Citroen C4 (2021) First Drive Review

The Citroen C4 and electric Citroen E-C4 have arrived in Ireland – here to reinvent the hatchback! With a new SUV-inspired design and an electric model available from launch, the new C4 is certainly worth a headline or two. The range will go on sale in Ireland from a very competitive €24,740 for the C4, or from €31,730 for the E-C4 with a 50 kWh battery and up to 350 km range (WLTP). Caroline was at the press launch in Dublin to find out more about the new C4 range and bring it for a first drive on Irish roads.

Styling

The Citroen C4 has evolved in many directions over recent years but it seems to have finally found a sweet spot in this new generation. It’s pitched against family hatchbacks like the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf, but it clearly takes a whole new design direction to this class of vehicle. From the outside it is tastefully designed with some SUV-inspired styling. It has the height and ground clearance of a crossover. A bright colour palette and many customisation options add to the fun and colourful image of this car. Could be a huge success on looks alone.

Interior

Inside it feels more like a hatchback. But an airy one with lots of expansive glazing and a high roof line. The new generation interior is pared back but big on digital. The 10” colour touchscreen infotainment screen comes as standard with a digital instrument cluster for the driver too.

Practicality

The C4’s dimensions mean it feels more spacious inside than other hatchback rivals. There’s loads of headroom and the footwells are generous for this class of vehicle. Boot volume is 380 litres, which is on par with rivals.

Engines

The new C4 will be available with petrol and diesel engines, or with an electric powertrain in the e-C4. Engine options include the  PureTech petrol engine with 100, 130 or 155 hp or the BlueHDi diesel with 110 or 130 hp. 6-speed manual and EAT8 automatic gearboxes are available for both engines.

The E-C4 uses a 50 kWh battery to produce 136 hp and a range of up to 350 km (WLTP). Charging to 80% battery power is possible in 30 minutes at 100 kW, while an 11 kW 3-phase charger will charge to 100% in 5 hours. The car can be charged from a 32-amp domestic wall box in 7.5 hours. E-C4 customers that move their energy account to Energia will also receive a free home charger plus 20% off their electricity tariff, while a 30% discount will apply if a wall box is already fitted to the home.

Driving it

On the road the Citroen C4 is affable, soft and comfortable. Well it should be – comfort is a strong theme these days at Citroen! The new Citroen C4 uses the Citroen Advanced Comfort® programme featuring suspension with Progressive Hydraulic Cushions and Advanced Comfort Seats to ensure the renowned Citroen driving comfort. Steering is very light making it ideal for town and tight manoeuvres. It can hustle through corners confidently enough, but with the set up of the car it’s more about comfort than sportiness. The E-C4 impressed on a short run, though we didn’t get to fully test the battery power and range of the car. The 1.2-litre Puretech petrol engine with 130 hp and a 6-speed manual gearbox is a reliable companion to the new C4, with plenty of performance and competitive efficiency for this class of vehicle.

Pricing

The entry point into the C4 range is the 1.2 litre Puretech petrol with 100 hp in Feel trim for €24,740. Step up to the same engine with 130 hp in Feel Pack trim with more gear for €27,620. Flair models start from €29,190 and Flair Pack from €33,640.

Diesels start from €26,790.

The E-C4 starts from €31,730 including Government grants and VRT relief.

Equipment

The C4 and E-C4 are available in four grades for Ireland: Feel, Feel Pack, Flair and Flair Pack. Standard equipment is good including 18” alloys, automatic LED headlights, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, rear parking sensors and camera, lane keep assist and automatic air conditioning.

The Feel Pack adds Citroën Connect Nav, Citroën ConnectedCam, Citroën Smart Pad support and Head up display.

Flair models have diamond cut alloy wheels, speed sign recognition, blind spot detection, front parking sensors, adaptive cruise control and keyless entry/start.

The range-topping Flair Pack adds the EAT8 gearbox as standard, Citroën HiFi System, leather interior, heated seats and highway driver assist.

Unique to the E-C4, standard equipment includes a mode 3 charging cable for on-street charging, while the My Citroën app allows for pre-condition of cabin temperature and remote charging options. The E-C4 Flair Pack trim also adds a heated steering wheel.

Summary

Citroen cars in Ireland now have a new distributor and with the new C4, there’s certainly energy and momentum in the brand again for the Irish market.

The Citroen C4 appears to tick many boxes but has the visual appeal and stance of an SUV that is sure to gain it some attention on the forecourt.

Slotting between the refreshed C3 supermini and C3 Aircross on the compact side, and the C5 Aircross on the larger side, the C4 brings a full battery electric vehicle to the Citroen range for the first time.

Spacious, friendly and well-priced, the new C4 could change everything for Citroen in Ireland.

We look forward to bringing you a full road test review later in the year!

Caroline Kidd