Citroen C4 2.0 HDi 16v Coupe

When looking for a car recently I wanted everything and thought I would have to compromise. To my surprise I didn't and I am now the proud owner of this car. Leaving facts and figures aside it's a great looking car, affordable, sporty and packs a turbo diesel punch!

It had to be less than £10,000
No more than 3 or 4 years old
No more than 20,000 miles on the clock
Low fuel consumption
Low tax bracket £150 a year max
Sporty looks and decent performance
Good resale value
Plenty of gadgets (I am a bloke after all)
Good ride and handling

Believe it or not the Citroen C4, specifically the coupe VTS 2.0HDi diesel delivered on all of the above. Citroën has never given buyers in this class a car as good as the C4. The old Xsara - and before that ZX - failed to hit the spot with bland looks and little innovation. But the C4 is different. It looks good and is packed with useful technology - such as a multifunction steering wheel, laminated side glass and a built-in air freshener - which can't be found on rival models. An attractive package that's good to drive, well equipped and ups the standard for Citroën interior quality.

Word of warning: My car comes with rear parking sensors and I would suggest these as a must. The raked sports styling means visibility is limited through the tiny rear window - the car is longer than it seems and parallel parking can be tricky!

This car perhaps does not offer the same polished drive or 'badge of honour' credibility as its rivals such as the Audi A3 or VW Golf but they can't compete with styling and quality on offer for this kind of price… Real value for money.