2005 Citroen C4 VTR+ review from UK and Ireland

After owning the car for 6 months the cruise control started switching itself off after it had been running for either a few minutes or a few seconds.

At approx 9 months small blisters appeared under the paint on either side of the colour coded spoiler.

To start with the car is a real head-turner, especially in the coupe version. If possible make sure you order a colour coded spoiler as it makes the car. I have noticed some coupe's have black spoilers regardless of the car colour. Always specify that you want it to match your car!!! When mine went back to get the spoiler replaced due to the blistering paint, they tried to tell me that they were all black now!!! I don't think so!!! Believe me, that's complete nonsense. Just be aware of this.

The cabin is roomy and spacious, unlike both the Ford and Vauxhall which I found to be claustrophobic. Night driving is especially good as the interior looks stunning as it lights up beautifully. The inside of the doors are also something which stands out as being more refined, especially in comparison with the Astra which I felt had a cheapness about it. The Focus I felt was much the same. With there being no dials in the C4 it makes many other cars appear out-dated and boring. They don't say the C4's alive with technology for nothing!!

The electro-chrome rear-view mirror is a real bonus and something that you don't want to be without once you have one.

As far as comfort goes the sports seats are some of the best that I have come across. You really appreciate them, especially if you try the seats in the Vauxhall which are very poor in comparison.

After about 2 or 3 thousand miles the engine started to loosen up and it really does go when you put the foot down. At the moment I am getting 56.4 mpg which is excellent.

I had extras such as the security pack, disc changer, rear parking sensor, supaguard, mats, mud flaps etc and the total cost of the car was still unbelievable.

The scented air fresheners are brilliant and a really nice touch. This is what I really love about this car. Thought has gone into even the smallest detail.

One thing that I saw on television, (I think it was Fifth Gear!) and that was the 'sloppy gearbox'. Never heard such nonsense. You have this image of the gearstick flapping about and nothing could be further from the truth. The gearstick on mine is perfectly good.