Citroen is hedging its bets with the all-new C4 – a particular household automobile that’s a cross between a hatchback and a crossover.
Not solely is it out there with typical petrol and diesel engines, however there’s additionally a pure electrical model.
Badged the e-C4, it has a helpful 217-mile vary and the battery might be charged to 80% in simply half-hour utilizing a fast 100kW charger (if yow will discover one), or you’ll be able to cost it in a single day by way of a (free) residence wallbox.
We examined early left-hand drive variations of the petrol C4 (1.2-litre creating 128bhp) and the e-C4 (50kWh battery pack).
The conventionally powered vary kicks off at an inexpensive £22,990, whereas the EV begins at a fraction underneath £30,000 after the Authorities’s Plug-in Automotive Grant (PICG).
There’s nearly no distinction between the variants by way of seems to be. With distinctive SUV coupe styling and a barely raised experience top, each are front-wheel drive.
Citroen says the raked roofline is a nod to the favored GS of the Seventies, and there’s little doubt that the brand new design is rather more interesting than the outgoing C4.
Inside, the cabin has additionally moved on by way of high quality and expertise. It’s spacious too, back and front, whereas the boot presents 380 litres of bags capability, rising to 1,250 litres with the rear seats folded flat.
A ten-inch floating infotainment touchscreen within the centre console offers entry to every thing from audio to local weather management and sat nav.
All of it works properly sufficient, and it’s good to see that there are shortcuts for the air conditioning and heated seats beneath, however the navigation system’s graphics aren’t probably the most subtle.
Consolation is considered one of Citroen USPs as of late and the brand new C4 isn’t any exception. Its generously padded ‘Superior Consolation’ seats tick all the appropriate containers.
The C4 can also be properly outfitted with goodies equivalent to LED headlights, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and velocity signal recognition all normal.
The petrol model is powered by the three-cylinder 1.2-litre engine used extensively elsewhere within the Citroen and Peugeot ranges. CO2 emissions as little as 122g/km, 50mpg+ is achievable and it’s a punchy performer.
As a package deal this fundamental C4 does the job, however is nothing particular in a category that features rivals as various and good because the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Renault Captur and Skoda Kamiq
In case your finances permits (and you’ve got entry to charging amenities), then the graceful and silent all-electric e-C4 is the mannequin to go for.
Squaring up towards every thing from the Nissan Leaf, Volkswagen ID.3 and Hyundai Kona, to the MG ZS and Kia e-Niro, it’s a breath of contemporary air (actually) and straightforward to drive.
Actually, other than the silence and additional acceleration, it’s very similar to a standard automated automobile to drive – simply choose Drive and go.
It feels swifter than its 0-62mph acceleration time of 9.7 seconds suggests, whereas its prime velocity of 93mph is educational, as a result of driving at that form of tempo saps your vary, as with all electrical automobile.
The experience could be very supple because of Citroen’s patent ‘Progressive Hydraulic Cushions’. Add gentle steering and it’s ideally suited for metropolis driving too.
There are three driving modes – Eco, Regular and Sport – and the latter definitely ups the enjoyable issue. When you have a wholesome interior Scrooge, then Eco or Regular will do exactly high quality, together with a devoted ‘B’ mode for ramping up the regenerative braking on downhill stretches.
On sooner, flowing roads it’s clean and well-mannered, although extra comfy than sporty.
Frankly, we solely have a couple of minor gripes. A spread nearer to 250 miles can be good, a few of the plastic within the cabin feels a bit scratchy, whereas the dinky gear selector is slightly finickety at occasions.
Verdict: The all-new Citroen e-C4 is a welcome addition to the household EV scene. Snug, refined, sharply styled and spacious, it’s a doddle to drive and straightforward to stay with.
Citroen UK
