 petrol C4 and the 2.0 litre C4 five door.

"Our target for the C4 HDi is that it will initially account for around 15 to 20 per cent of C4 sales, given that diesel variants in the C4's sector are comparatively recent arrivals in Australia, compared to the more established diesel availability in the C5's market sector," explains Miles Williams. "However, given the inherent advantages of the HDi, the rising cost of fuel in Australia and growing local awareness of modern diesels, I fully expect the C4 HDi to become the most popular C4 version."

Four Millionth Ford Focus Produced In Europe
22nd January, 2006
The Ford Focus, one of Europe's most popular cars, reached another milestone last week when the four millionth example produced in Europe, a Colorado red, 136 PS TDCi Ford Focus 4-door, was driven off the line at Ford's assembly plant in Valencia, Spain on Thursday ..... more

Passat is Germany's Favourite Car
21st January, 2006
It was a clear-cut decision: more than 320,000 votes were counted in the ADAC (General German Automobile Association) reader's choice awards for the "Gelber Engel 2006" prize. There were 54 models to choose from in the "Cars" category. In the end, the winner was the Volkswagen Passat ..... more

Pontiac Adds A CC
21st January, 2006
After closing 2005 with brisker sales than the rest of the mid-size car segment, the Pontiac G6 family of vehicles is expected to continue its growth in 2006 with a game-changing new entry - a G6 retractable hardtop convertible ..... more

Extra Statesman Luxury Now Standard
20th January, 2006
Statesman buyers receive even more luxury features as standard with the WL series 2006 Statesman International, on sale from this month ..... more

Renault's Limited Edition Mégane Coupe-Cabriolet
20th January, 2006
Renault has released a limited edition version of the Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet LX packed with over $1,500 of additional features ..... more

Suzuki Grand Vitara Catches A Wave
20th January, 2006
Suzuki unveiled its Suzuki Wave concept, a specially modified version of the new Suzuki Grand Vitara at the 2006 Detroit Motor Show ..... more

Land Rover G4 Challenge UK Finalists
20th January, 2006
Counting down to one of the world's toughest driving and multi-sport adventure challenges, Scotsman and 2003 Land Rover G4 Challenge veteran, Tim Pickering, last week visited the Land Rover Experience in Dunkeld, Perthshire to administer some gruelling training on the three 2006 UK finalists ..... more

Audi Unveils Dazzling Array of Firsts in Detroit
19th January, 2006
Audi treated visitors to the 2006 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit with its presentation of three world firsts ..... more

Europe's Mitsubishi Colt CZC coupé-cabriolet
19th January, 2006
Two years after the launch of the Colt hatchback and a year after the introduction of the Colt coupé, Mitsubishi will unveil the third variant of the European Colt family at the 76th Geneva Motor Show: the sporty Colt CZC coupé-cabriolet ..... more

Daewoo's New AWD To Debut At Geneva Motor Show
18th January, 2006
GM has issued the first details of its all-new compact SUV, the Chevrolet Captiva, which makes its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March ..... more

Ford Ready For WRC
18th January, 2006
The opening of the FIA World Rally Championship season on the Rallye Monte Carlo (19th - 22nd January) heralds a new era for Ford ..... more

Mazda to Add Second Vehicle Test Track in Japan
18th January, 2006
In early March 2006, Mazda Motor Corporation will establish its second vehicle test track in Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, to complement its Miyoshi Proving Ground facility ..... more

More Go For Holden's Performance Heroes
17th January, 2006
The most powerful standard engine ever offered by Holden will be installed in all 2006 model year Holden V8 vehicles. A new 6.0-litre alloy engine will deliver 260kW ..... more

Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart’s Sixth Successive Dakar Rally Win
16th January, 2006
Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart Team driver Luc Alphand and co-driver Gilles Picard clinched victory in the 28th Dakar Rally yesterday (Sunday). The feat marked a record-breaking 11th win for the Japanese automotive manufacturer ..... more

Ford Transit Gets Better
14th January, 2006
The most successful commercial vehicle range in Europe – the Ford Transit – enters a new era in its long and successful life, with a series of extensive improvements to keep it modern and relevant ..... more

Peugeot 207 – The Next Generation
13th January, 2006
Peugeot announces the Peugeot 207, the newest member of the legendary 2 series dynasty. When the Peugeot 206 replaced the legendary Peugeot 205, nobody could have known what a success it was going to be. With over 5.4 million Peugeot 206s produced, it has become the best selling Peugeot ever ..... more

Ford Shelby GT500: Most Powerful Mustang Ever
13th January, 2006
After 40 years, racing legend Carroll Shelby and the Ford Mustang are back together with the introduction of America's 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 ..... more

2005: 10th Successive Record Year for Audi
13th January, 2006
Audi was able to set a new record for vehicle sales in 2005 for the tenth year in succession: 829,100 vehicles (2004: 779,441)* were handed over to customers worldwide ..... more

Chevrolet Camaro Concept Car
13th January, 2006
Combining dramatic design and exciting performance, the Chevrolet Camaro Concept recaptures the spirit of one of the most popular sport coupes of all time and redefines the Camaro for new generations of fans ..... more

Passat "Individual" – Enhanced aesthetics edition
12th January, 2006
Europe's Volkswagen Passat "Individual" combines outstanding design and an exclusive equipment specification. From the outside the special edition already catches the eye with luxury chrome trim and 18-inch alloy wheels ..... more

Mitsubishi Concept CT at NAIAS
12th January, 2006
Mitsubishi has unveiled, at the Detroit Motor Show, the Concept-CT, a groundbreaking concept for a hybrid-powered small car that may influence development of future “Driven to Thrill” Mitsubishi models ..... more

Audi Hits All-Time Record in Australia
12th January, 2006
Audi has recorded an impressive 30 percent growth in sales during 2005, selling more than 4,800 units in Australia ..... more

Morgan 4-seater To Return
11th January, 2006
The Morgan 4-seater is coming back! The new model is due to make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2006. The new and significantly revised 4-seater ..... more

Audi Reveals New Roadjet Concept
10th January, 2006
Audi has taken the wraps off a brand new study car, called the Audi Roadjet Concept, at the North American International Automobile Show in Detroit ..... more

Mazda Kabura Concept Car
10th January, 2006
At this year’s Detroit Motor Show, Mazda is presenting Kabura, a compact sports coupe, to explore several fresh ideas that could appear in future production models ..... more

A Decade Of Holden Commodore Leadership
9th January, 2006
Holden has finished 2005 with Australia’s best selling car for the 10th consecutive year, the most popular passenger car range and most popular light truck range ..... more

Volkswagen GX3 Concept - Car Or Bike?
8th January, 2006
In a world premiere at the Los Angeles Motor Show, Volkswagen presented the GX3 – a completely new type of motorcycle. The GX3 was conceived by the Moonraker team and VW’s Design Centre in California, exclusively with the U.S. in mind ..... more

Lamborghini Miura Concept For Detroit
6th January, 2006
The House of the Raging Bull has brought back a legendary historical name with the introduction of its Lamborghini Miura Concept car, which will be shown at the Detroit Motor Show this month ..... more

New Car Sales Record For 2005
5th January, 2006
Australians bought more cars and trucks in 2005 than ever before to set an all-time annual motor vehicle sales record of 988,269 ..... more

Hummer: Here In A Year
1st January, 2006
The H3 is about a year away from its Australian release. The 5-cylinder SUV will provide Holden with another 4WD model ..... more