CITROEN C4 HATCHBACK 1.2 Hybrid [136] Plus 5dr e-DCS6

Citroen's improved C4 family hatch and saloon models seem a good bet in Hybrid form. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

Citroen's now-improved C4 is probably at its best with this Hybrid 136 e-DCS6 powertrain. For a full family hatch customer looking for something comfortable and characterful as an interim step towards an EV, it might be just about right.

Background

Even quirky people have a sensible side. In the purchase of an ordinary family hatch, you'd have to be just a little unusual to prefer a Citroen C4 against the usual Golf and Astra fraternity. But you still want efficiency - and to do your bit for the environment. Initially with this generation C4, Citroen encouraged you to meet those goals by paying more for the all-electric e-C4 version. But that variant costs considerably more than its conventional petrol counterpart and right at present, the EV market is stalling - for very good reasons. So another C4 electrified alternative was needed - and in 2023 we got it, the Hybrid 136 e-DCS6 version, offered in hatch and C4 X saloon forms. Like the rest of the C4 range, that derivative benefitted from visual exterior and cabin updates introduced in late 2024 to create the car we're going to look at here. You have to put fuel in in a C4 Hybrid and you can't plug it in, but it claims to be able to take care of a lot of town travel on battery power alone. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience

The 48V Hybrid system in use here is based around the conventional C4's familiar 1.2-litre three cylinder petrol engine mated to a bespoke 6-speed e-DCS6 dual clutch auto transmission. Bespoke because that gearbox's casing houses the DC inverter, the Engine Control Unit and a little 28hp electric motor powered by a tiny battery secreted beneath the front passenger seat. Two versions of this engine are available, a base variant with 100hp and a slightly perkier version with 136hp. On the move, the petrol engine and the electric motor can operate together - or separately. And, unlike with a mild hybrid system like that fitted to say, a Golf eTSI, here the car can be driven for short urban distances (under 18mph) on electric power alone. The motor also assists the engine under acceleration - such as from standstill to 62mph, which (helped by 230Nm of torque) takes 8.0s en route to 128mph. Mind you, those figures are only 1.4s and 4mph faster than the equivalent un-electrified auto derivative. During deceleration, the petrol engine stops and the e-motor acts as a generator to recharge the Hybrid system's 48V battery. The battery also stores the energy recuperated by the regenerative braking system. As with any other C4, this car features a clever Progressive Hydraulic suspension set-up. Here, the 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

Apart from the badgework, there are no visual changes to differentiate this Hybrid variant, which like any ordinary C4 is offered in hatch or C4 X saloon forms. With both body styles, the visual changes made to this improved 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 before, 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 the EV versions, 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 C4 X saloon's boot is a big 510-litres in size.

Market and Model

Expect pricing for this Hybrid 136 e-DCS6 variant in either hatch or C4 X saloon form to start from just over £22,000; that's with a hatch in the 100hp version and base 'You' trim. The 136hp version of this engine comes only with plusher 'Plus' or 'Max' trim and starts from just under £25,000 with either hatch or C4X saloon bodystyles. You'll need to factor in a £1,350 premium over the equivalent un-electrified conventional C4 PureTech 130 EAT8 variant. 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

This C4 Hybrid 136 e-DCS6 manages up to 62.1mpg on the combined cycle (2mpg better than the equivalent Astra Hybrid) and up to 107g/km of CO2 (1g/km worse). The figures are the same for the base Hybrid 100hp version of this unit. To give you some perspective, an ordinary non-electrified C4 PureTech 130 Turbo auto hatch manages up to 50.7mpg and up to 131g/km. But that variant's BiK-rated at 31% - compared with 26% for this Hybrid. This C4's Hybrid petrol engine has been optimised for efficiency and operates in the Miller combustion cycle. This thermodynamic cycle is enabled by the variable geometry turbocharger, which enhances performance at low rpm, and variable valve timing. A belt-driven starter combines with the e-motor to start the petrol engine from cold. The belt-starter also restarts the engine quickly and seamlessly while driving. As for peace of mind, well there's the usual unremarkable Citroen three year 60,000 mile warranty. As with any 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.

Summary

There needed to be another reason to choose a Citroen C4 and this Hybrid powertrain provides it. It's not quite as electrified as, say, a Toyota Corolla would be, but the petrol/electric set-up does much the same thing and the overall package costs a little less money and has a little more charm. Which might also make it stand out from the increasing number of other Stellantis Group models also now using this same e-DCS6 powertrain. The C4 Hybrid isn't really the kind of family hatch that five years ago Citroen and the Brussels bureaucrats thought we'd now be buying. But more than an equivalent EV, it's more the kind of car we need right now.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Rain sensing automatic front windscreen wipers

Tinted side windows with matt black detail

Front and rear electric windows

Brakes

Anti-lock brake system

Electric parking brake

Hill start assist

Electronic Stability Programme

Chassis/Suspension

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

Communication

Voice commands

Apple car play and Android auto

Driver Aids

Cruise control + speed limiter

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

In-crash braking

Citroen connect box emergency and assistance system

Electronic Power Steering (EPS)

Top rear vision reversing camera

Rear parking sensors

Driver Convenience

Tailgate

Driver Information

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

Driver's head-up display

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

Driving Mirrors

Standard interior rear-view mirror with manual day-night switching

Electrically heated, folding and adjustable external rear view mirrors

Perla Nera black painted external rear view mirrors

Entertainment

DAB Digital radio

6 speakers

Bluetooth telephone and audio streaming

Exterior Body Features

Body colour bumpers

Gloss black rear skirt

Boot spoiler

Rear side wing doors

Body colour door handles

Shark fin roof aerial

Exterior Lights

Welcome and goodbye lighting

LED front fog lamps with static cornering function

Automatic headlights

3rd brake light

LED daytime running lights in V signature

LED front headlamps

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Dual zone automatic air conditioning

Interior Features

Grained leather steering wheel with two command blocks

Dashboard tray in front cabin

XXL storage in front cabin

Chevrons cloth and leather effect textile seat upholstery

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

Two position boot floor

Height and reach adjustable steering wheel

Raised centre console with armrest and two cup holders

Interior Lights

Front and rear LED interior lighting

Boot light

Packs

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

Safety

Tyre underinflation detection

Seatbelt unfastened on the move warning

Manual deactivation of front passenger airbag

Row 1 and 2 curtain airbags

Manual child lock in second row

Front seatbelt pretensioners

Row 1 side thorax airbags

Driver and front passenger airbags

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Seats

Height adjustable driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support

Map pockets in rear of front seats

Split folding rear seats

3 rear headrests

Front head restraints

Height adjustable front passenger seat

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Single front passenger seat

Security

Immobiliser

Remote locking with deadlocks

Two remote keys

Anti-theft alarm (volumetric protection)

Vanity Mirrors

Driver and passenger sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Wheels - Alloy

18" Bi-tone painted aeroblade alloy wheels with anti-theft locking wheel nuts

Wheels - Spare

Puncture repair kit with compressor

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 107

HC+NOx: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 125

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 107

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders: 3

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 12

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Compression Ratio: 10.5:1

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 6 SPEED

CC: 1199

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 90.5

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 75

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 51.1

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 68.8

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 60.6

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 71.9

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 61.8

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 67.8

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 55.6

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 52.3

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 42.6

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 62.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 4.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 4.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 5.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 6.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 5.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 5.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 4.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 4.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 4.7

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 3.9

General

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

Coin Series: Plus

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 22E

Coin Description: Hybrid [136]

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 80

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 83

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 57

NCAP Safety Assist %: 63

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 4

Badge Power: 136

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Badge Engine CC: 1.2

Special Edition: 0

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Generation Mark: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Performance

Engine Power - KW: 100

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 170

Engine Torque - NM: 230

Engine Power - BHP: 136

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 62 mph (secs): 8

Top Speed: 128

Engine Torque - MKG: 23.5

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Test Cycles

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

Tyres

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Wheel Style: AEROBLADE

Tyre Size Front: 195/60 R18

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Tyre Size Rear: 195/60 R18

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4360

Height: 1525

Width (including mirrors): 2032

Wheelbase: 2670

Width: 1800

Weight and Capacities

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.9

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1250

Max. Roof Load: 80

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 380

Max. Loading Weight: 475

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 705

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1200

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 50

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1810

Minimum Kerbweight: 1335

Exterior Body Features

Premium metallic paint

Additional metallic paint

Bi-tone roof - Perla nera black

Packs

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

Safety pack plus - C4

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Eclipse blue

Metallic - Platinum grey

Metallic - Perla nera black

Metallic - Cumulus grey

Metallic - Okenite white

Paint - Special

Premium metallic - Elixir red

Trim - Part Leather

Chevrons cloth and leather effect textile seat - Grey / black leather effect textile with ultra emerald green stitching + urban grey interior ambience