The new Citroen C4 on test for Changing Lanes!Thinking of buying a new Citroen C4 in Ireland? Read Caroline’s Citroen C4 review for everything you need to know about the new hatchback from the French car brand.
The Citroen C4 made a return to Ireland in 2021 with an all-new look and a complete line-up featuring petrol, diesel and electric for the very first time.
It’s the first significant new model launch from Citroen in a while. But with good looks and affability on its side, the new Citroen C4 deserves its time in the spotlight.
What’s so special about the new Citroen C4?
Priced from a very competitive €24,740, the C4 brings unique style to the C-segment where the traditional family hatchbacks reside. Yes it’s still a hatchback but it’s so adventurous in its design. There’s an SUV-coupé flourish to it, especially around the rear. Crossover-inspired plastic cladding and a raised ride height complete the look.
What’s even more interesting is that Citroen have taken the C4 as the opportunity to launch their first all-electric model in a long time! The e-C4 goes on sale priced from €31,730 with a 50 kWh battery and up to 350 km range (WLTP). But it’s the Citroen C4 petrol that’s the subject of this review.
The new C4 range goes on sale priced from €24,740Inside the Citroen C4
Inside, Citroen interprets the modern car interior with a digital upgrade for the C4 incorporating a new digital display for the driver and 10″ infotainment screen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – all fitted as standard. Cabin quality is okay with some soft touch panels in the doors for example, but there are quite a lot of hard dark plastics in the cabin of the Citroen C4, which make it feel a little on the austere side – at odds with the adventurous exterior looks!
The new C4 has a bigger footprint than most family hatchbacks. There is a spacious feel in the cabin for a family vehicle with plenty of generous storage. The seating position is higher than in other C-segment hatchbacks, giving a noticeable SUV feel behind the wheel. There’s loads of headroom and the foot wells are generous in the rear for this class of vehicle. Boot volume is 380 litres, which is on par with hatchback rivals like the Volkswagen Golf and the Ford Focus.
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 Flair model on test has diamond cut alloy wheels, speed sign recognition, blind spot detection, front parking sensors, adaptive cruise control and keyless entry/start.
Inside the 2021 Citroen C4Driving the new C4!
Petrol and diesel models for the moment offer a lower entry into the C4 range than the electric C4 and there is a good selection available. Engine options include the 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engine with 100, 130 or 155 hp or the 1.6-litre BlueHDi diesel with 110 or 130 hp. 6-speed manual and EAT8 automatic gearboxes are available for both engines.
The 1.2-litre petrol with 130 hp I drove in the C4 is hard to fault. It has enough power to feel swift and capable on the road. Yet it’s frugal too with fuel consumption averaging at 5.7 litres per 100 km over a few days of driving – and that was with an automatic gearbox.
Comfort was a huge focus in the new C4’s development and it delivers, covering the Irish tarmac well with a ‘cushioned’ feel. That’s because 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 light making the car agile around town or in the car park. Out on the road, the C4 is pleasant to drive, but with the set up of the car, it’s more about comfort than sportiness. Some rivals are sharper to drive.
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 new Citroen C4 brings adventurous design to the family hatchback market!Did you like it?
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 C4 makes a wonderful comeback to the C-segment with eye catching design that takes cues from the trend for crossovers and SUVs.
Visually the new Citroen C4 is a catch for sure. Inside it’s spacious and family-friendly, and while technology is up to date, it doesn’t feel as plush as rivals.
C4 kicks back with a very impressive engine and powertrain range with the all-important, all-electric C4 available for the very first time in this new generation of the car. The 1.2-litre petrol engine with 130 hp is genuinely efficient for what it is with no hidden surprises in terms of running costs.
If you are looking for a genuinely comfortable car in this segment, the C4 could be it.
Spacious, friendly and comfortable, the new C4 is a real boost for the Citroen brand in Ireland!
Exciting new electric Citroen e-C4 now on sale tooModel tested: Citroen C4 Flair Puretech 130 Automatic
Price: €31,690
Engine: 1.2-litre turbo petrol
Power: 130 hp
Torque: 230 Nm
Top speed: 209 km/h
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 9.4 seconds
CO2 emissions: 130 g/km
Motor Tax: €200 per year