2013 Citroën C4 Aircross 1.8 HDI 150 CV 4WD

Citroën enters the competitive compact SUV segment with a safe bet, it is the C4 Aircross. This SUV revised codes combine traditional design and efficiency cogeneration and enter battle directly with the likes of the Nissan Qashqai, Volkswagen Tiguan, Renault Koleos, Subaru XV, Hyundai ix35 or ASX Mitsubushi, among many others. Indeed, the Mitsubishi has provided the basis for development, with which it shares many parts.

We have set the controls of the top version in diesel, the 1.8-liter HDi 150 hp and AWD.

Contrary to the trend continues with this type of vehicle in which the bulk of sales is taken 4x2 versions, we opted for this version to test their skills on asphalt and prove that this is unfolding in the mountains.

The Citroën C4 Aircross is able to combine the elegance of a compact with features of the DS line with the muscle of an SUV. In front the first thing that stands out is the chrome grille with integrated turn signals, which portrays the brand logo in the center. Below is the great engine air intake flanked by two aerodynamic fins on the sides that make LED daylight upright. Just below are the two rear fog almost at the bottom. Also name the aggressive headlamps that give the whole look powerful.

The highlight lateral bulging wheel arches and a waistline rising markedly. Curiously, in the C-pillar is installed chrome compass rose suggests that off-road capabilities that can have this SUV.

At the rear there is a design very modern taillights, split horizontally and ends in the lateral moved up almost vertically. At the top of the gate is a small spoiler, more aesthetic than anything else, and in the lower trunk chrome trim strip.

With compact dimensions (4,340 mm long, 1,800 mm wide and 1,630 mm high) it is clear that this is a multi-purpose car for both city and for highway. Although short overhangs (plus the rear than the front) with the ground clearance give it that extra needed for driving on mountain roads also.

As it could be otherwise the C4 Aircross offers a high driving position that allows a wide view of the road. The driving position has been simplified to prioritize simple operation of all systems. The driver has a multifunction steering wheel height and reach adjustable leather-wrapped. Also provides a glossy black decor Cosmos Black on the floor, wearing the same color as the center console and the power window controls.

The dashboard has a nice touch, made ​​of a soft material similar to rubber. In the center of a large touchscreen seven inches is responsible for handling all the audio and navigation system.

Leather front seats are designed to provide proper clamping thanks to the pronounced side flaps, both for the back and leg. Moreover, our unit equipped the electrical control system and heating offered as an option.

The rear seats provide a space for occupants somewhat fair "XL", although it is proposed the possibility of adjusting the backrest in two positions for comfort. These are hinged at 60/40 to provide a luggage capacity of up to 1193 liters (442 liters with the rear seats).

The propeller mounted this unit is a 1.8 HDI with a power of 150 hp. It has a maximum torque of 300 Nm between 2,000 and 3,000 rpm. It is associated with a gearbox 6-speed manual and approves an average consumption of 5.6 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 147 g / km (4x4 version data).

To strengthen the capacities of the C4 Aircross, both on the security and to use it in the mountains, is available traction at all four wheels. The 4x4 version is fitted with a dial on the center console that allows you to choose between three operating modes:

- 2WD: This mode is to be used for normal driving on asphalt in good condition. The two-wheel drive are responsible for moving the front. With this configuration, consumer savings and that the rear engine is completely decoupled.

- 4WD: This variant distributes torque between the front and rear wheels as needed. The vehicle is responsible for studying the rolling conditions to optimally distribute power front or behind to try not to lose traction. In normal conditions the torque stands at 98% on the front axle, as it can vary up to 50/50 as needed. In situations of low adhesion start, as might be in snow, the torque can reach up to 60% on the rear wheels.

- LOCK: This mode is designed for driving on snow, sand or mud. Like practically works 4WD but seeks to maintain a pair close to 50/50 whenever possible.

The suspensions were configured with a front of pseudo McPherson with stabilizer bar and a multi-link axle at the rear, power steering and front ventilated disc brakes of 294 mm and 302 mm rear discs.

The first part of the proof we make by asphalt, using it as a vehicle for the day. This is the natural habitat of the Citroën, a vehicle designed to demand what the market lately. The high driving position gives a clear view of the road and beyond the vehicle we carry forward.

In city shown agile thanks to its compact dimensions and allows traffic to move between major cities without too much trouble. In this environment the Stop & Start system is especially important to turn off the engine whenever you stop the car and help reduce consumption tenths.

On the open road shows its potential through a staggering perfect sixth gears with long relief favoring the highway. The 150 hp engine is powerful, but you have to take her point. I mean, to 2,000 rpm it costs a little show his potential, but can be used for driving at constant speeds safely. But when we move in the middle of the counter seems to wake up suddenly and radically change the power delivery, more direct and stronger.

The steering is precise and perfect guide to C4 Aircross drawn by us mark it. Its hardness is well regulated in function of the speed at which circulate. The suspensions were configured with a moron that focuses on comfort, but not forgetting to work to ensure that the body does not swing too much.

In the area struck by the traction system provided by the 4x4. Not that we cebásemos with him on the mountain test, but at all times gave us security when running on roads with earth. Its angle perhaps could have been improved with a shorter front overhang, but remember that its purpose is not to trialear, but simply gives us the opportunity to head into the mountains with a minimum of security.

After a week with him, the fuel we marked the onboard computer reflected a correct 6.3 l/100 km.

The body structure incorporates a large proportion of high-strength steel in order to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle while improving its rigidity and protection to the occupants is collision.

Equipped with seven airbags as standard: driver and passenger front, two side, two curtain over the front and rear seats and a knee airbag for the driver.

Besides various systems mounted driving aids such as ABS, ESP with slip, electronic brakeforce distribution system, hill start aid or, in the case of the 4x4 version, all-wheel drive with electronic control and selector.

It is always good to appear on the market new options to choose from, but unfortunately for her arrival Citroën compact SUV segment, or SUVs, have come a little late. We say this because if you look at the segment will see that almost all the brands already have a vehicle of its kind in its ranks.

But if we focus exclusively on the C4 Aircross we have a very well built car. Known for offering a careful design, in keeping with the trend that follows the mark with their new models, to ensure a good habitability and, above all, by the trim level reached inside.

The unit we tested, the top model in diesel, has a price of around 33,000 euros. Surely not the best selling, and the buyer in this segment demand more than 4x2 versions of AWD, but if you are from those who live in the countryside or enjoy weekend getaways to the mountains we believe is a very valid option to consider.