Citroen unveils new C4 promising comfort and EV motoring for all

Citroen has revealed its new C4 hatchback, claiming its family car will bring class-leading comfort and all-electric motoring “for all”.

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The C4 will replace the current C4 Cactus and go up against the likes of the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Kia Ceed and Mazda 3 in the family-oriented C-segment.

Alongside regular petrol and diesel models, Citroen is launching an all-electric e-C4 version that will compete with the Volkswagen ID.3 and Seat El-Born.

Design

In design and stature the C4 sits somewhere between a hatchback and a crossover, in the way the original Cactus did before Citroen decided it should become a regular hatchback.

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Citroen says the new C4’s look takes cues from SUVs and coupes to create a “unique and bold identity”. It might not look that unique to anyone who has seen a Toyota CH-R but the SUV-coupe inspirations are clear to see.

Sitting on big wheels and with raised ride height, the C4 meets the demand for a high driving position while the roof line tapers in and down at the rear to give a more coupe-like shape.

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At the front the split-level lighting that has become a Citroen trademark is present, albeit in a more angular style. The double chevron badge blends into the grille which in turn blends into the daytime running lights. These, like the rest of the C4’s lights, are full LED. Black wheel arches and bumper skirts emphasise the SUV inspiration as do Airbump panels on the doors, while the tapered rear end borrows the V-shaped LED lights from the 19_19 and Ami One concept cars.

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Seven body colours combine with five colour packs and six interior colour schemes to offer a bewildering number of combinations, along with wheels ranging from 16 to 18 inches.

Interior

The new model continues Citroen’s ambition to be a leader in comfort and the firm boldly says that the C4 will set a new point of reference for the industry.

The C4 uses a new version of Citroen’s Advanced Comfort seats, with vibration-absorbing foam to offer a cosseting ride and features the Progressive Hydraulic Cushion suspension used in the C4 Cactus and larger C5 Aircross to offer a “magic carpet” ride.

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Citroen says the C4 offers best in class rear knee room, enough space for three passengers in the rear and comes with significant acoustic insulation to minimise noise intrusion from outside.

The interior design is sharper than the outgoing Cactus, with simpler, squarer lines. Both instrument and infotainment screens are frameless digital displays, with a 10-inch central touchscreen dominating the dashboard. In a welcome move, physical ventilation controls make a return. Interior colour packs pick out elements of the interior in different colours and some models feature a micro chevron texture to the dashboard.

Among interior innovations is a pop-up phone/tablet holder for the front seat passenger, as well as storage areas of various sizes hidden around the cabin.

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Engines

From launch, the C4 will come with a choice of petrol, diesel or electric drivetrains, all familiar units from the Group PSA stable.

Three versions of the 1.2 Puretech petrol offer 99, 128 or 153bhp, with a six-speed manual or eighth-speed automatic depending on the power output.

Two diesels offer 109bhp and a six-speed manual gearbox or 128bhp and an eighth-speed auto.

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The e-C4 uses the same 100kW (134bhp) electric motor found in the Peugeot e-208 and e-2008. Powered by a 50kWh battery, it offers 217 miles of range on a single charge and 100kW fast charging will add around six miles of range per minute of charging.

Technology

Citroen says the new C4 will offer 20 advanced drivers assistance systems, ranging from semi-autonomous highway assist, which uses adaptive cruise control and lane assist to control the car in traffic, to intelligent high beam assistance and driver attention alert.

Comfort and convenience features include a head-up display for the driver, 360-degree parking camera, wireless phone charging and an in-built dashcam. Owners can also specify heated front and rear seats, a heated windscreen and steering wheel.

Orders for the new C4 open later this summer, with deliveries expected to start by the end of the year.

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