At last, Citroen can offer a credible but properly distinctive family hatch. Jonathan Crouch takes drive in the third generation C4.
Ten Second Review
This third generation C4 is a far more creditable offering for Citroen in the family hatchback sector. And, the French brand hopes, can play its part in rejuvenating this segment by integrating SUV style and the option of full electric power into traditional family hatch design. Plus there's a clever suspension system to make this contender feel really Citroen-esque. And in recent times, the car's gained much improved cabin media tech.
Background
The third generation Citroen C4, claims its brand, 'is Citroen to the core', this model's task being to return the brand to credibility in the Focus and Golf-dominated family hatch sector. The MK2 C4, launched in 2010, wasn't particularly Citroen and wasn't particular successful either, selling mainly on low price - and towards the end of its life not even on that. In 2017, Citroen tried to replace it with an evolved family hatch-orientated version of its C4 Cactus crossover, but that didn't work either.This third generation C4, launched in mid-2020, plugs plays the crossover card too in terms of some aspects of its visual appeal, but unlike with the previous C4 Cactus, in choosing one, you won't feel you're being forced into an SUV rather against your will. Instead, this C4 plays to the things people tend to like about Citroen - innovative design, a distinctive feel and exemplary ride quality. Plus there's an all-electric e-C4 version too.
Driving Experience
Citroen hopes that the way this car drives is what will sell it to you - or more specifically, the way this car rides. Like the old C4 Cactus, it features a clever Progressive Hydraulic suspension set-up. Here, the car's springs and shock absorbers work in concert with hydraulic compression and rebound stops, which are supposed to slow body movement over bumps and tarmac tears. You'll want to know about the engines. There's the brand's usual PureTech 1.2-litre 3 cylinder petrol unit, available in two states of tune with 100 or 130hp options. All variants will be front driven, with more powerful models available with an 8-speed auto gearbox. Citroen also offers the 130hp version of its usual 1.5-litre BlueHDi diesel, available only with an 8-speed automatic.Keeping with the times, this C4 range also offers an all-electric version, the e-C4, which uses a 50kWh battery powering an electric motor and developing 135hp. It can make 62mph from rest in 9.7 seconds and go on to a top speed of 93mph, but the more important stat is this model's ability to cover a WLTP-rated range of 217 miles on a single charge. To boost this capability, the car can recover energy when decelerating or braking. And there are three drive modes - 'Eco', 'Normal' and 'Sport' - that can vary the level of engine power and the energy draw from the air conditioning to boost driving range.
Design and Build
What this MK3 C4 does beyond any doubt is to confirm that the delineating line between family hatch and compact SUV design is being ever more blurred. Which many folk in search of a compact hatch will think to be no bad thing. Citroen says the crossover cues aren't for crossover purposes. The higher-than-Focus-class-average 156mm ride height is there to offer a high vantage point and better all-round visibility. The matte black-finished wheel arches aren't for arduous tracks but to prevent supermarket car park dings. And there's plenty of signature Citroen design, with stylishly-shaped signature lights and chromed Chevrons that stretch across the car's width. Plus there's and an air intake grille featuring a pattern first seen on the brand's recent 19_19 concept car.The major change with the lightly updated version of this model is the installation of a much more up-to-date 10-inch HD centre infotainment touchscreen. This is a more responsive, intuitive, and ergonomic interface than the 10-inch display previously used and features customisable widgets as standard. The system also supports HD-quality images from the reversing camera and simultaneous connection for two Bluetooth devices. As before, through the oddly-shaped three-spoke wheel, you view a pared-back version of the quite innovative digital instrument panel used in the brand's C5 Aircross SUV, whose read-outs you flip through here by jabbing the left indicator stalk. For the rear seat, the brand claims best-in-class knee room and offers a wide range of storage compartments. Plus there's a decently-sized 380-litre boot, whatever powertrain you prefer.
Market and Model
Right, let's get to prices, which start from around £22,000 and range towards £30,000. The full-electric e-C4, which also comes in e-C4 X saloon form, starts from around £32,000. In the combustion C4 range, there's just a single five-door body shape, but there's plenty of spec choice. The feeblest combustion PureTech 100 petrol and BlueHDi 110 diesel engines can be had with an entry 'Sense' standard of trim but otherwise, both combustion and electric C4s are sold with a choice of four trim levels - 'Sense', 'Sense Plus', 'C-Series Edition' or top 'Shine Plus'. Most will want the mid-range 'Sense Plus' or 'C-Series Edition' trim levels, which focus on the engines Citroen think most customers will want. Models fitted with the 'My Citroën Drive Plus' package also feature a 'Citroen Connect Box', which brings a smarter 'Shark Fin' aerial to the roof in place of the traditional flexible aerial. The optional wireless smartphone charging has been updated to 15W for faster charging of mobile devices.All C4 trim levels come with core model features like Progressive Hydraulic Cushion suspension, Citroen LED Vision headlights and a 5.5-inch backlit TFT driver's instrument cluster. All e-C4 models get 18-inch 'Crosslight' diamond cut alloy wheels too.
Cost of Ownership
So, petrol or electric? Of course, to make a proper judgement, you're going to need to peruse the combustion model efficiency figures - which are very class-competitive. The volume PureTech 130 EAT auto C4 variant returns up to 50.3mpg on the combined cycle and up to 130g/km of CO2 - or up to 54.7mpg and up to 120g/km in manual gearbox form. As for the BlueHDi diesel versions, well to give you an idea, a plush 'Shine'-spec BlueHDi 130 EAT8 auto model manages up to 64.5mpg and up to 120g/km.And electric? Well, the Department of Transport tells us that the average motorist in the UK covers 7,400 miles a year, which is the kind of mileage that would cost an e-C4 owner somewhere between £200 and £300 in added electricity charges, powering up from a typical 7.4kW garage wallbox on off peak rates, the variance depending on driving style and different electricity prices (we've assumed 11p per kWh). The same annual mileage in this PureTech petrol model would work out to somewhere between £750 and £820 - and you'd have to factor in more expensive annual garage servicing too.With a 7.4kW wallbox in place, a charge from empty with an e-C4 would take seven and a half hours with a single-phase supply. Out and about in an e-C4, the 7kW or 11kW public chargers you might come across won't be much quicker than your garage wallbox, but if you can find a 20kW public terminal, you'll be able to replenish your battery at the rate of 87 miles of charge for every hour you're sat cabled up. The gutsier 100kW Rapid chargers that are just starting to be installed on motorways are rare, but there are more of them in Europe and if you can find one, you'll be able to just an 80% charge in just 30 minutes.
Summary
All the ingredients for a strong showing are here as this third generation C4 nods to the two currently trending themes of crossover style and electrified power. Yet delivers them within a family hatchback package that traditional buyers in this segment can be comfortable with - quite literally, thanks to the Progressive Hydraulic Suspension set-up.The French maker thinks this sector is 'right for changes' and this car delivers them without getting carried away with innovation, as its C4 Cactus predecessor rather did. And it's obviously significant that within the range lies the brand's first credible full-electric model. Ultimately though, what really matters is that what we have here is a proper Citroen - with all that means. Thank goodness for that.
FAQs
Is Citroen C4 1.2 Puretech reliable? ›
It has been very reliable, frugal on FC, and smooth to drive. I've been driving my 1.2L puretech turbo hatchback for 20 months now. It has been very reliable, frugal on FC, and smooth to drive. - Cycle & Carriage servicing and warranty.
How much horsepower does a Citroen C4 1.2 have? ›Engine, 0-60mph and gearbox
The Citroën C4's single petrol option is a 1.2-litre turbo, but it's available in three outputs: 99bhp, 128bhp and 153bhp.
The Puretech 130 petrol averages more than 50mpg on the official WLTP test cycle and emits as little as 120g/km of CO2.
Is Citroën C4 a reliable car? ›Citroen C4 reliability
As a manufacturer, Citroen came 13th out of 29 brands in our 2022 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey – a marked improvement over its 28th place result in 2021. Its models scored highly for running costs and affordable servicing.
While the diesels tend to be more reliable than the petrols, the Puretech and VTi petrol engines fitted to the Citroen DS3 are fairly reliable units providing they are looked after properly from a servicing perspective, and preventative maintenance is performed on-time.
Is a 1.2 engine powerful? ›1.0-1.2 Litre Engines
They aren't very powerful, but they can still be quite nippy if the car doesn't weigh very much. You'll get a good fuel economy out of them, as the smaller capacity means less fuel is used.
Although more expensive to buy, the all-electric e-C4 offers a 217-mile range and zero CO2 emissions, which again could attract business users keen to reduce their tax bill.
Which Citroën engine is best? ›The best diesel Citroen C4 Picasso performance comes from the top engine, the 2.0-litre HDi 150. This generates 150bhp and is married to a six-speed manual gearbox. Both petrol engines available were co-developed with BMW.
Is Citroen fuel efficient? ›The Citroen C3 will be the third most fuel-efficient sub-compact SUV in India after the Renault Kiger (20.5 kmpl) and Nissan Magnite (20 kmpl). The new Citroen C3 will be launched in India on July 20, 2022.
How much horsepower does a Citroen C3 1.2 PureTech have? ›Citroën C3 1.2 PureTech Manual, 83hp, 2022.
Is Citroën C4 Cactus fuel efficient? ›
The fuel consumption figures range between 61.4 (for the soon-to-be phased out PureTech 82) and 83.1mpg (for the BlueHDi 100 on 16-inch wheels). In the real world, that will equate to an easy 50mpg for the petrol and 60mpg for the diesel when driven gently.
Are Citroen cars economical? ›Like it's predecessor, the new Citroen C3 has incredible economy statistics. The vehicle can be fitted with a choice of 6 engine / transmission configurations (only 5 available at launch). The most efficient of these is the BlueHDi 75 S&S manual with a staggering 80.7 mpg (combined) with low CO2 levels: 92 g/km.
Is Citroen C4 spacious? ›Two adults will fit in the back of the C4 and have plenty of room for their feet beneath the front seats.
What is the highest mileage Citroen? ›A durable Citroen Xsara tops the record for the car still on the road with the most miles on the clock – an astonishing 999,994.
Which is better Citroen or Ford? ›The Citroen has slightly better equipment, the Ford a better ride comfort, but overall the Seat's got the smartest and roomiest interior, the best infotainment, the best refinement, and is just generally going to be brilliantly fit for purpose regardless of how you're going to use your small car.
Are Citroen cars expensive to repair? ›The average cost to repair a Citroen car is pleasantly low. This could be for several reasons, the most likely being that the parts are quite popular and therefore are easy to source and repair. This brings the overall dependability score up.
What are the common faults with a Citroen C4? ›- Heavy Steering. Problem: ...
- Engine Knocking. Problem: ...
- Scratched Windows. Problem: ...
- No Tension on Seat Belts. Problem: ...
- Creaky Front Doors. Problem: ...
- Leaks into front footwells. Problem: ...
- Air conditioning problems. Problem: ...
- Cruise control warning light. Problem:
While a 1.2-liter engine will work for motorway driving, most people recommend a 1.4 to 1.6-liter engine at the smallest. 1.2-liter engines are better for city driving, where you'll be doing a lot of stopping and starting. You'll get a better fuel economy rating from a small engine this way.
What kind of oil does a 1.2 PureTech 130 take? ›Oil Viscosity Classification SAE: 0W-30. Content [litre]: 20. Recommendations: PSA B71 231. Product line: Magnatec.
Who makes the 1.2 PureTech engine? ›Peugeot's PureTech 3-cylinder petrol engine technology delivers performance normally associated with larger-capacity engines, but with significantly improved fuel economy.
Which engine is better 1.2 or 1.0 turbo? ›
1.0 engine is better in terms of moderate power and best mileage than 1.2. In 1.2 more acceleration means more fuel loss and there is no remarkable increase in power especially in hills n steep hairpins while compared to 1litre. The 1l has spontaneous power in highways when crossing 60km/hr.
Is 1.2 Litre engine good for hills? ›As long as you keep the engine rpm below 1700 you should not have any problems.
How fast is a 1.2 turbo engine? ›Acceleration from 50 to 75mph in fifth gear takes 13.7 seconds, and top speed is set at 124mph.
Is the Citroën C4 a family car? ›The 2022 Citroen C4 is a small five-seater family car, it has three top tether anchorages clearly labelled in the back of the rear seat backrests, which are easily accessible through the boot.
Where is Citroën C4 made? ›The first-generation C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso were designed by Donato Coco for the French manufacturer Citroën and share the same platform and engines with the Citroën C4 and the Peugeot 307. Both the C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso are produced at the PSA Vigo Plant in Spain.
How often should a Citroën C4 be serviced? ›Recommended every 12,000 miles, or 12 months if sooner, Full Services include everything that an Interim Service offers, alongside extensive under the bonnet checks and a full brake inspection.
Is Citroën engine reliable? ›Citroen is one of the most reliable budget car brands present. While the Citroën petrol engines are quite reliable and don't cause too many issues, the 1.6 diesel engine, which is fitted in several models is responsible for a large number of costly mechanical faults.
Does Citroën use Ford engines? ›The inline-four engines are sold under the DuraTorq TDCi name by Ford, and as the HDi by Citroën and Peugeot. Mazda also uses the Ford-made DLD engine in the Mazda2 and the Mazda3. Officially, there are three families of engines in the range: The 1.4 L DLD-414 is generally non-intercooled.
Who makes Citroën engines? ›The PSA Group (Peugeot/Citroën) sells a variety of automobile engines.
Which is the most fuel-efficient car in the world? ›5 most fuel-efficient cars (including EVs)
In recent years, Tesla's Model 3 has been crowned the most fuel-efficient vehicle. But in 2022 Lucid's Air Pure edged Tesla out with an equivalent combined MPG of 140. Here are the more fuel-efficient cars overall: 2023 Lucid Air Pure: 140 MPG; MSRP from $87,400.
What is the most fuel-efficient car of all time? ›
- Toyota Tundra Double Cab Hybrid. The hybrid engine in the Toyota Tundra has a lot of power. ...
- Ford F150 Supercrew Cab Hybrid. Compared to other trucks, the F-150 hybrid delivers higher fuel efficiency. ...
- Toyota Camry. ...
- Kia Rio. ...
- Kia Sorento Hybrid. ...
- Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. ...
- Honda Accord Hybrid. ...
- Toyota Prius.
- BMW 330e – 217.3mpg. ...
- Toyota Prius – 67.0mpg. ...
- Suzuki Swift – 64.0mpg. ...
- Toyota Corolla Touring Sports – 63.8mpg. ...
- Hyundai IONIQ – 60.0mpg. ...
- Mercedes-Benz E300 de – 217.3mpg. ...
- Peugeot 208 1.5 Blue HDi – 71.4mpg. ...
- Vauxhall Corsa 1.5 Turbo D – 70.6mpg.
Citroen C3 reliability
Reliability itself was better than average, with just 18% of Citroen owners reporting a fault within the first year of ownership. The C3 itself came 25th out of the top 75 cars in the 2022 survey – it hasn't featured since 2019, so its reappearance and placing is a positive sign.
| Engine | Official MPG (NEDC) | Real MPG Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| 1.2 Puretech 110 | 60.1–62.8 mpg | 43.9 mpg |
| 1.2 Puretech 110 Automatic | 62.8 mpg | 45.5 mpg |
| 1.2 Puretech 110 EAT6 | 55.4–57.6 mpg | 40.6 mpg |
| 1.2 Puretech 68 | 57.6–60.1 mpg | 45.5 mpg |
Advanced efficiency PureTech petrol engines. Citroën's range of award-winning PureTech turbo petrol engines, available across our passenger car range, represent advanced efficiency. Our range of PureTech cars can meet all of your requirements: compact city cars to SUVs.
How fast does Citroen E C4 charge? ›| Charging method | Typically found at | Charging time* |
|---|---|---|
| Empty to full | ||
| 3-pin plug | Home | 22 h |
| 3.6kW | Home / Work | 14 h |
| 7kW | Home / Work / Public Locations | 7 h |
Firstly, a new heating and cooling system includes a heat pump, less energy than conventional air-conditioning systems. The expectation is that drivers will see the benefits of this more efficient heating and cooling system in the depths of winter.
What is Citroen best selling model? ›The C3 was Citroen's best-selling model in 2021, with 199,295 sales, a gain of 10 percent over 2020. PARIS -- Citroen's global sales increased by 7 percent in 2021 amid the semiconductor shortage, with gains in every region, the automaker said.
Do Citroen cars hold their value? ›More bad news for the French with Citroen also taking one of the biggest punches on the resale market. It's not the most reliable manufacturer, which is likely to have contributed to its poor resell value.
How long does Citroen last? ›| No. of Citroen C1s in the dataset | 141467 |
|---|---|
| No. of Citroen C1 variants analysed | 36 |
| % of Citroen C1s on the road in 2022 | 86.8% |
| Average lifespan of a Citroen C1 | 8 years 22 days (8.06 years) |
How many suitcases fit in a Citroen C4 Cactus? ›
Citroen Cactus Luggage Capacity
The trunk itself can hold up to 3 suitcases, while the increased storage space of the folding rear seat offers room for an additional 3. This car is perfect for a weekend getaway to Paris or Munich with friends as well as longer road trips to the Italian countryside or England.
Citroen C3 is one of the best car.It is ecnomical and comfortable car.It is smooth to drive with good space. Best car must buy. I am sure it will give you great pleasure go for it.
What replaced the Citroen C4? ›Production of the Citroën Grand C4 Spacetourer will end in July, with Citroën citing changing customer buying habits and a greater focus on its SUV range. The seven-seat MPV, which first rolled out of the factory in 2014, has already been indirectly replaced by the ë-Berlingo and ë-Spacetourer van-based electric MPVs.
Who makes PureTech 1.2 engine? ›Groupe PSA has filed 210 patents for its family of 3-cylinder petrol engines.
Are Citroen cars cheap to repair? ›The average cost to repair a Citroen car is pleasantly low. This could be for several reasons, the most likely being that the parts are quite popular and therefore are easy to source and repair. This brings the overall dependability score up.
Which Citroen engine is best? ›The best diesel Citroen C4 Picasso performance comes from the top engine, the 2.0-litre HDi 150. This generates 150bhp and is married to a six-speed manual gearbox. Both petrol engines available were co-developed with BMW.