Citroen e-C4 2021 in-depth UK review: Oh dear or ooh la la? / Electrifying

In the race to become the first mainstream car maker to really build an affordable electric family hatchback Citroen hasn’t exactly been troubling the scorers to date.

Apart from a handful of plug-in hybrids that have been there or thereabouts and the crazy Ami city car – you can watch our video by clocking the link below - Citroen has seemingly been happy to watch stablemates Peugeot, DS and Vauxhall (the three other brands owned by the PSA Group) jump on the electric car bandwagon.

But now, finally, Citroen has its own contender. And, cleverly it’s pitching its newcomer – the snappily-titled e-C4 – not as yet another SUV but as a family five-door hatchback.

This might sound like marketing suicide given the car industry’s obsession with SUVs, but we think it’s something of a masterstroke. That’s because a quick look at the best-selling cars in the UK will tell you that the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra actually account for way more sales than SUVs do.

We first saw this car earlier this year but Tom wasn't allowed to drive it. Now Citroen has finally relented and handed over the keys. Here's what Tom thinks.

If you like the Citroen e-C4 then we think you should also check out:

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[andrewdyson]

Like it, but could do with 60 KWh battery and a rear wiper

[ElectricVehicleMan]

We were the last drive of the week, so came away with all the bags of cookies, 4 lunch bags, cola, fanta, water and a Citroen Monopoly board! - Result!

[johnknight]

Here in Australia I wouldn't even consider a French car, normally. But in EV form suddenly these interesting European cars are a realistic prospect. Though you can keep soft roaders like these - I'll have a French hot hatch or a luxury sedan, please!

[casperhansen]

It seems to have issues with demisting the side windows. I have had a Citroën (C4 Grand Picasso) for 11 years and it is still going strong, but I think the range of the e-C4 is a little too small, I would prefer something like 250-300 miles and charging at a higher rate.
I am not sure I like the looks but I like the Citroën comfort.

[tomoconnor]

May I politely suggest when borrowing cars you might want to demist the side windows. It's likely to prevent a coming together with other vehicles. Or is it an example of being unable to run the aircon and drive at the same time😊

[Sherukka]

It is all about how it rides! If it rides like a real Citroën then it is a no brainer! I want one!

[lewisjohnston]

Great video. all the things i needed to know in just 7 mins.

[weetikissa]

How weird. It's both very ugly and quite handsome at the same time.

[jeremylister]

Why spoil it with poor rear visibility, that crazy spoiler and WHAT! no rear wash wipe!!??
C'mon designers get the basics right!! Grrrr

[oliverstemp]

Is this better than the Vauxhall Mokka-e, it also seems that PSA only made one electric powertrain, but they've decided to put it in everything. The numbers are very similar

[DreetenVeelokeetn]

One day Brits will realise that "oh la la" in French actually MEANS "oh dear".

[esmaillutfi]

Are you sure there is no rear window wiper???? I mean, that is a deal breaker in "snowy" countries. I can't believe it...

[bilgyno]

Seems like a nice car, but why do PSA so far only sell 50 kWh versions of their electric cars with only 100 kW max DC charging ? That makes them much less reliable for long trips and rules them out for me. This kind of option should have been released in the 2014 C4 Cactus, but now looks a bit dated...

[Trevorfoggia]

U.K. tax breaks are ridiculously low considering we are one of the top economies in the world. Romania gives a tax break of 9, 000 euros on EV’s. Now that is a helping hand to change - especially considering cars are cheaper in that market. Come on U.K., you need to get your act together if you want to ban the sales of petrol and diesel in the neat future. So far you are doing crap.
Greetings from Cumbria in in the U.K.
Stay safe and well everyone.

[MrMikusha]

Beautiful car, I hope c3 and c1 would be as stunning as this one, cause I’m getting one.

[jackfadell]

What's its aircon like? It's quite fogged up inside and didn't appear to be clearing up quickly.

[mysportsupply]

Do you know what the loading length is? For example.. does a buggy of 1 m length fit in the trunk?

[mattlyons]

Call me biased... but the exterior reminds me a little of the Polestar 2.... BTW. You're not camp. Just not serious. And I love comfort over sporty.

[thomaseriksson]

Nice review 👍 looks good in black painting.

[iustitiaepervenit]

why everybody is talking about lack of back wiper? does the bmw 3, mercedes c, or any other sedan has a back wiper? Look at the angle of the back window! it doesnt need to have a wiper!