Citroen C4 2010

The transformer C4 has changed shape! The successor to Citroen’s robot-advertised hatch is out in the open, as the firm throws off the covers ahead of its debut at October’s Paris Motor Show.

The rounded shape of the current car has been ditched in favour of a more conventional look, with sculpted body panels that echo the C5 large family car and latest C3 supermini.

Interlocking creases along the doors and bold fluting in the bonnet combine with chrome accents and a sporty rear spoiler to add a dash of excitement.

The exterior’s precise, chiselled appearance is matched by the interior. Gone is the fixed-hub steering wheel in favour of a conventional four-spoke design, while heavily bolstered seats and asymmetrical air vents add a touch of class.

Although the dashboard is very much driver-oriented, Citroen claims that it has concentrated on delivering a comfortable and refined experience on the move, rather than sporty handling.

A wide range of efficient engines will be offered, including turbocharged petrols and HDi diesels. These will be headed by a new line-up of ‘micro-hybrid’ 1.6-litre e-HDi powertrains, which use regenerative braking to feed power back into the battery to avoid drain from the alternator. Along with stop-start and low rolling resistance tyres, these will ensure emissions start from 109g/km initially, and will dropto 99g/km on future variants.

A three-door version is expected soon after launch next year, but a full hybrid drivetrain will be restricted to the DS4 Highrider, the forthcoming crossover based on this car.

There will be plenty of scope for driver personalisation inside the C4. The colour of the instrument display can be altered, a range of different polyphonic sound alerts are available to choose from, and some models will have massage front seats – a feature until now only seen on top-spec executive limousines. The C4 won’t be short on the latest Citroen technologies, either, led by the new eTouch system. Aiming to improve awareness of fuel consumption, this device monitors driving patterns and economy.

The clever system also allows you to check the car’s state of health, providing notification when it is due a trip to the garage. Other hi-tech highlights comprise a blind-spot monitoring system, cornering headlights and a speed limiter which is fitted with memory settings.

Nissan Golf?

Well after Nissan recently teased five redesigned models and with rumors circulating that the Japanese brand is considering a sub-370Z sports car, Nissan definitely has its fair share of projects on hand. But that’s not all, as the company recently announced that it will produce a brand new vehicle to compete with the VW Golf, Ford Focus, and Citroen C4 from 2014 onwards at its British production facility.

Very few details about this new hatchback have been released, but it’s been confirmed that in excess of 1000 jobs will be created in the United Kingdom because of it, with 225 being directly involved in the production of the car. The remaining jobs will be created in companies supplying components for the car.

Nissan’s chief operating officer, Toshiyuki Shiga said, “Nissan already produces more vehicles in Europe than any other Asian manufacturer and the model announced today will bring world-class quality and leading technology to our customers at the heart of the European C-segment."

In order to compete with the VW Golf and the Ford Focus, Nissan will have to create a car that can be easily upgraded and modified for future variants as both the Golf and Focus are offered in array of different versions.

Additionally, Nissan will have to develop new systems for the car as there’s no way it’ll be able to recycle all the required components from its extensive range of cars. In saying that however, we wouldn’t be surprised if the new hatchback came fitted with the same 1.6-liter engine as the base Juke, which has already proven itself to be quite capable.