New Citroen C4: fresh details revealed

• New C4 is the first family hatchback from the PSA Group to get all-electric powertrain
• All-electric e-C4 comes with claimed range of 350km on a single charge
• Will feature over 20 driver assistance functions including Level 2 semi-autonomous driving tech

Citroen has released more details about its upcoming C4 hatchback line-up; details which include the fact that there will be an all-electric e-C4 variant as well.

The new C4 line-up replaces the C4 Cactus cross-hatchback, with the intention to bridge the gap between traditional hatchbacks and SUVs in the markets that it competes in. The model will be sold with petrol, diesel and electric powertrains, making it the first family hatchback in the portfolio of parent firm PSA Group to offer a zero-emission variant.

New Citroen C4: Exterior

The front grille of the new C4 is based on the new design first seen in production on the new C3 recently. It features V-shaped 'signature' lights and chrome chevrons that stretch across the width of the vehicle. The bonnet features a concave shape reflecting the C5 Aircross SUV (which is India-bound next year) and the front bumper is finished in a matte black effect that Citroën says adds protection in small impacts. The air intake grille features a chevron pattern seen on the recent Ami One and 19_19 concept cars.

The wheel arches too feature the matte black finish. Citroën says the sloping roof is designed to emphasise the aerodynamics of the new C4, with the rear overhang design is intended to reflect the Citroën GS.

Citroën says the C4’s 156mm ground clearance, combined with short front and rear overhangs, is designed to offer a higher vantage point and better all-round visibility than class rivals. While it is more conventional than the C4 Cactus, several of the exterior customisation options offered for that car are available, including 31 different colour combinations.

Citroën CEO Vincent Cobée said: “We probably were a bit carried away with our innovation capabilities on the [C4 Cactus].” He added that this new C4 is a “more comprehensive and attractive offer”.

Wheel sizes range from 16 to 18 inches, with the ë-C4 featuring an exclusive 18-inch Crosslite alloy wheel design.

Citroen e-C4: Power output and range

The C4 is built on the PSA Group’s CMP modular platform, which can accept both electric and conventional powertrains. The ë-C4 features a 136hp, 260Nm electric engine, which draws power from a 50kWh battery. Citroën claims a range of 350km, a 0-100kph time of 9.7sec and a top speed of 150kph. The car also recovers energy when decelerating and braking, and comes with three drive modes – Eco, Normal and Sport – that can alter the amount of engine power and the energy draw for the air conditioning to boost range.  The ë-C4 is fitted with an 11kW charger, which can complete a charge in around five hours on a 32-amp home wallbox, and a 100kW fast charger, which can achieve an 80 percent charge in 30 minutes on a public fast charger. Charging can be controlled via smartphone, with ë-C4 owners being able to schedule it, for example to take advantage of off-peak electricity charge times.

Citroen C4: Petrol and diesel engine details

The petrol-powered C4 will be offered with a choice of three 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo engines, ranging from the Puretech 100 to the Puretech 155. An 8-speed automatic gearbox is available on the most powerful petrols. There are also two four-cylinder diesels, the BlueHDi 110 and auto-only BlueHDi 130.

Full performance details of the petrol and diesel units that will be offered on the C4 have yet to be released. There is also no indication yet of whether the model will be offered in hybrid or plug-in hybrid form, although it is likely such powertrains will come later.

Citroen C4: Features and tech

In line with Citroën’s focus on comfort, the C4 and ë-C4 are fitted as standard with the firm’s Progressive Hydraulic Cushion suspension, which uses two hydraulic stops to reduce bouncing and smooth the ride.

Inside, the ë-C4 and certain C4 models will be offered with Advanced Comfort seats, including optional heating and massaging systems. Six interior colour schemes, all aimed at making you feel “as if you are in your living room”, will be offered. Citroën also claims best-in-class rear knee room and a wide variety of storage compartments.

The dashboard includes a newly designed 10.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with a large coloured head-up display to complement the digital instrumentation. Unlike with recent models, Citroën has separated the climate control stack from the touchscreen with physical controls.

The infotainment features the latest version of Citroën’s navigation system and is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A full HD camera, which can take photos or video stored on a 16GB memory card, is built into the rear-view mirror. The C4 also offers 20 driver assistance features, including Highway Driving Assist and a level-two semi-autonomous system incorporating adaptive cruise control and lane keeping. 

The C4 and ë-C4 are due to go on sale abroad in the coming months. 

Will the new C4 come to India?

The new C4 will not make it to India but the French brand will enter our market with the C5 Aircross early next year. The flagship model will keep Citroen dealerships in the country ticking until more mass-market offerings are brought along.  Speaking of mass-market Citroens for India, the launch of its first vehicle “designed, developed and made in India” is on track and slated for later next year. This new model, touted to be a compact SUV (codenamed C21), will boast high localisation levels and will carry a competitive price tag in India.

How important is the C4 to Citroen?

Cobée told our sister magazine Autocar UK recently that the introduction of the model held “massive” importance for Citroën’s sales growth in Europe. In 2019, the brand grew 1 percent year-on-year, selling 8,30,000 vehicles.

Cobée said: “The car will be Citroën to its core, in design, innovation and comfort. So for us, it’s one of three or four bullets in the overall growth of Citroën. Citroën has massive legitimacy in this segment. It’s the one with the most populist customer base.”

Also see:

Citroen C5 Aircross SUV: 5 things to know

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