Citroën C4

Throughout the modern history of Citroën, we have been getting to know different compacts. The French do not do like other brands that bet on a name and renew it generation after generation. Citroën ZX and Citroën Xsara are the forerunners of what we know today as Citroën C4, the representative of the French house in the important segment of compacts.

The name C4 was born in 2004 as part of a complete restructuring of the range. The C stands for Citroën, and the 4 because we are talking about the fourth model, by scale, the largest of the house. Today it already accumulates three generations on the asphalt. The last one presented in 2020 with very significant changes adapted to current times. The Citroën C4 goes electric.

The current situation demands increasingly efficient mobility. All brands must submit to the same rule, and in the case of Citroën it has segmented the compact family into two. On the one hand, the Citroën C4 with combustion engines, and on the other the ë-C4, the 100% electric variant shared development with all the brands that make up the PSA Group.

Technical characteristics of the Citroën C4

Since there are two models, we must consider that each one is based on a different platform. While combustion C4s sit on the CMP platform conventional, the same platform used by models like the Opel Grandland X or Peugeot 308, the electric variant does so from a new scalar architecture called e-CMP that can be adapted to different configurations.

Although each branch of the model uses a different base, the two agree on sizes. The Citroën C4 is a model of the C segment, and is perfectly located by its external measurements. 4,36 meters long, 1,8 meters wide and 1,52 meters high. To these dimensions must be added a wheelbase of 2,67 meters, which translates into optimal interior space approved for a maximum of five passengers.

Despite being electric, the ë-C4 has the same habitability as its gasoline brothers. That leaves us with a minimum boot volume of 380 liters for all versions. Capacity that can be extended to a maximum of 1.250 liters if we fold down the second row of seats in its 60:40 ratio. Normal figures and similar to those offered by many of its rivals in the segment.

Mechanical range and gearboxes of the Citroën C4

As the C4 is divided in two, you have to tell two parts of the same story. Citroën's new compact is born as a multidisciplinary model as far as mobility is concerned. The range is made up of a few versions: two diesel versions, one gasoline and one electric unit which we have already mentioned. All units send the power of the engine to the front wheels and are managed by manual or automatic gearboxes depending on the version.

Gasoline C4s use the family of PureTech motors of the Stellantis Group. Power output is 130 horsepower. The diesel branch, for its part, uses BlueHDi block four cylinder. Dispose of 110 and 130 horsepower with 250 and 300 Nm of torque respectively. All versions come standard with a six-speed manual transmission that can optionally be converted into an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

For the Citroën ë-C4 a 136 horsepower front electric motor which is attached to a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery with 50 kWh capacity. Thanks to this, it has a maximum approved autonomy of 350 kilometers and somewhat discreet performance figures. From 0 to 100 km/h in 9,7 seconds and a top speed of 150 km/h. Like the thermal units, the ë-C4 sends power to the front axle.

Equipment of the Citroen C4

There is no doubt that the new C4 bets, as it has always done, to offer something different. The European C-segment is a conservative segment dominated mainly by non-offending German brands. The Citroën C4 radically changes step and offers a very different exterior and interior appearance to any other compact model. An aspect that can be altered thanks to an extensive customization program with up to 31 possible combinations.

The range of equipment is divided into several different levels: Live Pack, Feel Pack, C Series and Shine. The interior is offered as a modern and technological environment. The presentation of elements leaves us with large digital surfaces. Two screens, one for the instrument panel, very similar to the one offered by the Citroën C4 Cactus, and another main one that crowns the dashboard with a maximum size of 8 inches and through which most of the car's systems are managed.

In addition to this display of touch panels, the C4 and ë-C4 arrive well loaded with technology, just as today's buyers demand. The first that it should be noted is a level 2 autonomous driving thanks to many sensors, cameras and radars. But in addition to that we can add: keyless entry and start, smart headlights, browser, 360-degree camera, connectivity for mobile devices, induction charging and much more.

The Citroën C4 in video

The Citroën C4 of Km 0 and second hand

It should be remembered that the Citroën C4 as such has been on the market for 16 years. This means that the commercial offer of models in the used and second-hand channels is quite extensive. There are many models for sale with an average depreciation percentage, in tune with other rival models. Prices start below 1.000 euros for first generation models from 2006 – 2007.

As for Km 0 units, the offer focuses exclusively on models of the outgoing generation. Given the youth of the new C4, dealers have not yet had time to accumulate units in stock. This means that the few remaining units of the previous version go on sale at affordable prices for well-equipped models with correct motorization.

Citroën C4 rivals

The new Citroën C4 has to face, quite possibly, one of the toughest and most competitive segments of the European market. The C segment is famous for having some of the most iconic and demanded models. The list of enemies is as popular as it is extensive: Volkswagen Golf, Kia ceed, Hyundai i30, SEAT Leon, Opel Astra, Renault Mégane, the already mentioned 308, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, skoda scala y Toyota Corolla. Among all of them, the Citroën stands out for its radical image and for having one of the cheapest selling prices.

Highlight

• different image
• mechanical variety
• ride comfort

To improve

• Interior materials
• fair powers
• electric version price

Citroen C4 prices

The Villaverde factory in Madrid is in charge of the exclusive production of the new C4. From there they go to the dealers, where the starting price of the Citroën C4 is 21.435 euros, without added offers or promotions. That cost corresponds to a unit with Life Pack finish and 110 horsepower PureTech engine with manual transmission. The most expensive in the family is the Citroën e-C4 Shine with a starting price of 36.985 euros, without offers or promotions.

Image gallery

Full path to article: Actualidad Motor » Citroën » Citroën C4