New Citroen C4 In-Depth Review 2021 - The Best Family Hatchback?

This third generation C4 is a far more creditable offering for Citroen in the family hatchback sector. And, the French brand hopes, can play its part in rejuvenating this segment by integrating SUV style and the option of full electric power into traditional family hatch design. Plus there's a clever suspension system to make this contender feel really Citroen-esque.

TIMESTAMPS
00:00​​​​ Introduction
00:37 Background
02:59 Driving Experience
12:20 Design & Build
27:13 Market & Model Range
43:02 Cost of Ownership
51:15​​​ Summary

Background

"This car", says Citroen CEO Vincent Cobee, "is Citroen to the core", this third generation C4 model's task being to return the brand to credibility in the Focus and Golf-dominated family hatch sector. The last C4, launched in 2010, wasn't particularly Citroen and wasn't particular successful either, selling mainly on low price - and towards the end of its life not even on that. In 2017, Citroen tried to replace it with an evolved family hatch-orientated version of its C4 Cactus crossover, but that didn't work either.

This third generation C4, launched in mid-2020, plugs plays the crossover card too in terms of some aspects of its visual appeal, but unlike with the outgoing C4 Cactus, in buying one, you won't feel you're being forced into an SUV rather against your will. Instead, this C4 plays to the things people tend to like about Citroen - innovative design, a distinctive feel and exemplary ride quality. Plus there's an all-electric e-C4 version too.

Driving Experience

Citroen hopes that the way this car drives is what will sell it to you - or more specifically, the way this car rides. Like the outgoing C4 Cactus, it features a clever Progressive Hydraulic suspension set-up. Here, the car's springs and shock absorbers work in concert with hydraulic compression and rebound stops, which are supposed to slow body movement over bumps and tarmac tears. You'll want to know about the engines. There's the brand's usual PureTech 1.2-litre 3 cylinder petrol unit, available in three states of tune with 100, 130 or 155hp options. All variants will be front driven, with more powerful models available with an 8-speed auto gearbox. Citroen also offers its usual 1.5-litre BlueHDi diesel, available either with a 6-speed manual gearbox (in 110hp guise) or an 8-speed automatic (in 130hp form).

New for the C4 range this time round is an all-electric version, the e-C4, which uses a 50kWh battery powering an electric motor and developing 135hp. It can make 62mph from rest in 9.7 seconds and go on to a top speed of 93mph, but the more important stat is this model's ability to cover a WLTP-rated range of 217 miles on a single charge. To boost this capability, the car can recover energy when decelerating or braking. And there are three drive modes - 'Eco', 'Normal' and 'Sport' - that can vary the level of engine power and the energy draw from the air conditioning to boost driving range.

Design and Build

What this MK3 C4 does beyond any doubt is to confirm that the delineating line between family hatch and compact SUV design is being ever more blurred. Which many folk in search of a compact hatch will think to be no bad thing. Citroen says the crossover cues aren't for crossover purposes. The higher-than-Focus-class-average 156mm ride height is there to offer a high vantage point and better all-round visibility. The matte black-finished wheel arches aren't for arduous tracks but to prevent supermarket car park dings. And there's plenty of signature Citroen design, with stylishly-shaped signature lights and chromed Chevrons that stretch across the car's width. Plus there's and an air intake grille featuring a pattern first seen on the brand's recent 19_19 concept car.

Inside, the dash gets the kind of big 10-inch centre touchscreen that's in current vogue. And a fully digitalised instrument binnacle. Thankfully, unlike with the old C4 Cactus, the climate controls are separated out from the screen on the centre stack.

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[colingarner]

Good review and good reviewer I struggled with that bloke at Carwow .

[znzbotz]

I bought a 1.2 shine plus and its fantastic.

[rayfordham]

Great review folks, that wasn't written on the back of an envelope, I doubt
you could get anywhere near that much info from a dealer. We hired a C3
from Bordeaux airport a couple of years ago and halfway through the week
the fuel gauge packed up when we returned the car the renters reaction was
oh well it is a Citroen after all as if it was nothing out of the ordinary, made me
smile. Good one chaps looking forward to the next thanks.

[klaushaunstrupchristensen]

Great review. I tried out the E version about 3 weeks ago. Highly impressed the combination of lack of noise, no gear change and a delightfully comfortable suspension made me think of a Rolls Royce for us mere proletarians 😆 Great work Citroën!

[jdavison]

Best review of this model I have seen. Many thanks.

[tebona]

I loved the look and the propose of this car. As a 2017 Golf owner I really hope that Citroen brings the C4 to Brazil in a few years. Congrats for the awsome review.

[JanaPersson]

What an excellent review, and reviewer! It gave me great advice and in depth insight into options, features, standouts, drawbacks, competition and even a little bit of history. It really should be higher ranked on Youtube if your search item is 'Citroen C4'. OSV shortlisted for future car reviews, for sure. Thank you!

[mr-hypercycle]

I like the C4 even more now I know its designer did the stunning C6. I agree that it's a shame there are no other interior colours available, although to be fair very few other manufacturers offer anything but black at this price point. I also don't understand why lack of wireless phone charging would ever be an issue? I've got wireless charging in my car, but it's pretty pointless when you still need to connect the phone via cable to use Apple Car Play/Android Auto.

[stuartcollett]

Would this suit a tall person for head room

[Brandofviti]

quick question: does citroen make armchairs? :D (Yep, already bought the e-c4)

[DawleyDude]

Good review however they could have gone into more detail about trims/specs and the comparisons, mine is a 130 sense pls, it has the urban grey interior, 6 speed manual.. I have yet to see a review about this model despite it being one of its biggest selling options. I tried the auto version but found it too sluggish and the gear ratio pretty poor, especially around town where it either over revs or just doesn't respond quick enough.

[steliosgeorgitsis]

Iam a happy owner of this beautufull car since April 2021 with 11000 km till today.
BUT there are two big "BUTS".
1.Aerodynamics noices over 120km/h, like a litlle open front window (I couldn't belive it when I first heard it)!!!
2.When the car runs downhill with sicains another noice comes from the front (like CRAK-CRAK).
It happens when turns from corner to corner after braking.
Unbelievable issues for such a brand new car !!!
I am not so happy

[mattltvtoyreviews]

As always, a great review. Mazda 3 or C4? 🤔 Difficult choice... Thoughts?

[RaduB.]

I'm not a fan of Citroën but I certainly enjoy a good review!
Hopefully this C4 will bring them the success they do deserve, however.
Thank you!

[Megatronman]

Is the C4 better than the Renault Arkana?

[DeMarki]

Would you recommend the 155 hp engine over the 130 hp one? (If the price increase isn't an issue)

[eliselies]

I will go for a test drive. Never ever ride a Citroen. Actually i’m a easy rider… so this car is on my toplist!

[victorgrasscourt]

When are you going to test the new Citroen C5x? Please don’t test the hybrid version. Too many reviews already. Try a 1.2 petrol

[whiskeybluez]

this is a good car, this is actually a great car. women drivers will love this car

[Alirio]

"Fossil fueled"... Peculiar choice of words.