New-look Citroen C4 confirmed for Oz

Citroen's facelifted C4 hatchback will be released in Australia after all, and it will be available exclusively with the PSA group's new 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine.

Also seen here in sister French brand Peugeot's slick new 308, the Euro 6 emissions-compliant PureTech triple produces 96kW of power and 230Nm of torque and, in a first for the C4, is matched exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The new drivetrain replaces both the four-cylinder 1.6-litre petrol (88kW) and diesel (82kW) engines of the current C4, which comes with six-speed ETG robotised manual and four-speed automatic transmissions.

In the refreshed C4, it reduces the petrol C4's 0-100km/h acceleration time by 1.1 seconds and fuel consumption by 2.1L/100km, to to just 4.9L/100km.

Citroen Automobiles Australia (CAA) had considered not importing the upgraded 2015 model, following slow sales of the existing C4, but has now confirmed the updated C4 will be sold here, powered solely by PSA's latest triple/auto powertrain.

As such, prices are expected to rise over the current C4, which starts at $23,990 for the Seduction ETG petrol and extends to $28,990 for the Seduction e-HDi diesel auto.

The upgraded C4 will also bring a range of design and equipment improvements, including new W-shaped 3D chrome modules on a gloss black background within revised halogen headlights and 3D-look tail-lights from the DS3.

Also new for 2015 is a more concise dashboard design, 7.0-inch colour touch-screen with enhanced smart phone connectivity and satellite-navigation plus new seat trims.

CAA could offer Europe's more highly-specified Exclusive variant with the same powertrain and additional features like leather trim, glass roof, extra safety aids and larger 17-inch alloys.

As we've reported, the new-look C4 is offered with nine exterior paint colours, two of which are new (Platinum Grey and Spirit Grey), and Citroen says the C4 is also one of the most spacious in its class, with a 408-litre boot and a "huge" glovebox.

CAA general manager John Startari said the 2015 C4 should put the French car-maker's small hatch back on the shopping list of Australian buyers.

"With its new, efficient engines, six-speed automatic transmission and styling – the C4 hatch is more relevant to Australian consumer," he said.

"The all-new, turbo-petrol, PureTech range of engines have been praised globally for their driveability and efficiency and we are very excited about the arrival of this vehicle locally".