Citroën is out this week talking about the new look of its revamped C4, and we're paying attention to the new HDi and enhanced petrol versions that reduce CO₂ emissions and improve fuel economy. The petrol engines - a 1.6 16v VTi 120hp and a 1.6 16v THP 150hp - are the result of Citroën's work with BMW and offer drivers 35 mpg (U.S., combined cycle) and 159g/km of CO₂ with the VTi or 34 mpg (U.S.) and 164g/km with the THP. The THP offers 177lb.ft of torque from just 1,400 to 3,500rpm. On the diesel side of things, the 2.0HDi with standard diesel particulate filter gives us 44 mpg (U.S.) and CO₂ emissions of 140g/km. On the outside, the new C4 gets a front end that mirrors the look of the new C5, along with other changes (see more after the jump).


[Source: Citroen]

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The Citroën C4 will get a new look in 2010, but for now the French company is happy to update and upgrade the version it currently sells. The changes include small styling updates and some eco-aware changes in the new petrol engines and some low-rolling resistance tires from Michelin.

The current engines in the C4 include a 1.6i 16V and a 2.0i 16V, and both will be scrapped in favor of 1.6 liter units (co-developed with the BMW group) called the VTi 120 hp (Variable valve lift and Timing Injection) and THP 150 hp (Turbo High Pressure). Citroën isn't saying just how much cleaner these engines are, just that they "offer improved fuel economy and lower emissions."

Inside the new C4, Citroën has added a new navigation system with a 7-inch screen and a 10GB hard drive. The redesigned front end now shares a few touches with the C5. Not bad, but we'll keep an eye out for the reported diesel hybrids in the next generation.

[Source: Citroën]

PSA and Mitsubishi have officially laid the first foundation stone of their €470 million joint plant in Russia, located in Kaluga, 180km south-west of Moscow. The plant, which is being built on a 200 ha plot, is expected to produce 160,000 vehicles per year from 2011. Which models? Basically, Peugeot and Citroën C-Segment cars (current models are the the 308 and the C4) but also a compact SUV/crossover which will be sold under the Peugeot, Citroën and Mitsubishi brands (currently named 4007, C-Crosser and Outlander, respectively). The cars are intended for the Russian market and not scheduled for export. PSA builds some of the most advanced diesel powertrains available, named HDI, which are also installed in Minis and Fords. Russia is also one of the main energy suppliers to the EU. Mitsubishi's full press release after the jump.

French motor magazine l'Auto Journal has published pictures of the prototype of the new C4 that is coming in 2010. Besides the new styling themes, which eliminate parallel lines, the new model is built on the same platform as the current C4 and with similar proportions. Interviewed by French newspaper Le Figaro, Christian Streiff, PSA's CEO spoke about the new technical evolutions in the new C4. There is a mild hybrid system (called a micro-hybrid) with the Stop&Start system and Streiff mentioned a full-time hybrid diesel for the mid-range models.

PSA, which is one of the world leaders in diesel powertrains, is also investing in gasoline powertrains. A downsized 3-cylinder turbo engine will be unveiled during the upcoming Paris Auto Show, along with the French marque's version of double-clutch transmission, which should be much less expensive than VW's. Check out the current model C4 in our gallery.


[Source: L'Auto Journal and Le Figaro (thanks to Dominique for the tip)]