New Citroen C4 L powers into competitive field

The Citroen C4 L is making its global premiere at the Paris auto show.

PSA Peugeot Citroen will hold the world premiere for its strategic C4 L model during the lavish Paris auto show from Sept 27 to Oct 14 as the French automaker powers into the competitive top end of the sedan segment.

"As a newcomer to the segment, the C4 L provides more choices and offers all-new driving pleasures because of its uniqueness," said a Citroen executive.

"But for the C4 L itself, the market is cruel - a tiny shortfall could harm its competitiveness," he admitted.

"Customers not only focus on the quality of a product, but also its brand value," the executive said. "When they put emotion into a brand, it will be vitalized and move more customers."

To do that, Citroen has focused it's design and marketing on customer experience, the executive said.

Scheduled to hit the Chinese market at the end of the year, the C4 L aims to shine in the upper end of segment using Citroen's latest 1.6-liter THP engine that combines turbo charging and stratified injection technologies.

The result of cooperation between PSA Peugeot Citroen and Germany's BMW Group, the 1.6 THP produces 120 kw of power at low rpm, offering both high performance and fuel efficiency.

"The 1.6 THP engine in the C4 L not only embodies advanced Citroen technologies, but also inherits the brand's gene of 'humanized innovation'," the executive said.

"It is an aggressive work by Citroen," he added.

In addition to more power, the 1.6 THP is designed to have a longer lifespan compared to previous engines because of its aluminum alloy design.

The C4 L is also equipped with Citroen's unique adjusting chassis technology designed to further increase comfort for both driver and passengers.

The C4 L's powerful styling provides another impact - on the visual level - while the longest wheelbase in the segment provides spacious interior room, a clear preference of Chinese consumers.

Although the interior will remain a mystery until Sept 27, it is sure to have a strong European style to reflect the heritage of the storied 100-year-old automotive brand.

xuxiao@chinadaily.com.cn