CITROEN C4 115kW Max 54kWh 5dr Auto

Citroen's improved e-C4 adds a bit of colour to the EV part of the family hatch segment, thinks Jonathan Crouch.

Ten Second Review

The improved version of this e-C4 continues to bring a dose of Citroen individuality to the EV part of the family hatchback segment. The smarter looks have a crossover vibe, the range is reasonable and the cabin is still the most comfortable in the class. If you're fed up with clinical family EVs, here's one that just might charm you.

Background

Citroen is a company with a reputation for trying to do things differently. Unfortunately though, the reality is that it's not always been a company able to do things differently from sister brand Peugeot. In the last few decades, a depressing cloak of conformity has characterised family offerings from the double chevron marque. But gradually things seem to be changing and Citroens are being set apart once more. First, with details things like Airbumps and squashier seats. And in more recent years with more fundamental engineering. For an example of that, take the subject of this test, the updated version of the brand's offering in the EV family hatch segment, the e-C4. Significant styling and interior updates feature with this improved design, bringing the e-C4 more into line with its segment rivals. And as before, this car plays to the things people tend to like about Citroen - innovative design, a distinctive feel and exemplary ride quality.

Driving Experience

Rather interestingly, this is one EV that doesn't spear away from rest like a scalded cat. That attribute's a bit pointless, it cuts across this car's laid back Gallic demeanour and it needlessly depletes battery reserves, so Citroen hasn't bothered with it here. The e-C4's a bit like Mazda's rival MX-30 in that respect. Not that the e-C4 is slow; the 136bhp electric motor in the base 50kWh version allows 62mph to be dispatched in 9.7s on the way to a maximum you'll never bother with (97mph). What you'll notice more is the relaxed gait. It's inevitably not as light on its feet through the corners as a combustion-engined C4: the weight of that battery has to tell somewhere. There's also a 54kWh battery version available, which gets a punchier 156bhp motor and goes 257 miles between charges. Your driving position is somewhere between that of a family hatch and an SUV and you get a couple of pedals, along with a small straightforward gear selector. There's no 'one pedal' driving option, like you get in a Nissan LEAF, but there's an extra B mode, which gives greater lift-off deceleration, so boosting the battery's energy-harvesting efforts so that you can get somewhere close to the claimed 222 mile range figure. The ride is very comfort-orientated, as you'd expect from a Citroen thanks to the 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.

Design and Build

The visual changes to both hatch and e-C4X saloon versions of this model go beyond the scope of the usual facelift, drawing upon the brand's Oli concept car from 2022, with squared-off lighting signatures and the brand's latest logo. The slim LED front headlamps feature a characteristic light signature divided into three distinctive horizontal segments. There are rear tail light updates too, as part of changes to improve aerodynamic efficiency. Plusher versions get smart new 18-inch 'Amber' wheels, whilst the 'Colour Clips' that run horizontally across the rear of the car aim to add personalisation. The changes are even greater inside, where there's a bigger 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster (1.5-inches larger than before). The 10.0-inch central screen's the same size as previously, but has been updated with a new connected 3D navigation system and a better 'Hello Citroen'-activated voice control set-up. A major selling point of the pre-facelift car was its cossetting 'Advanced Comfort' seats; well they've been improved with an extra 15mm of foam and a new denser section of padding in the centre of the squab. For this EV version, there's also now a 'V2L' 'Vehicle-to-Load' system, which enables you to plug external devices (like laptop, lights, coffee makers, drones and so on) into the vehicle battery. Further back of course, it's just as before. For the rear seat, the brand continues to claim best-in-class knee room and offers a wide range of storage compartments. Plus there's a decently-sized 380-litre boot in the hatch version; the e-C4 X saloon's boot is a big 510-litres in size. Both figures are the same as you'd get with the combustion versions.

Market and Model

Prices for the e-C4 now sit in the £26,000 to £30,000 bracket and there are three trim levels to choose from - 'You!', 'Plus' and 'Max'. There's also the option of an alternative e-C4 X saloon body shape also priced at the same level. These figures are for the base 50kWh battery version; you'll need slightly more for the faster 54kWh variant with its longer range, which only comes in top 'e-series' trim priced at around £37,000. To take on key compact similarly-sized EV rivals in the same price bracket, all versions of this C4 need to be well equipped. They are. Nice touches the include LED ambient lighting on the new 7-inch digital instrument panel. Front passengers benefit from access to Citroën's Smart Pad Support, a retractable tablet holder built directly into the dashboard, which enables the front passenger to make the most of time spent on the move. Below this is a Dashboard Tray, a large sliding drawer with a cushioned action. A popular option will be the large electric opening panoramic sunroof. A 10-inch central infotainment screen comes with all C4s, as does wireless 'phone charging and 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring connectivity. A superb sound system can be specified too, with Arkamys digital sound processing and 8 speakers. A nice optional touch you might well want to consider is a full-HD camera built into the rear view mirror which can take photos or video stored on a 16GB memory card. Safety-wise, there's no fewer than 20 different driver assistance features, including Highway Driving Assist and a 'level 2' semi-autonomous drive system incorporating Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assist.

Cost of Ownership

With the top 54kWh model, the electric motor and battery enhancements reduce average energy consumption to 12kW/h, offering significant benefits in real-life customer use, even at temperatures close to 0°C. With both variants, the relatively compact battery size means less weight and less consumption, plus eco-style 'A+ 18-inch' tyres reduce rolling resistance and minimise energy loss through friction. As standard, there's a heat pump, which uses a humidity sensor to maximise energy efficiency and cooling. Like the e-C4 hatch, the e-C4 X charges at up to 100kW and charging times are the same with either the 50kWh or the 54kWh battery. The e-C4 X is fitted with a 7.4kW on-board charger, which can rapid charge to 80% in around half an hour using a 100kW public fast charger. At home, the car will charge from empty in around 7.5 hours using a 7kW garage wallbox. That could fall to just 5 hours if you have a 3-phase home electricity supply and have the car fitted with an optional 11kW on-board charger. As usual with an electric car, to take advantage of lower cost off-peak electricity tariffs, you can manage charging times by using the touchscreen tablet in the passenger compartment or by using the provided 'MyCitroen' app. The charging port features a coloured indicator so the user can monitor the charging process - which can also be followed on the 'MyCitroen' app. Whatever your choice of e-C4, you'll properly want to keep garage costs in check by opting for the affordable 3 year servicing plan that is available at point of purchase. Finally, there's the usual Citroen three year / 60,000 mile warranty. And the e-C4 X has its own battery warranty - 8 years or 100,000 miles for 70% of charge capacity.

Summary

You still might not be quite ready to make the step from family hatch to SUV. You also might not be quite ready to make the step from combustion engine to full-electric. This Citroen e-C4 makes either of these seismic steps a good deal more plateable to folk wavering on the edge of a crossover culture or a nightly charging regime. You get most of the visual cues associated with an SUV. And enough driving range to make the switch from combustion power to EV realistic enough to consider. Let's be honest, all of this isn't going to be enough to allow this car to out-sell the many family hatch EV models it's primarily targeted at - models like the Hyundai Kona electric, the Kia Niro EV and the Volkswagen ID.3. But the e-C4, especially in this updated form, has a much more individualistic charismatic feel than any of those cars. It's a proper Citroen, which means it's interesting, stylish and extremely comfortable. And a proper Citroen is something we always welcome. If you're looking for a wider choice in the EV part of the family hatchback segment, you should too.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Rain sensing automatic front windscreen wipers

Dark tinted rear windows and side windows with chrome detail

Front and rear electric windows

Brakes

Hill start assist

Electric parking brake

Electronic Stability Programme

Anti-lock brake system

Chassis/Suspension

Advanced comfort suspension - double hydraulic stops on front and rear suspension

Communication

Apple car play and Android auto

Voice commands

Driver Aids

Citroen connect box emergency and assistance system

Electronic Power Steering (EPS)

In-crash braking

Front, rear and lateral parking sensors

Adaptive cruise control with stop function

Active blind spot detection

Speed limiter

Citroen Smart Pad Support - integrated support for attaching a tablet computer for front passenger

Driver Convenience

Tailgate

Driver Information

Driver's head-up display

My Citroen Drive Plus: 10" high-resolution touchscreen user interface, controlling media, connectivity, vehicle settings + connected nav

5.5 inch backlit full TFT driver's instrument cluster with LED ambient lighting

Driving Mirrors

Perla Nera black painted external rear view mirrors

Electrically heated, folding and adjustable external rear view mirrors with courtesy lighting

Electrochrome interior rear-view mirror with automatic day-night switching

Entertainment

Bluetooth telephone and audio streaming

6 speakers

DAB Digital radio

Exterior Body Features

Rear side wing doors

Gloss black rear skirt

Body colour door handles

Body colour bumpers

Boot spoiler

Shark fin roof aerial

Exterior Lights

Intelligent beam headlights

LED daytime running lights in V signature

LED front headlamps

3rd brake light

Automatic headlights

Welcome and goodbye lighting

LED front fog lamps with static cornering function

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Dual zone automatic air conditioning

Remote temperature pre-conditioning

Interior Features

12V power outlet, 1x USB Type-C socket & data connection, 1x USB Type-A socket at 1st row + 1x USB Type-A socket , 1x USB Type-C socket in 2nd row

Dashboard tray in front cabin

Rear central folding armrest with cupholders and ski hatch

Deluxe leather steering wheel with two command blocks

Two position boot floor

Height and reach adjustable steering wheel

Raised centre console with armrest and two cup holders

Alcantara and black leather effect textile seats

XXL storage in front cabin

Interior Lights

Front and rear LED interior lighting

Boot light

Packs

Safety pack plus - C4/C-Series Edition/Max

High level acoustic insulation pack - C4/C4 X/e-C4 X

Safety

Tyre underinflation detection

Seatbelt unfastened on the move warning

Manual child lock in second row

Row 1 and 2 curtain airbags

Row 1 side thorax airbags

Front seatbelt pretensioners

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Driver and front passenger airbags

Manual deactivation of front passenger airbag

Seats

Height adjustable front passenger seat

Split folding rear seats

3 rear headrests

Front head restraints

Electrically heated front seats

Single front passenger seat

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Map pockets in rear of front seats

Height adjustable driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support

Security

Keyless entry and start

Remote locking with deadlocks

Anti-theft alarm (volumetric protection)

Immobiliser

Vanity Mirrors

Driver and passenger sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Vehicle Charging

Mode 3 charging cable with Type 2 connectors - for accelerated charging from wall boxes and dedicated public charging points

Wheels - Alloy

18" Diamond-cut Crosslight alloy wheels with anti-theft locking wheel nuts

Wheels - Spare

Puncture repair kit with compressor

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 450

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 7.4

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 300

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 30

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 20-80

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: N

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 54

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City: 555

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 414

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEL: 418

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEH: 414

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City: 345

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 257

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEH: 257

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEL: 260

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Left Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: N

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 100

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

Noise Level dB(A): 64

CO: N

HC: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

CC: 1

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Engine Layout: N

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Combined (mpg): N

General

Coin Series: Max

Coin Description: 54kWh

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 24E

Service Interval Mileage: 16000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 76

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 83

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 57

NCAP Safety Assist %: 63

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 4

Badge Power: 156

Badge Engine CC: 0.00

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 3

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 9.2

Top Speed: 93

Engine Power - BHP: 156

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 115

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 192

Engine Torque - NM: 260

Engine Torque - RPM: 3674

Engine Torque - MKG: 26.5

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 195/60 R18

Tyre Size Rear: 195/60 R18

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Wheel Style: DIAMOND CUT CROSSLIGHT

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4360

Width: 1800

Wheelbase: 2670

Width (including mirrors): 2032

Height: 1520

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1561

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2020

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: N

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: N

Max. Loading Weight: 459

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 380

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1250

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.9

Exterior Body Features

Premium metallic paint

Opening glazed sunroof

Additional metallic paint

Bi-tone roof - Perla nera black

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Heat pump

Interior Features

Heated steering wheel

Packs

Safety plus pack with highway driver assist - C4

Techno pack - C4 Auto

Anodised deep red colour pack - C4/C4 X/e-C4 X Shine/Shine plus/Plus/Max

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Cumulus grey

Metallic - Perla nera black

Metallic - Okenite white

Metallic - Platinum grey

Metallic - Eclipse blue

Paint - Special

Premium metallic - Elixir red

Trim - Alcantara Suede

Alcantara/leather effect textile seats - Black alcantara/black leather effect textile seats

Vehicle Charging

11 kW three phase onboard charger