Citroen C4 review

This is the newly facelifted, third generation Citroen C4. The first generation C4 in 2004 was the quirky looking family car that turned into a dancing Transformer robot in its telly ad, the second one in 2010 was all shiny chrome and bland anonymity. The latest car, launched in 2020 and updated in late 2024, stands out a bit more but possibly not for the right reasons.

But really, what is it?

It is a good question – it’s still a hatchback, but slightly taller. Not tall enough to be an SUV, and too sleek of boot to be a crossover. Someone in Citroen marketing might try and call it a coupe of some description, but if you hear them do that they need to be slapped on the wrist and told to stop.

The C4 sits on the same Stellantis CMP platform as the Peugeot 208 (and 2008), the Vauxhall Corsa (and Mokka), the Alfa Romeo Junior, the Lancia Ypsilon, the DS 3, the Fiat 600 and the Jeep Avenger. Phew. Said platform must be stretched to breaking point in this format though given the C4 is actually slightly longer, wider and of course taller than a Mk8 Volkswagen Golf.

In fact, it’s only a smidge smaller than the Vauxhall Astra and Peugeot 308, both of which use the larger EMP2 platform and are more expensive.

Anyway, the 208 and Corsa underpinnings mean teensy tiny engines, and in the e-C4 electric version the same e-motor and a choice of either a 50 or 54kWh battery. There’s also a longer, weirder version of the C4 called the C4 X, which has a growth on the back that some have described as saloon-like in appearance. We’ll cover all shapes and powertrains in this here review.

Is the C4 comfortable?

That’s Citroen’s thing, isn’t it. And the French carmaker should be applauded for not pursuing the same ridiculous notion of sportiness that plagues other vehicles on the market and inevitably means a brittle ride and obnoxious acceleration. Eventually we all get to the age where we want something a little more supple and soft riding, it’s just some of us reach that age sooner than others.  

The seats are comfortable, you can tell Citroen’s put a bit of effort into those. In fact, one of the major talking points at the 2024 facelift was the upgraded ‘Advanced Comfort seats’ with 15mm thicker foam and bigger bolsters for more lateral support.

As you might be able to tell from that exciting news, the C4 probably isn’t going to get your heart racing, but its relaxed gait means you’d probably enjoy a nice long journey in one. The C4’s niche styling makes it a more comfortable car to live with, too – it’s that little bit higher to get in and out, and in theory the extra ride height offers a bit more travel in the suspension.

Be warned though, the ride is well-judged in the hybrid versions, but the all-electric e-C4 and e-C4 X are far too squidgy.

What else is new for the facelift? 

Most noticeable on both the C4 and C4 X is the new front end with its many LEDs (apparently inspired by the Oli concept) and the refreshed Citroen logo. Both versions have had their rear ends slightly refined for better aero too, and there are similarly blocky lights back there on the C4, although the C4 X misses out on that particular update. Oh, and there are new wheel designs, but that’s about it for the exterior.

Inside you get those new seats and a 7.0-inch digital instrument display, while there’s fresh software for the 10.0-inch infotainment screen and an AI-equipped voice assistant.

What engines are there?

First point of note – with the 2024 facelift, the manual gearbox option has gone. Sad times. Oh, and so has the diesel engine. Less sad. Anyway, your choice of powertrains for the C4 hatch now kicks off with a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder (that’s ditched the wet belt design and is now chain driven) and a 48-volt mild hybrid system to produce a mighty 99bhp and 151lb ft of torque. That’s paired with a six-speed dual clutch auto and front-wheel drive, with the 0-62mph sprint (well, more a light jog) taking 10.7 seconds.

Want a little more urgency? You can have the same powertrain with 134bhp, 170lb ft of torque and an 8.0-second 0-62mph time, or there’s still the option of a non-hybrid three-cylinder that makes 129bhp and is paired with an eight-speed auto gearbox.

The all-electric e-C4 comes in two guises, with a 134bhp motor and 50kWh battery combining for the entry-level setup. That gets you up to 219 miles of claimed range, or you can spec a 154bhp motor that comes with a newer 54kWh battery and 257 miles of range.

Does the C4 X just get exactly the same powertrains?

Well, with the e-C4 X you get exactly the same motor/battery combos, but thanks to the sleeker profile you might be able to eke out more range. Citroen claims 222 miles on the WLTP cycle for the 50kWh battery and 263 miles for the 54kWh unit.

If you’re looking for petrol power, your only option on our shores is the more powerful version of the aforementioned mild hybrid setup.

How much does it cost?

Great question, because it’s actually a good chunk cheaper than a VW Golf. Prices start at £22,295 for the 99bhp hybrid in base spec YOU! trim. That’s Citroen’s shouty capital letters and exclamation mark by the way, not ours. Ergh. 

For the same trim, the e-C4 now starts at an impressive £26,295, while the e-C4 X is £27,360 and the hybrid C4 X is £24,735.

There’s not enough space on the internet to list all of the C4’s rivals now that it straddles multiple segments, but for hatchbacks think Golf, Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra etc, and for small crossovers it’s things like the Mazda CX-30, the Toyota C-HR, the Renault Arkana and the VW Taigo (remember that?).

It's good to find a hatch that isn't like all the rest. The comfort and quietness proposition is mostly met by the C4, although we did find that the electric versions lacked a bit of body control, and there’s a decent bit of wind noise made by the side mirrors. The mild hybrid setup is appealing though, and this is an interestingly styled hatch with a very reasonable asking price.

It’s probably not the most practical family car, all things considered, but the interior is sensibly laid out and those looking for something that’s consciously different – and stands out from the same old same old that’s found elsewhere – will be happy enough.