Citroen C4 SpaceTourer review

If you’re buying a Citroen C4 SpaceTourer, low running costs are bound to be a priority, which makes one of the diesel models an obvious choice. You can also pick between auto and manual gearboxes with six speeds, though the former’s slow responses make it feel outdated compared to the quick-shifting twin-clutch auto available in a Volkswagen Touran.

The 1.6-litre 100hp BlueHDi is the least-powerful engine, but with fuel economy of more than 74mpg, few will complain about this.

Going for the 120hp version buys you a useful step in performance, but gets the basic model’s fuel economy.

Even the 2.0-litre model can return 70mpg and with 150hp on tap, plus a healthy slug of pulling power, it is the Citroen C4 SpaceTourer to choose if you plan to tow a caravan or trailer.

The basic three-cylinder 1.2-litre petrol sips fuel at 56mpg, but it feels a little slow on the road –  that will be particularly true if it’s loaded down with people and their kit.

That leaves the 160hp 1.6-litre petrol. It gets from 0-62mph in 8.4 seconds, but in the real world it’ll be little quicker than the top-of-the-range diesel. Most people won’t see the point when it has the highest fuel consumption in the range (48mpg).

Citroen has shed 140kgs from the old model thanks to a more modern construction. That benefits economy and helps you get more from some of the smaller engines, but it hasn’t turned the SpaceTourer into a real driver’s car – several other MPVs – the Ford C-Max in particular – are more involving to drive. There are a few misgivings about the controls – the gearbox is slick, but the clutch feels odd. There’s little steering feel either and plenty of body roll to contend with.

More important to most buyers is the fact that all models ride well and your comfort is aided further by soft seats and a cabin that is very quiet at motorway speeds.