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Since its debut in 2020, the updated Citroen C4 has immediately attracted attention with its unusual form factor, combining the features of a hatchback and crossover with the recognizable style of a coupe. The electric version announced at the same time only heightened interest in the model, making the wait particularly exciting, which, however, was fully justified, as the result exceeded the expectations of even the most discerning critics. The history of the C4 model began back in 2004, when the French manufacturer presented the world with a replacement for the Xsara model, which stood out for its extremely original and bold design. At the same time, five-door and three-door hatchbacks made their debut, the latter often referred to as a coupe, followed by a sedan and the Picasso compact van. The first generation was produced not only in Europe, but also in China and Argentina, which explains its unusually long life cycle. The second generation appeared in 2010 and was distinguished by a rather restrained design for Citroen, which of course did not hinder sales, but somewhat disappointed fans of the brand who were expecting more striking solutions. However, the third generation changed everything radically, presenting a completely new car that cannot even be compared to its predecessor.
The electric Citroen e-C4 is offered to Ukrainian buyers in a single, but richly equipped Shine version, which includes climate control, parking sensors and a rear view camera, a multimedia system with navigation, wireless charging for smartphones, keyless access, LED headlights with adaptive high beams, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The model costs 1,440,700 hryvnia, which is approximately equivalent to $34,500. Technically, the car is built on the CMP/e-CMP platform, designed for both internal combustion engines and electric vehicles. Initially, the e-C4 was equipped with a 50 kWh battery and a 136 horsepower electric motor with a torque of 260 Nm m, providing a range of 350 kilometers according to the WLTP cycle. However, the model now has a more modern 156 horsepower motor from e-Motors and an increased 54 kWh battery, which has increased the range to 420 kilometers according to the same cycle. It is important to note that the manufacturer provides an eight-year or 160,000-kilometer warranty on the battery, during which at least 70% of the original capacity is guaranteed to be retained, while the overall warranty on the electric vehicle is completely identical to the warranty on versions with traditional engines.
When creating the exterior of the new Citroen C4, designers drew inspiration from the 2016 CXPERIENCE and 2019 19_19 Concept, with the electric version being virtually identical to the internal combustion engine versions, which is undoubtedly a big plus, retaining the recognizable V-shaped optics, coupe-crossover style, large wheels at the corners of the body, and a bright color palette. The sloping roofline and original rear window design, visually divided into two parts by a spoiler, create a unique look, although similar solutions have previously been used by brands such as Pontiac, Toyota, and Mitsubishi, each with varying degrees of success. In the case of Citroën, the focus was on style and paying tribute to the first generation of the C4, namely its three-door version. This glazing slightly distorts visibility, but not critically. The interior of the car does not contain the futuristic elements of concept cars, but offers many practical and interesting solutions, including a massive textured panel with numerous shelves and storage niches, a special Smart Pad Support holder for tablets, a pull-out drawer above the glove compartment, a digital instrument panel with side lighting and a 10-inch high-resolution central display, a separate dual-zone climate control unit, and an automatic transmission selector styled like a joystick. Some elements, such as the steering wheel with a wide lower spoke, are reminiscent of classic models such as the Citroen CX.
The multimedia system has virtually no physical buttons, but features a well-designed and uncluttered menu, a slightly unusual widescreen display, and an improved rearview camera image, albeit with some blind spots on the sides. In addition, there is a separate menu for monitoring the charge level, energy consumption, and the charging process, with tips on the location of the ports. The interior space of the electric version is in no way inferior to the version with an internal combustion engine, there is enough room in the back even for tall passengers despite the sloping roof, and the slightly increased floor due to the battery under the floor has virtually no effect on comfort. The only minor drawbacks are the high thresholds and headrests that cannot be adjusted for angle. The trunk capacity is 380 liters, which is identical to other versions. The trunk is well finished and has a special hatch for long items, but there is no spare tire, only a repair kit, which is typical for many modern cars.
When in motion, the electric car impresses with its quietness and instant readiness to start. It accelerates to 100 km/h in about 9 seconds, but in practice it can be even faster, as independent measurements have shown. Its dynamics are smooth and confident, and its torque of 260 Nm is second only to diesel versions. Three driving modes are available as standard. In normal mode, the emphasis is on comfort and smoothness, while in sport mode, the response to the accelerator pedal becomes significantly sharper. The suspension with Progressive Hydraulic Cushions technology handles bumps exceptionally smoothly, reminiscent of air suspension in terms of comfort, which is especially noticeable on speed bumps and small bumps. Energy consumption is close to the stated figure and is around 14-16 kWh per 100 km in the urban cycle, which, with a battery capacity of 54 kWh, allows you to travel up to 400 km without recharging in warm weather, even with the air conditioning running. For charging, there are Type 2 ports for AC power up to 11 kW and CCS Combo 2 for DC power up to 100 kW at fast charging stations, with charging from 20 to 80% taking about 30 minutes and a full charge taking about twice as long. As a result, the Citroen e-C4 remains true to itself, offering striking design, high comfort and modern technology without compromising on practicality, and the electric powertrain only enhances these qualities, making it one of the most interesting offerings in its class.