MOTORSPORT IS AN expensive pursuit. At the top flight, some Formula 1 teams have annual budgets larger than a third-world country's GDP. But the words 'racing' and 'sports' remind motorsport fans of what passion they feel for it and that's what sells cars.

As a manufacturer, it also helps if you have rally-bred, road-carving street versions of your competition cars. Some good examples of this (from the World Rally Championship) are the Subaru Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.

Citroën's recent domination of the WRC with Sebastien Loeb meant that expectations of the C4 Coupe were high, just like the road going versions of its rally competitors. The fact that our test car was decked out in orange decals and white OZ rims to look just like the WRC version didn't discourage this idea either.

Of course in the end, you can dress up a car seven ways till Sunday but what matters most is how it drives. We discovered that while the C4 coupe might not be an extreme performance machine like some of its contemporaries, it has other characteristics equally important to a championship winning vehicle.

DRIVING IT

Once you start off, it's apparent that you have to leave aspirations of imitating Marcus Grönholm at the door.

First off is the engine, a 1,997cc in-line four which claims 180bhp peak output. 180 horses is plenty of power, but somehow it just doesn't seem to generate the kick a car with that sort of power should.

It revs well though, and provides constant torque all the way to its 7,000rpm redline. It doesn't sound particularly special but then again it never is obtrusive, being neither overtly boomy, tinny or vibration-inducing.

Citroën engineers seemed to have designed the car with urban commuting in mind, as the five-speed manual transmission is quite closely-geared. Doing 100km/h on the highway in fifth, the revs still hung around the 3,500rpm mark. The lack of a sixth gear overdrive for ease of high speed cruising is a notable omission here.

The C4 coupe shares its transmission with its French brethren, the Peugeot 207 GTi, and sadly this transplant hasn't improved the gearbox's gearchanges or vague feel for the better. But given the C4 seems more of a mini-grand tourer than an out-and-out sports car, the transmission isn't as much of an Achilles' heel as it is in the Peugeot.

Handling is where the C4 shines. It provides a firm, supple ride without having to rely on rock hard suspension. There is plenty of steering feel: it's not too heavy or light and is nicely balanced. The excellent chassis is supported by McPherson struts in front, with independent trailing arms in the rear. Front and rear anti-roll bars are standard.

This all makes the C4 coupe a very well-sorted and stable vehicle. It takes corners and bends with aplomb, never threatening to catch you off guard and even bumpy roads or strange cambers do little upset the car's composure.

INSIDE IT

One look at the superb interior and you can tell that the designers of the coupe took comfort on equal importance to performance. While it might not be a hotshot in every aspect of the latter, elegance and build quality is something that the C4 has down pat.

Everything on the interior exudes a high-level of build quality, almost rivaling German luxury marques. From the aluminum and leather gearstick to the suede-lined armrests, all the elements are sturdy and well-finished. The seats, a combination of perforated fabric and leather, are also exceptionally comfortable and the coupe is large enough to seat four adults without complaint.

Citroën has long been hailed as an innovative and forward-looking manufacturer since the 1970s and the cabin reflects this history. The now signature Citroën fixed-center steering wheel is present and has a slew of nifty controls, which although initially confusing, are easy to use with a little practice.

An orange illuminated display bar is perched on the centre dash, which stylishly displays all the important driving data such as speed, fuel economy and automatically adjusts its brightness according to ambient light conditions.

DOLLAR AND SENSE

As a sporting coupe that emphasizes getting around in comfort and style more than celerity, the C4 coupe doesn't really have a direct rival here. Its closest competitors are its French cousin the Peugeot 207GTi and the German Volkswagen Golf GT, but each of these cars have something slightly different to offer.

Main competition is likely to come from the usual suspects consisting of the Ford Focus ST and Volkswagen Golf GTI. In the face of all that, the Civic is the only car that makes more than 200bhp with any assistance from forced induction. That has got to count for something.

CONCLUSION

Those expecting a ripping sports car will be disappointed with the C4 Coupe as it seems primarily designed to get its occupants around in style and comfort, with a little sporting performance available on hand. But think mini-GT, and you won't be disappointed.

2.0-litre engine makes a healthy 180bhp, but doesn't feel particularly energetic.
The fixed-centre steering wheel is a great conversation piece.
The boot is flat and easy to load thanks to the hatchback rear.

COMPARISON

Peugeot 207 GTi
$97,900 with COE
The 207 GTi is a match for the C4 in every department and has even better handling. Don't expect to fit anything but midgets in the back though, and its styling will appeal to the more young-at-heart. As with the Citroën, the transmission lets down an otherwise great package.

Volkswagen Golf GT (A)
$102,300 with COE
The Golf GT has it all: good handling, smooth DSG gearbox and a great 1.4-litre twincharger engine. Expect German utility as opposed to French flair though, and it's not a coupe either. It does everything well except stand out in a crowd.

1,997cc in-line four
180bhp at 7,000rpm
202Nm at 4,750rpm
5 speed manual
227km/h
8.3 seconds
$94,988
3 years / 60,000km
Cycle & Carriage France
6470-8600

PLUSES Great handling, decent engine and superb interior quality. Stylish both inside and out
MINUSES Gearbox isn?t top-notch, and could afford to be more performance oriented overall
VERDICT Get this French coupe if you value style over outright speed