4 minute read
Citroen C4
FORECOURT CITROEN C4
We’ve already tried the new C4 in its most expensive form, but is an entry-level version just as desirable? Ted Welford finds out.
Power
The 1.2-litre engine produces 99bhp and gives the C4 a 0-60mph time of 11.1 seconds.
WHAT IS IT?
The Citroen C4 was introduced in early 2021 as the French firm’s latest funky hatchbackcome-crossover. Now the brand has gone the opposite way and launched an entry-level Sense trim as essentially a replacement for the Citroen C4 Cactus.
WHAT’S NEW?
This new C4 is available as an EV for the first time, but our focus is the regular petrol and diesel options. Bringing a stylish design and a focus on comfort, the high-spec models we’ve already tried have been a welcome addition to this often-congested segment.
WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?
The turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol really is as ‘entry-level’ as it comes. Mated exclusively to a six-speed manual gearbox, it can take the C4 from 0-60mph in 11.1 seconds and on to a top speed of 114mph.
Although the 108bhp 1.5-litre diesel will be best for those looking for the lowest running costs (Citroen claims up to a remarkable 70mpg), this petrol is still rather good on fuel.
We averaged around 50mpg with our time with it, while CO2 emissions of 122-136g/km are respectable, too.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
In this area it excels, with a particularly comfortable ride that effortlessly soaks up bumps in the road. Whether you’re driving around town or on a motorway, it’s a very relaxing way to travel. This entry-level engine is also easily powerful enough for most situations and has no trouble getting up to speed when merging, while well-spaced gears mean it’s quite happy to sit at motorway speeds with minimal fuss.
The only slight gripe with the C4’s drive is that the split rear window impacts on visibility out of the back – much like any car with a design feature like this, admittedly.
HOW DOES IT LOOK?
It might be the lowest C4 in the range but even this comes with large 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, which certainly give it plenty of street cred. The overall design is funky too, and blends a standard hatchback design with SUV styling features, such as its plastic-clad wheel arches, while it also sits higher up than a typical hatch such as a Kia Ceed. With
THE KNOWLEDGE
Citroen C4 Sense PureTech 100
Price (as tested): £21,310 Engine: 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol
Power: 99bhp Torque: 205Nm
Max speed:
114mph
O-60mph:
11.1 seconds
MPG (combined):
47.1-54.8
Emissions:
122-136g/km CO2
Looks
The C4’s coupe-esque styling and funky design help it stand out from the crowd.
The user-friendly interior retains some physical buttons as well as a 10-inch touchscreen.
Cabin
its fancy LED lights (fitted as standard) and almost coupe-esque styling, the C4 certainly stands out on the road for the right reasons.
WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?
Citroen has aimed to declutter the cabin on the C4, but unlike some rivals, has still retained physical buttons for elements such as the climate control, which really helps to increase usability. This Sense model also still comes with a large 10-inch touchscreen with smartphone mirroring, although annoyingly we couldn’t get the Apple CarPlay to behave itself. There’s a small digital instrument cluster, too, which helps to modernise the interior.
Despite the sloping roofline, there’s still lots of space in the back for adults, and although the 380-litre boot isn’t especially big, it should offer plenty of room for most.
WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?
This version might sit at the bottom of the C4 line-up but the list of standard equipment you get is especially generous. Highlights include cruise control, that aforementioned 10-inch touchscreen, LED headlights and rear parking sensors.
Granted, there are no luxuries such as heated seats, a head-up display and adaptive cruise control – which you get higher up the range – but you’ve got to ask yourself whether you really need them. The C4’s starting price of £21,310 also makes it very good value for money, undercutting rivals such as the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra by one and two thousand pounds respectively.
WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK?
What Car? said the C4 was ‘very temptingly priced for a coupe-SUV’, while Parkers said it was a ‘distinct and interesting family car – with superlative ride comfort’.
WHAT DO WE THINK?
‘Less is more’ is often a policy adopted in the sports car world, but we reckon it applies to the Citroen C4, too. When standard equipment is already this generous, and when the price is affordable and the entry-level engine is more than up to the task, there really is little reason why you should upgrade.
There might be sportier rivals and some that offer big boots, but this C4 is an easy-going choice that will happily slot into day-to-day life.
TARGET BUYERS:
Families looking for something comfortable and easy to live with.
THE RIVALS:
Ford Focus Active Toyota C-HR Volkswagen Taigo
KEY SELLING POINTS:
1. Especially comfortable ride. 2.Good value for money. 3.Funky crossover-like styling.
DEAL CLINCHER:
Citroen’s decision to focus on comfort over sportiness will appeal to many buyers.
