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.
What is the MPG of a C4 1.2 Puretech? ›The Puretech 130 petrol averages more than 50mpg on the official WLTP test cycle and emits as little as 120g/km of CO2.
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 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.
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.
How many miles will a Citroen C4 do? ›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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Is the Citroen C4 big? ›The Citroen C4 is around 4.4m long, 1.8m wide and 1.5m tall, which means it's a typical size for a family car.
Is Citroen a luxury car? ›DS Automobiles is a French luxury-premium vehicle marque of Automobiles Citroën S.A., a subsidiary ultimately owned by Stellantis.
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.
Who makes Citroen engines? ›The PSA Group (Peugeot/Citroën) sells a variety of automobile engines.
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.
What are the common faults with a Citroën 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:
Thetiming belt kit of your C4 is necessary for the synchronisation of the movements of the pistons and valves in the engine. It is very important to regularly check your timing belt parts. In general, you need to change the timing belt kit of your C4 every five years or every 74.500 miles.
Is a 1.2 engine good for long distance driving? ›
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.
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.
Is 1.0 or 1.2 engine better? ›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.
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.
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.
What replaced the Citroën 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.
What is the mileage of Citroen 1.2 Turbo engine? ›Citroen C3 Feel 1.2 Turbo Dual Tone is a Petrol version from Citroen. It is priced at 9.38 lakh in Delhi. It comes with 1199 cc Petrol engine and 6-speed gear Manual transmission. It gives mileage of 19.3 kmpl (ARAI Mileage) The fuel tank capacity of C3 Feel 1.2 Turbo Dual Tone is 30 litres.
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.
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.
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.
Do bigger engines last longer? ›Larger engines will generate more torque. That allows the use of a transmission that lets the engine run slower for the same given car speed. So while a four-cylinder engine might turn at 2,500 rpm at 65 mph, an eight-cylinder engine might turn at 1,800. That could contribute to longer life.
How reliable are Citroen Cactus? ›Reliability rating
As of October 2022, the Citroën C4 Cactus is slightly above average when it comes to reliability with a score of 55%, according to extended warranty data provided by our commercial partner, MotorEasy.
The bumper scored maximum points, with good protection in all areas tested. The front edge of the bonnet was also good in all tests.
How fast is Citroen C4 electric? ›Drivetrain and Performance
The Citroen e-C4 is front wheel drive and can accelerate from 0 to 62 miles per hour in 9.7 seconds. The top speed is 93 mph.
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.
Which car brand has the most reliable engine? ›According to both J.D. Power and Consumer Reports, Toyota constantly figures in the top places as the most dependable brand in the automotive world.
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.
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.
Is the Citroen 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.
What cars last a million miles? ›- 1 1966 Volvo P1800 – 3.25 Million Miles.
- 2 1976 Mercedes-Benz 240D – 2.85 Million Miles. ...
- 3 1979 Volvo 245 GL – 1.63 Million Miles. ...
- 4 1963 Plymouth Fury – 1.62 Million Miles. ...
- 5 1963 Volkswagen Beetle – 1.61 Million Miles. ...
Generally, high mileage on a car is anything beyond 1000 miles a month or 12,000 miles per year. Mechanics usually agree on the figure as 'average' car use. More than that is considered high mileage, so a three-year-old car with 40,000 miles, for example, would be in the high mileage range.
How high is a high mileage car? ›To get an idea of what is considered a 'normal' mileage for a particular used car, you can divide the quoted mileage by the number of years on the road. If the result is higher than 7,500 this could be considered a high mileage car, and if the number is below, it's low mileage.
What kind of gas does a Citroën C4 take? ›About the Citroen C4
It uses Premium Unleaded Petrol fuel. The Citroen C4 is sold with an engine size of 1.2L and with turbocharged three-cylinder.
The Citroën C4's SUV-like styling means that, physically, it appears larger than alternatives such as the Volkswagen Golf. However, it has a boot capacity of 380 litres, which is only average at best for this size of family car.
Is Citroën C4 a 7 seater? ›If you're looking for a great deal on a used, nearly new or a brand-new 7-seater Citroën Grand C4 Picasso car, then you've come to the right place. Parkers offers an extensive range of 7-seater Grand C4 Picasso models for sale to suit all budgets, tastes, and lifestyles.
Who makes PureTech 1.2 engine? ›Groupe PSA has filed 210 patents for its family of 3-cylinder petrol engines.
Is Citroen C3 1.2 reliable? ›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.
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 a 1.2 engine strong? ›
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.
In short, a 3-cylinder engine is a good choice for those who prioritise fuel efficiency, emissions, and compact size. It is ideal for smaller cars or vehicles that do not require a lot of power.
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.
Is a 1.2 PureTech a turbo? ›With a fuel consumption of 4.3 litres/100km - 66 mpg UK - 55 mpg US (Average), 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 8.7 seconds, a maximum top speed of 129 mph (208 km/h), a curb weight of 2498 lbs (1133 kgs), the 208 II 1.2 PureTech 130 Auto has a turbocharged Inline 3 cylinder engine, Petrol motor, with the engine code EB2DTS.
How much horsepower does a Citroen C3 1.2 Puretech have? ›Citroën C3 1.2 PureTech Manual, 83hp, 2022.
What MPG does a Citroen C3 1.2 Puretech do? ›| 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 |
| Petrol engines | 39.1 - 54.5 mpg |
|---|---|
| Diesel engines | 55.6 - 70.6 mpg |