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Citroen C4

The independent definitive Citroen C4 video review
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    C HERE 4 INNOVATION (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_citroenc4_2021

    By Jonathan Crouch

    In the C4, Citroen can offer a credible but properly distinctive family hatch. Jonathan Crouch takes a drive.

    Ten Second Reviewword count: 74

    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 either combustion, Hybrid or 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.

    Backgroundword count: 172

    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 a choice of Hybrid and all-electric e-C4 versions too. And a separate C4 X saloon body style.

    Driving Experienceword count: 381

    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, now all petrol-powered. There's the brand's usual PureTech 1.2-litre three cylinder petrol unit, available mainly in 130hp form, though the C4 X saloon also offers it in 100hp guise. All variants are front driven, with the 130hp PureTech engine offered with the option of the brand's EAT8 8-speed auto gearbox. The other auto combustion-powered C4 is the Hybrid 136 e-DCS6 version, which uses a dual-clutch 6-speed auto with an electric motor built into the transmission casing. On the move, the Hybrid system's 136bhp 1.2-litre three cylinder 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. The e-C4 electric model comes in two forms. The first version has the older Stellantis Group EV powertrain system - a 50kWh battery and a 136hp electric motor, with a driving range of 219 miles. With this, 62mph from rest takes 9.5s on the way to a modest 93mph top speed. You'd prefer though, if possible to stretch to the newer package, which pairs a slightly larger 54kWh battery with a faster 156hp motor to offer a driving range WLTP-rated at up to 260 miles. Like all EVs, the e-C4 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. The e-C4 has a 'Brake' feature to amplify the deceleration of the car without pressing the brake pedal. This set-up allows for the recovery of energy when slowing the car and allows the driver to partially recharge the battery and increase driving range.

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    Pictures (high res disabled)

    Statistics (subset of data only)

    Min

    Max

    Price:

    £20,000.00

    £30,000.00

    Max Speed (mph):

    114 (100PS 1.5 BlueHDi)

    0-62 mph (s):

    10.7 (100PS 1.5 BlueHDi)

    Scoring (subset of scores)

    Category: Compact Family Cars

    Performance
    60%
    Handling
    50%
    Comfort
    80%
    Space
    80%
    Styling, Build, Value, Equipment, Depreciation, Handling, Insurance and Total scores are available with our full data feed.

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