Citroen e-C4

Citroen e-C4 makes the most of its Gallic charms

Citroen’s philosophy is to present its electric range as just one of the gang – and it pays off with the e-C4, says Andrew Walker

While some car manufacturers launch electric cars that are completely different to their petrol and diesel models, the PSA Group has taken a different approach. Both the Peugeot 208 and e-208 and the Vauxhall Corsa and Corsa-e have a choice of petrol, diesel or electric engines. Whichever you choose, the electric version is almost identical to their petrol or diesel brethren, with just a few subtle indicators on the electric versions to make them visually different.

The latest PSA model to receive this treatment is the Citroen C4, with the all-electric version, the e-C4, launched simultaneously.

It’s an all-new body shape which combines hatchback hints with SUV design forms, includ- ing side cladding and wheel arch extensions. The rear quarter is raised, thanks to 156mm of ground clearance. There’s new LED V-shaped front and rear lighting signatures and the rear end features a high-level rear spoiler, a split rear screen and a chunky rear bumper.

The e-C4 has short front and rear overhangs, which creates a long wheelbase of 2,670 mm. The car itself measures 4,360 mm long, 1,800 mm wide and 1,525 mm high. Thanks to its elevated stature, it offers a higher ‘eye-point’ than the competition at 1.22m, increasing visibility while driving and giving front seat passengers an SUV-like feel.

Because the electric battery is spread underneath the car, the e-C4 boot matches the space of the standard C4 with 380 litres available. A two-position boot floor enables a flat load floor when the rear seats are lowered, while the e-C4 has an underfloor compartment for keeping its charging cables in.

The e-C4 is power by a 100% electric 100 kW engine, with 136 bhp and 260Nm of torque. It offers a WLTP range of 217 miles, with zero tail pipes emissions and a 0-62 mph time of 9.7 seconds when in Sport mode and a top speed of 93 mph. The 50 kWh battery pack is rated as high-voltage 400 V Li-ion.

When piloting the e-C4, you can choose from three driving modes: Eco, Normal or Sport. Choose between performance or eco- driving. Charging at a public charging station using a 100 kW charger will see 80% of charge completed in 30 minutes. At home using a 7kW 32A wallbox charger, a full charge takes 7.5 hours (see more at www.rolecserv. com/home-charging). The battery can also be recharged using a standard domestic socket.

Inside, the e-C4 is very DS-like, with softly shaped door panels and plenty of storage. There is a new chevron grain pattern on the dashboard and the interior colour schemes co-ordinate the seats with the door panels. e-C4 features the Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme, first seen in the C5 Aircross, so you get large comfortable seats with plenty of adjustment options.

Build quality is good and features design details you’ll find inside both the DS3 and DS7 models. It’s certainly the best quality interior of any C4 so far and a lovely cabin to be in.

On the road it is deathly quiet, so you do tend to feel most of the bumps as you move along. On the motorway, a little road and wind noise is noticeable, primarily because there’s no engine noise to blank this out.

The e-C4 comes with a choice of three driving modes. Eco slows everything down and is perfect for the motorway; Normal gives you a bit more get up and go, useful in urban traffic; and Sport sharpens up the throttle response and the steering, making it the most enjoyable on winding, undulating roads.The drive mode selector is on the console of the automatic gearbox, so it’s easy to change these.

Past experience tells me that if driven carefully, a 200-mile range in the e-C4 is easily achievable. However, we would caution that if driven at constant motorway speeds this is more likely to be around 160 miles.

Fitted with the same battery technology and range as the smaller Peugeot e-208 and Vauxhall Corsa, what the e-C4’s got going for it over and above these, is that it’s a larger family sized car, has a bigger, more useful boot and there’s somewhere to store your charging cables. The e-C4 may be electric, but it’s unmistakably a Citroen. For me, that has to be a good thing as it is refreshingly different from the usual five-door electric hatchback fare and does what Citroen has always done, and that’s to think outside the box.

While the Kia e-Niro and Hyundai Kona EV have a better range – somewhere around 225-250 miles – and both are more practical, the e-C4 is a more interesting choice and price-wise, works out cheaper on the head to head. It’s also far more interesting to look at and will stand out in a crowd.

If you’re a company car driver who drives 150 miles per day or less, then the e-C4 with a 7kW home charger could work for you and of course, would currently offer you 0% BIK and a substantial personal tax saving.

With its price, its range and quirky looks, we feel that it’s certainly worth your consideration.

“Past experience tells me that if driven carefully, a 200-mile range is easily achieveable...”

CC&V VERDICT

Has all the quirks and touches you expect from a Citroen but underlying it all is a solid performance and good electric motoring stats