Citroen->ke22 made its bones in this business on the foundation of innovation and forward-thinking. Those two things were evident in 2004 when the French automaker unveiled the C4,->ke2052 a small five-door hatchback->ke304 that succeeded the Xsara and has since become one of its most popular models. As of 2014, the C4 is in the middle of its second generation, so that explains why the 2015 model received only a handful of cosmetic upgrades on the exterior and interior.

Not that there’s anything wrong with the lack of upgrades; there’s an art to simple modifications going a long way and it seems that Citroen has mastered that craft better than a lot of its own rivals. That said, it’s been almost five years since the second-generation model came to life. That’s why the 2015 model received these upgrades, bridging the gap between the previous iteration and the last few versions that are scheduled to be released in the next few years before the third-generation model arrives sometime in 2018.

Give the Citroen C4 its proper attention. Even though it’s not sold in the U.S., the model has become one of the most popular in its segment. That’s saying a lot considering that its competing daily with the likes of the Volkswagen Golf->ke164 and the Ford Focus.->ke440

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Citroen C4.

Exterior

The new C4 still looks largely the same, but it does feature a variety of updates, beginning with a new light signature that's made up of new “slender” headlights with LED running lights resting comfortably at the bottom of the setup. The new lights play well with the hatchback’s ribbed bonnet, creating a recognizable, athletic appearance that’s a trademark of the C4.

The overall configuration of the front section remains true to its predecessor. The only exceptions are the splashes of chrome on the front and rear bumpers, added to enhance the car’s premium appearance. The new C4 also gains a set of 17-inch Miami alloy wheels. Out back, Citroen installed 3D-effect lights to appropriately showcase the enhanced stance of the five-door hatchback.

Citroen also announced that the new C4 will come in a choice of nine different colors, including two shades of grey: Platinum Grey and Spirit Grey.

Interior

The French are a fashionable lot, so it isn’t surprising that the interior of the Citroen C4 is about as good as it gets in its segment. The addition of new upholstery brings the quality up a few notches and the massage capabilities of the front seats are particularly impressive. A panoramic sunroof is also a part of the cabin goodies, which isn't something you normally see in hatchbacks.

The C4’s tech game is also pretty strong, thanks to a host of new technology in the car. The introduction of the hands-free Access and Start-up system, as well as the new seven-inch touchscreen tablet that handles all media and navigation functions are the new tech digs on the C4. These new technologies complement the existing tech Citroen already offers with the C4, including Hill Start Assist, Intelligent Traction Control, a Blind Spot Monitoring system, and the Citroen Connect Box.

Drivetrain

The 2015 Citroen C4 boasts a number of engine options in both diesel and petrol garb. On the petrol side of things, the lineup starts out with the PureTech 110 three-cylinder engine that produces 110 horsepower and 205 Nm (151 pound-feet) of torque, and delivers a fuel-consumption rating of 4.7l/100 km (50 mpg). Up the petrol engine lineup we have the PureTech 130 three-cylinder, which delivers 130 horsepower and 230 Nm (170 pound-feet) of torque while also consuming just 4.8l/100 km (49 mpg).

On the diesel side of things, there are three BlueHDI engines. The entry-level oil burner is the BlueHDI 100 that delivers 99 horsepower and 254 Nm (187 pound-feet) of torque. The BlueHDI 120 delivers 120 horses and 300 Nm (221 pound-feet) of twist. Respectively, these diesel engines deliver fuel-consumption ratings of 3.3l/100 km (71 mpg) and 3.6l/100 km (65 mpg).

Prices

Pricing is not yet available for the 2015 Citroen CT4, but look for it to start in the £15,000 ($23,411 as of 12/22/2014) range and top out at around £24,000 ($37,458 as of 12/22/2014).

Competition

Volkswagen Golf VIII

It’s hard to envy the Citroen C4 given the market it belongs in. It’s tough to make your brand uniquely identifiable to the masses, but to do so while competing with a car like the Volkswagen Golf is a Herculean task in itself.

The Golf’s popularity is unquestioned and any discussion of hot hatches usually begins and ends with VW’s prized pug. Right now, the Golf VIII is right in the middle of its production run but it won’t be long before the Mark VIII hits the scene. In the meantime, the latest iteration of the Golf is longer, wider, and lower than its predecessor. All these qualities enhance the hot hatch’s sporty appearance.

As always, the Golf comes with a variety of engine options, including a 1.8-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers 170 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. A 2.0-liter, TDI unit is also offered. While the TDI doesn’t have as much horsepower at just 150 ponies, its 236-pound-feet of torque can dish out more punishment than the gas version.

Pricing for the current Golf begins at $17,995 for the 1.8T two-door before going all the way up to $21,995 for the TDI Clean Diesel four-door.

Ford Focus

Any discussion of five-door hatchbacks has to include the Ford Focus. Like the Golf and the C4, the Focus is a market heavyweight, especially in Europe were sophisticated buyers have turned to hot hatches for their everyday rides.

The Focus fits right in thanks to a combination of useful drivetrains and smart technology. It has its normal set of engine options including a standard 2.0-liter, four-cylinder that lays out 160 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque and a new 1.0-liter, inline-three, Ecoboost engine that pumps out a nifty 100 horsepower.

Prices for the base 2014 Focus starts at $16,810 all the way up to $35,710 for the Focus Electric.

Conclusion

The C4 offers a lot of things you'd want in a five-door hatchback. It may not have the brand cache of the Volkswagen Golf, but the C4 isn't a pushover either.

Its combination of unique looks, improved technology, and new engine options is a recipe of a car that can be successful in a market crowded with so many other choices.

If the C4 were in the U.S., there's a good chance that it's going to make a lot of noise. All the additions to the 2015 model will only add to the intrigue surrounding this little French grinder.