New Citroen C4 and all-electric e-C4 go on sale in UK

The front grille of the new C4 is based on the new design first seen in production on the new Citroën C3 recently, and features V-shaped 'signature' lights and chrome chevrons that stretch across the width of the vehicle. The bonnet features a concave shape reflecting the C5 Aircross SUV, and the front bumper is finished in a matte black effect that Citroën says adds protection in small impacts. The air intake grille features a chevron pattern seen on the recent Ami One and 19_19 concept cars.

The wheel arches feature the same matte black finish as the front bumper, and also add to the SUV styling. Citroën says the sloping roof is designed to emphasise the aerodynamics of the new C4, with the rear overhang design intended to reflect the Citroën GS. 

Citroën says the C4’s 156mm ground clearance, combined with short front and rear overhangs, is designed to offer a higher vantage point and better all-round visibility than class rivals. While it is more conventional than the C4 Cactus several of the exterior customisation options offered for that car are available, including 31 different colour combinations.

Cobée said: “We probably were a bit carried away with our innovation capabilities on the [C4 Cactus].” He added that this new C4 is a “more comprehensive and attractive offer”.

Wheel sizes range from 16 to 18 inches, with the ë-C4 featuring an exclusive 18in Crosslite alloy wheel design.

Tech specs

The C4 is built on the PSA Group’s CMP modular platform, which can accept both electric and conventional powertrains. The ë-C4 features a 134bhp, 192lb ft electric engine, which draws power from a 50kWh battery. Citroën claims a range of 217 miles, a 0-62mph time of 9.7sec and a top speed of 93mph.

The car also recovers energy when decelerating and braking, with three drive modes – Eco, Normal and Sport – that can alter the amount of engine power and the energy draw for the air conditioning to boost range. 

The ë-C4 is fitted with an 11kW charger, which can complete a charge in around five hours on a 32-amp home wallbox, and a 100kW fast charger, which can achieve an 80% charge in 30 minutes on a public fast charger. Charging can be controlled via smartphone, with ë-C4 owners able to schedule it, for example to take advantage of off-peak electricity charge times.

Petrol and diesel powertrains

The petrol-powered C4 is offered with a choice of three 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo engines, ranging from the Puretech 100 to the Puretech 155. An eight-speed automatic gearbox is available on the most powerful petrols. There are also two four-cylinder diesels, the BlueHDi 110 and auto-only BlueHDi 130.

Full performance details of the petrol and diesel units that will be offered on the C4 have yet to be released. There is also no indication yet of whether the model will be offered in hybrid or plug-in hybrid form, although it is likely such powertrains will follow after launch.