Faults:

Auto transmission is jerky and jumpy on downward gear changes.

Auto transmission completely replaced twice, but jerkiness remained.

Brake noise diagnosed wrongly as dust, later brakes replaced.

False warnings given often - ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution, ASR, Tyre Pressure, false warning of integral telephone not working.

Water leaked into foot-well from kinked air con pipe.

Fascia heater outlet only blowing cold - faulty sensor.

General Comments:

The local south-coast area Citroen dealership and Citroen UK HQ have told me in writing that the Automatic Transmission on this model is of such poor quality that I must expect (and accept) downward gear-changes (4th to 3rd, 3rd to 2nd) to be jumpy and jerky when slowing down by using reduced accelerator pressure.

Before telling me that, they had TWICE replaced the whole Automatic Transmission, the second time bringing one over to UK from France in case UK stock was defective.

Citroen sent a specialist engineer to inspect my car for the first time, nearly 7 months into the dispute, and he made adjustments to the computer controlling the gear-changes, but they made no difference.

Since failing to repair the jerkiness, and since failing to replace my car, when faced with the prospect of court action, the dealership started telling me it is due to my driving-style - using the throttle to control deceleration in traffic.

After more than 7 months, they have now refused to show me the engineer's report on my car, which suggests it contains unfavorable information. Instead they have agreed a cashless swap taking my 2005 (55) C4 Exclusive for a 2006 (06) C5 2.0 Diesel 6-speed Auto.

I wonder what they don't want me to find out about that gearbox?

Faults:

Dipstick broke.

Climate controls went AWOL.

General Comments:

I've done about 40,000 miles in the time I've have the C4, and have very little to report other than satisfaction.

I've only had two issues, both of which were dealt with under warranty during a service, so there's been no unscheduled off road time. I even had the ABS recall (all was well there) done during the service.

I've added a DAB aerial, the 9706.AG additional input and the 9702.EZ iPod link (which I really like). I've also added an additional 12v socket in the recess under the headlamp adjuster switch for the SatNav, which keeps the cable out of the way.

The front tyres do around 24,000 miles and the rears about twice that, though I replaced them all a bit early to ensure I had new tyres for this summer's 3,000 mile tour of France, Spain and Andorra. I also replaced the front brake pads myself at about 46,000 miles - the disks seemed fine.

I had a puncture in the North of Scotland (Wick), which amounted to dropping the wheel off while we did some shopping and fitting it back on an hour or so later. On the way south, (Northumbria = south???) I bought a fifth Resolfen off the Internet. It does wonders for the confidence knowing there's a proper wheel and tyre in the boot, but it's never been used - yet.

Battle scars: I have a chip in the windscreen which Autoglass say is OK. And both corners of the rear bumper are scuffed, thanks to idiots in supermarket car parks, and the cover of the driver's mirror is a bit wonky, probably also caused by a clumsy parker.

I bought some new wipers last year, and the head-light protectors for blanking off the beams for driving on the right.

The glove box door has jammed twice, but on both occasions I was able to force it open without damage, though there are now scratches around the lock.

Oil consumption has been negligible.

The Black/Grey 'Mesh 3D X-Ray' cloth seats clean up OK but need serious hoovering to get all the crumbs and fluff from the little perforations. They're good big seats. Very comfy, and don't get cold in the winter nor hot in the summer. SWMBO keeps falling asleep in the passenger seat, so they must be OK.

And the climate control is great too. It doesn't get much heavy use in the UK, but it worked superbly when the outside temp was 41ºC in northern Spain, dropping the temp by 25º to around a cool 16º inside.

The leather steering wheel is really nice to hold- really solid leather. Far, far better than the rubbish in a F*c*s which disintegrates and leaves black marks all over your hands, and which Ford won't replace under warranty - "that's wear and tear, mate" - yeah, right.

As regards style, the mono orange/black display screens look dated now - a single full colour display would be good. The overall shape and presence is still a delight. I love the powerful bright-ware Citroën double chevrons on the front.

An finally, the engine. It's a dream. For a 1.6 turbo. it's really powerful. When the turbo's on song, it really powers away, and the steep climbs in the Pyrénées were a doddle, even fully loaded. And the the economy is exceptional. I don't recall ever getting under 50mpg from a tankful, and have had over 60mpg on a few occasions. Brill.

All I can say is, the VTR+ 110 diesel is the car to have!

I now need to phone the dealer to book in for the 50K mile service.