Citroen C4

C4 brings a touch of the SUV to compact hatch sector

Citroen looks to redefine quality and technology available in the sector

Citroen is looking to make headlines this autumn with the launch of the new ë-C4 and C4s, with the pair representing the company’s drive to create a sector-defining compact hatchback. Inspired by customers and their ways of driving, the new C4 comes in 100% electric, petrol or diesel models, and surpasses expectations for the segment, while offering a modern concept that is full of character.

From launch it’s clear the new ë-C4 and C4 have all the qualities needed to shake up standards in their segment.

With its elevated and assertive posture, the new body shape combines the elegance and dynamism of a hatchback, while subtly adopting certain SUV design forms for added strength and character. Aerodynamic and fluid, the design features new LED V-shaped front and rear lighting signatures, and a new expression of style that is more assertive, muscular and dynamic. The warm and high-tech interiors instantly express well-being, comfort and modernity. Each customer will be able to configure their car to suit their preferences, with 31 exterior colour combinations and six ambiences inside the cabin.

New ë-C4 is the fifth vehicle in the brand’s electric offensive. In effect, the C4 offers customers the comfort of choosing between three types of efficient and high-performance powertrain: 100% electric 100 kW (136 hp) with a WLTP range of 217 miles (350 km), Euro 6d petrol engines from 100 hp to 155 hp and Diesel power from 110 hp to 130 hp.

Typically Citroën, the design of the ë-C4 and C4 sets itself apart by combining the elegance, fluidity and dynamism of a compact hatchback with strength, character and robustness of an SUV. This is underpinned by large wheels, the generous and muscular shapes, and the 360° protection around the body.

The short front and rear overhangs, combined with large-diameter wheels and 156 mm of ground clearance (more than the competition), give the vehicle a unique, assertive and confident elevated posture – and a “ready to pounce” attitude. With a long wheelbase (2,670 mm) the C4 is at the heart of the compact hatchback segment in terms of dimensions: 4,360 mm long, 1,800 mm wide, 1,525 mm high. Thanks to its elevated stature, it offers a higher “eye-point” than the competition (1.22 m), providing increased visibility while driving.

The interior inspires confidence at first glance through its perceived quality and modernity. An expression of the Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme, it suggests comfort with its clean, modern dashboard, softly shaped door panels, multiple storage compartments, soft materials and seats inviting passengers to relax on-board. The wide, horizontal dashboard gives a feeling of space and volume, while offering numerous storage compartments built into the design. The intelligence applied to the layout is evidenced by the Dashboard tray, Smart Pad Support Citroën™ and mobile phone storage. Extending naturally into the door panels, the dashboard creates a wrap-around effect that amplifies the impression of protection and serenity on-board, while the high and wide centre console enhances the status of this compact hatchback.

Occupants are immersed in a comfortable and cosy atmosphere: there is a new chevron grain pattern on the dashboard, new patterns on the Advanced Comfort seats and the interior colour schemes coordinate the seats with the new door panels. The materials add value and are soft to the touch in contact areas: notably the moulded dashboard top, wrapped front door panel strips and soft armrest trim.

As you would expect, the technology in the cabin has moved up a notch. The frameless HD digital instrument panel and large colour head-up display are easy to use and keep the driver focused on the road ahead by displaying essential driving information in a legible and intuitive way. In the centre, at the top of the dashboard, the ultra-thin borderless 10-inch touchscreen is the nerve centre of the vehicle’s controls. It has a gloss black finish and a physical chrome dial with a chevron motif. The controls of the dual-zone automatic climate control – also physical for immediate access to change the settings – have been treated with the same care: chrome dials decorated with the same motif and gloss black push buttons.

Petrol, electric and diesel powertrains – the choice is yours. The ë-C4 has an efficient electric powertrain with zero CO 2 emissions and a WLTP range of 217 miles (350 km). The 100% electric motor is powerful and energetic, with 136 hp, 260 Nm of torque instantly available, a 0-62 mph time of 9.7 seconds when in Sport mode and a top speed of 93 mph (150 km/h). The 50 kWh battery pack is rated as high-voltage 400 V Li-ion.

Several driving modes are available, activated by the mode selector on the centre console: Eco, Normal or Sport. The system allows the driver to choose between performance and eco-driving. For peace-ofmind, the battery warranty is eight years or 100,000 miles for 70% of charge capacity.

In mode 4, at a public charging station using a 100 kW charger, 80 per cent of charge is completed in 30 minutes. At home using a 32 A Wallbox, recharging takes 7.5 hours with single-phase supply. In mode 2, at home and for occasional needs, the battery can be recharged using a standard domestic socket.

Away from electric, there are four Euro 6d petrol engines in the UK – PureTech 100 S&S 6-speed manual, PureTech 130 S&S 6-speed manual, PureTech 130 S&S EAT8 Auto, PureTech 155 S&S EAT8 Auto – and two Euro 6d Diesel engines: BlueHDi 110 S&S 6-speed manual and BlueHDi 130 S&S EAT8 Auto.