Citroen debuts new C4 with swanky styling and an all-electric version

The Citroen C4 has always been a well-received compact SUV internationally, with quirky touches coupled with an unusually high emphasis on comfort that most owners will appreciate. This new C4, and the all-electric e-C4, have now got sloping rooflines, turning them into coupe-SUVs and good looking ones at that. The pair also get a host of new technology and features, increasing their desirability.

Exterior

This is where the bulk of the changes are. Gone is the hatchback-esque styling and rounded corners of the previous car, making way for sharp lines. The front end gets slim DRLs on top that flow into a chrome strip which makes up the Citroen logo. The headlights are placed just below and do the same for the second half of the logo. The grille has been split into two units, neither of which is ghastly and there are integrated fog lights on the lower half of the bumper with a touch of silver around them. On the side, the coupe-like roofline makes the C4 look very cool, while the rear haunches, slightly flared arches and contours give the C4 a very interesting side profile. The rear gets an integrated spoiler and a blacked-out top half which also houses the taillights. While the rear isn’t the C4’s best angle, the overall package is very interesting and certainly one that will turn heads.

Interior

The interior of the C4 is clean and simple. There’s nothing crazy going on here, and that’s a good thing. However, Citroen has taken quite a few steps to help make it the most comfortable vehicle in its segment. The seats, called Advance Comfort seats, reduce vibrations and help improve comfort over long distances as well. The C4 gets a nifty mount for the front passenger that allows them to mount a tablet to it and use it in a safe manner. A panoramic sunroof adds to the airiness of the cabin.

On top of that, it gets a digital instrument cluster, a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment display and all the other tech goodies you’d expect — Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging, connected car technology... you get the gist. What you might not expect in a car this advanced are physical air conditioning controls, and that is a great retention. The new C4 also gets a range of safety kit, including lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, steering assist for highways, driver attention alert and traffic sign recommendation.

Mechanicals

The e-C4 gets a 134bhp electric motor, with a torque output of 260Nm and a WLTP-tested range of 350 kilometres thanks to the 50kWh battery. If you’ve plugged it into a DC fast charger, you can gain approximately 100 kilometres with just 10 minutes of charging. Additional powertrains include a pair of petrols making either 98bhp or 153bhp, or a pair of diesels producing either 108bhp or 128bhp. The engines on offer can be had with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The ‘Hydraulic Cushion’ suspension is a highlight of the new C4’s package, which the Citroen claims will offer more comfort than ever before. This system uses two hydraulic stops on each side, one for compression, the other for decompression and works in two stages to maximise comfort.

While Citroen will open its innings in India with the C5 Aircross, the C4 could go up against the likes of the Ford Ecosport and Hyundai Venue, while offering more premium looks and a very well put together cabin. That’s not to say that the C4 will come to India, but if it does it will certainly be a very interesting prospect.