The Citroen C4 is a model that has almost echoed the iconic French manufacturer’s fortunes. First it was a practical five-door hatch, or three-door coupe, with the avant-garde styling you’d expect from a car from the double-chevron brand. The second-generation version, launched in 2009, had toned-down styling, and just didn’t stand out, or do anything better than rivals, which resulted in a fall in sales. Then, back the quirkiness came and confidence, and door-protecting airbumps, with the C4 Cactus in 2014, before it became the C4 hatchback in 2020.
Now the current facelifted C4 (including the electric E-C4 tested here) has made it to the UK, with a strong new family look, which seems to have just the right amount of quirky. The C4 is certainly one of the more unusual small family choices, with its tall SUV styling, and the fact it’s available both in ICE and EV versions. It certainly helps the C4 stand out against Stellantis sister cars, such as the Peugeot 308 and our current family car favourite, the Vauxhall Astra.
Design and interior
The facelifted C4 is most identified by its redesigned grille, with Citroen’s new logo in the centre, plus slim LED headlights. The lights stand out because they feature three distinctive horizontal elements that make up a distinctive DRL signature. Plus, the lower part also integrates the LED directional indicators.
At the back, the C4 now has a cleaner, simpler look, with more conventionally styled rear light clusters, and ‘Citroen’ spelt out across the middle – rather than the double-chevron logo.
At the side, there’s a smoother look, with revised side guards giving a more dynamic look, and the ‘Colour Clips’ that debuted on the E-C4 are now part of the design. There are also new wheel designs, and new colours.
Biggest change for the interior is the all-new 7in HD instrument cluster, along with the standard 10in touchscreen for the Plus and Max equipment grades. This touchscreen is running the latest-generation infotainment system with connected 3D navigation – although it can’t hide the fact that the rest of the cabin feels quite dated.
The Advanced Comfort front seats have been redesigned to enhance the interior comfort, which along with the Advanced Comfort suspension, must equal the most comfortable car in its class.
Performance and drive
The facelifted Citroen E-C4 is available with a choice of electric powertrains, the first with a 50kWh battery and 136hp with a 223-mile range. The second has a larger 54kWh battery and 156hp, with a 264-mile range. Both are capable of a 20-80% charge in under 30 minutes.
We drove the E-C4 with the bigger 54kWh battery in range-topping Max spec, and as before, it feels willing enough in everyday use. With reasonable acceleration off the mark, and instant torque, this electric Citroen never feels underpowered. The only change to the driving experience is if you engage ‘Sport’ mode, which most noticeably sharpens up the throttle response. This almost seems at odds with the C4’s comfortable, refined, and relaxed character – even on the Max spec’s 18in alloy wheels. If you engage ‘Eco’ mode, it does the opposite and retards the throttle. The only demerit, apart from the body roll, is the slow steering, which lacks feel.
Facelifting the Citroen C4 has given this small family rival more visibility, in what is a difficult sector thanks to the growth of SUV sales. Choose the C4, and it’s a likeable, high-value package (prices start at £22,295), which will take the fight to Chinese opposition and deserves serious consideration.
Positive: Decent EV range, impressive ride and refinement, well-equipped, affordably priced.
Negative: Comfortable rather than fun to drive, dated interior, some odd spec omissions, look and feel might not appeal to all.
Standard equipment: 18in alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, reversing camera, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, front and rear electric windows, auto headlights, rain-sensing front windscreen wipers.
Engines: Mild hybrid: 100hp 1.2, 136hp 1.2; Electric: 136hp, 156hp
Equipment grades: You, Plus, Max
Transmissions: Six-speed DCT automatic, single-speed automatic
| Model | Citroen E-C4 54kWh Max |
| P11D | £30,095 |
| Residual value | TBC |
| Depreciation | TBC |
| Fuel | £3,051 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | TBC |
| Cost per mile | TBC |
| Range | 257 miles |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (3%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £15/£30 |
| Luggage capacity | 380 litres |
| Battery size/power | 54kWh/156hp |
| Score | 7/10 |
