Highlights
- Distinctive design language
- Spacious interior
- Comfortable yet enjoyable ride
- EV powertrain option
Introduction
With hatchback handling and compact SUV styling, the Citroën C4 is a fabulous family car that's also competitively priced.
The latest version is available in well-equipped trim levels and customers can also choose between petrol and diesel engines or even opt for an all-electric model called the ë-C4.
I tested the C4 in Shine Plus trim level, which was powered by a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine delivering 129bhp and 169lb ft of torque. It could complete the 0 to 62mph dash in 9.4 seconds, topped out at 130mph and could deliver up to a combined 50.3mpg with carbon emissions of 131g/km.
Design
The latest generation C4 is a great looking car with dynamic styling and an athletic stance. It features LED daytime running lights in a signature V design that are joined in the middle by chrome chevrons spanning the width of the car.
There are body-coloured bumpers, distinctive rear lights, a rear spoiler, a gloss black rear skirt, black pillars, tinted windows, and 18-inch dark alloy wheels.
Moving inside, the interior is modern and clutter-free with leather and leather-effect upholstery, heated front seats, a leather trimmed steering wheel, and ambient lighting.
There's a raised centre console along with a 10-inch high resolution touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, a DAB digital radio, Bluetooth and audio streaming, voice commands, plus TomTom sat nav with live updates.
Driving Experience
The C4 is great to fizz along the country lanes, and the 3-cylinder engine delivers plenty of zip.
Maxine Ashford
It does feel a tad laboured on motorways, and you'll also see the fuel gauge (or rather the digital readout) drop quite dramatically if the car is driven too aggressively. The engine also gets more vocal under heavy acceleration.
There are drive modes called Eco, Normal, and Sport that alter the characteristics of the car, and all the controls and readouts are clear and easy to operate on the fly. The 8-speed automatic transmission is well-timed, and there are steering wheel mounted paddles for added driver engagement.
The steering is fairly light, which is perfect for weaving through busier town centre settings, but I would prefer a little more weight when attacking the tighter bends on the B roads. However, the grip is good and body roll is well contained too.
The elevated driving position results in good all-round visibility, although there's a split rear screen that can take a little getting used to.
Practicality and Safety
There's enough space in the back of the C4 for a couple of adults to sit comfortably, provided the front seats are not pushed right back. Alternatively, a trio of youngsters would fit just fine too.
The boot can swallow 380 litres of kit – a limit that increases to 1,250 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats dropped flat. In the cabin, there are front and rear cup holders, a glovebox, door bins, seat back pockets, a charging pad, central cubby, and a secret drawer above the glovebox.
The C4 is packed with safety kit too, and was awarded a maximum five stars when tested for its Euro NCAP rating.
Features include advanced active safety brake that can detect cyclists and also works at night. There's forward collision warning, active blind spot detection, highway driver assist, cruise control with speed limiter, driver attention alert, a full suite of airbags, and lots more besides.
Summary
All in all, the C4 is a great family car that ticks all the right boxes when it comes to practicality, styling, and general performance. It’s not the fastest out the blocks, but then again, it’s not designed to be, and it proves to be yet another impressive car from the Citroën range.
