The Citroen C4 I Coupe, specifically the Phase II model produced between 2008 and 2010, represented a distinctive offering in the compact coupe market. This variant, powered by a 1.6-liter HDi 16V diesel engine producing 109 horsepower, coupled with a six-speed EGS (Electronically Controlled Gearbox) automatic transmission, aimed to balance fuel efficiency with reasonable performance and convenience. Positioned as a mid-range option within the C4 Coupe lineup, it slotted between the lower-powered petrol engines and the more potent, though pricier, HDi 16V variants with higher outputs. The Phase II refresh brought subtle styling updates and improvements to interior trim compared to the initial C4 Coupe launch.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Citroen |
| Model | C4 |
| Generation | C4 I Coupe (Phase II, 2008) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 HDi 16V (109 Hp) FAP EGS |
| Start of production | 2008 |
| End of production | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.8 l/100 km (40.6 US mpg, 48.7 UK mpg, 17.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.8 l/100 km (61.9 US mpg, 74.3 UK mpg, 26.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.5 l/100 km (52.3 US mpg, 62.8 UK mpg, 22.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 120 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 192 km/h (119.3 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.9 kg/Hp, 84.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.4 kg/Nm, 185.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 109 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 69.9 Hp/l |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 1750 rpm (177.01 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 9HY DV6TED4 |
| Engine displacement | 1560 cm3 (95.2 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 75 mm (2.95 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88.3 mm (3.48 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 17.6:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.8 l (4.02 US qt | 3.34 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.5 l (6.87 US qt | 5.72 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1293 kg (2850.58 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1790 kg (3946.27 lbs.) |
| Max load | 497 kg (1095.7 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 314 l (11.09 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1083 l (38.25 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (8%) | 1300 kg (2866.01 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1300 kg (2866.01 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 675 kg (1488.12 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 65 kg (143.3 lbs.) |
| Length | 4288 mm (168.82 in.) |
| Width | 1769 mm (69.65 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1964 mm (77.32 in.) |
| Height | 1456 mm (57.32 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2608 mm (102.68 in.) |
| Front track | 1497 mm (58.94 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1502 mm (59.13 in.) |
| Front overhang | 950 mm (37.4 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 730 mm (28.74 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.3 m (37.07 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission EGS |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 205/50 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this C4 Coupe variant is the 9HY DV6TED4 engine, a 1.6-liter four-cylinder diesel. This engine is a member of the PSA Group’s (Peugeot Citroen) DV6 family, known for its relatively compact size and fuel efficiency. The engine utilizes a common rail direct injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressure for optimized combustion. A turbocharger with an intercooler is employed to boost power output, providing 109 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque at 1750 rpm. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, enhancing breathing and contributing to its power delivery. The EGS (Electronically Controlled Gearbox) transmission is a semi-automatic system, essentially a conventional manual gearbox with automated clutch and gear shifting. While offering convenience, it wasn’t as smooth or responsive as a traditional torque converter automatic.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6 HDi 109 hp with the EGS transmission provided adequate, but not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took around 10.6 seconds, and top speed was 119.3 mph. The EGS transmission, while offering automatic convenience, could sometimes feel hesitant or jerky during shifts, particularly at lower speeds. The gear ratios were tuned for fuel economy, meaning the engine often needed to work harder when overtaking or climbing hills. Compared to the more powerful HDi variants, this version felt noticeably slower. However, it offered a more relaxed driving experience than the base petrol engines, with the diesel’s strong low-end torque making it easy to navigate urban traffic. The fuel economy was a major selling point, achieving around 52.3 US mpg on combined cycles.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6 HDi 16V EGS C4 Coupe typically came equipped with features such as air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and an audio system with CD player. Safety features included ABS brakes, front airbags, and seatbelt pretensioners. Higher trim levels added options like alloy wheels, automatic headlights and wipers, parking sensors, and upgraded interior trim materials. Interior upholstery was generally cloth, with options for partial leather. The dashboard layout was typical of Citroen at the time, with a focus on ergonomics and a somewhat minimalist design.
Chassis & Braking
The C4 Coupe’s chassis featured independent McPherson strut suspension at the front and a semi-independent coil spring setup at the rear. This configuration provided a reasonable balance between ride comfort and handling. The front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were solid discs. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard. The suspension was tuned for comfort, resulting in a slightly softer ride compared to sportier rivals. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Citroen C4 Coupe 1.6 HDi 16V EGS was generally well-received by critics as a practical and economical coupe. It was praised for its fuel efficiency and comfortable ride, but the EGS transmission received mixed reviews, with some finding it clunky and unresponsive. Compared to the more powerful HDi variants, it offered a lower price point but sacrificed performance. Against petrol-powered rivals, it provided superior fuel economy and torque. The car competed with models like the Peugeot 308 Coupe, Renault Megane Coupe, and Volkswagen Scirocco.
Legacy
The 9HY DV6TED4 engine proved to be a relatively reliable unit, although like any diesel engine, it required regular maintenance, including oil changes and filter replacements. The EGS transmission, however, was known to be a potential weak point, with some owners reporting issues with clutch wear and electronic control unit failures. Today, these C4 Coupes are relatively affordable on the used car market. They represent a good value for buyers seeking an economical and stylish coupe, but potential buyers should be aware of the potential issues with the EGS transmission and ensure it has been properly maintained.
