Citroen unveils all-new C4 hatch

CITROEN has unveiled its new-generation C4 small hatchback, ushering in a bold new design, greater focus on passenger comfort and the choice of electric or combustion powertrains.

According to Peugeot Citroen Australia, the all-new C4 is under review for a return to Australia, having been removed from the local line-up in 2016 after an 11-year run.

Arguably the headline act for the latest C4 is the all-electric e-C4 variant, which features a 100kW/260Nm electric motor and 50kWh lithium-ion battery.

Driving range is rated at 350km on the WLTP cycle. A 100kW fast-charge outlet will help recharge the battery to 80 per cent in 30 minutes, while a wallbox will see a full level of charge returned in between five and seven-and-a-half hours, depending on the charger used.

Accelerating from standstill to 100km/h in the e-C4 takes a claimed 9.7 seconds when in Sport mode, while top speed is listed at 150km/h. Regenerative braking can recoup lost energy.

Citroen has also confirmed the C4 will be offered with a range of turbocharged petrol and diesel combustion engines, with petrol units ranging in power from 75kW to 115kW, while two diesel mills will produce either 82kW or 97kW.

Measuring 4360mm long, 1800mm wide and 1525mm tall, with a 2670mm wheelbase, the new C4 is underpinned by a stretched version of the CMP platform shared with Peugeot’s 208.

It carries a bold new look with a coupe-like profile and sharp, modern face reminiscent of the Cxperience concept from 2016.

From the front, the C4 features slim split LED headlights that converge in a V at the edge of the narrow upper grille, and frame the larger LED foglights.

A matte-black lower bumper and side skirts frame off the base of the vehicle, and combines with the black wing mirrors and door pillars to highlight the hatchback’s flowing form.

For a hatch, the C4 features a strongly sloped roofline to give it a coupe-like appearance, capped off by a subtle lip spoiler across the rear.

Wheel choices consist of 16-inch steel wheels and a selection of alloy hoops ranging in size from 17 to 18 inches.

Inside, Citroen claims the new C4 offers segment-leading rear legroom thanks to its longer wheelbase, while 16 different storage compartments can be found throughout the cabin for a combined storage capacity of 39 litres.

Despite its low roofline, the C4 comes with 380L of luggage space, which can expand to 1250L with the rear seats folded.

The French brand has made a point of reducing noise entering the cabin, with extra insulation of the engine that forms part of the C4’s enhanced ‘advanced comfort program’.

This program targets four levels of comfort – driving, living, comfort of mind and comfort of use – starting with its revised suspension system which contains more than 20 new patents.

The so-called ‘progressive hydraulic cushions’ system first seen on the C4 Cactus and C5 Aircross features twin hydraulic stops on either side of the suspension for compression and decompression, and works in two stages to ensure optimal ride comfort in all situations.

‘Advanced Comfort’ seats are fitted with an emphasis on ample cushioning thanks to the use of high-density foam, while five different interior colour schemes are also available.

Other interior features include a 10.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and an eight-channel HiFi system with Arkamys digital sound processing.

A full suite of active safety features will also be offered across the range.