The Citroen C4 Refuses to Play the Sportiness Game Everyone Else Is Playing
The review is consistent and admiring on one specific point: while nearly every rival chases sporty handling credentials, this car deliberately doesn't, and the resulting comfort-first character is genuinely well executed.
Illustration for editorial purposes
An Unclassifiable Shape With a Very Clear Priority
Not quite a hatchback, not quite an SUV, and not particularly interested in being sporty either. Reviewers keep noting how refreshingly single-minded this car's comfort focus is, even if its shape defies easy categorisation.
Specs at a Glance
| Body style | Crossover hatchback (C4) or "fastback" (C4 X) |
|---|---|
| Engines | Mild-hybrid petrol (99bhp/134bhp), non-hybrid petrol, fully electric |
| Electric range | Up to 257 miles (54kWh battery) |
| Fuel economy (hybrid) | 51.1–62.1mpg claimed |
| Suspension | Advanced Comfort hydraulic cushion technology |
Full Review Summary
Top Gear
Top Gear praised the Advanced Comfort seats' extra 15mm of foam and bigger bolsters, added at the 2024 facelift, as genuinely improving long-journey comfort, and rated the hybrid versions' ride as well-judged even if the fully electric e-C4 and e-C4 X feel too soft and wallowy by comparison. They found the car falls apart the moment you try to drive it quickly, with body control degrading noticeably, but praised this as an entirely reasonable trade-off for a car that's explicit about prioritising comfort over sportiness. Their long-term test of the petrol version specifically praised the engine's whisper-quiet, anonymous character alongside a smooth eight-speed automatic, though flagged the sloping roofline as compromising rear headroom and making child seat fitting a genuine annoyance.
Trims & Engines at a Glance
Diesel was discontinued in 2023. The petrol, hybrid and electric versions all share the same body, so choosing between them comes down to running costs and daily mileage rather than practicality.
| Derivative | Engine | Power | Transmission | Body | 0–62mph |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C4 PureTech 130 Plus | 1.2L 3-cyl turbo petrol, FWD | 129bhp | 8-speed automatic | Hatchback | 9.4s |
| C4 Hybrid 136 Plus / Max | 1.2L 3-cyl mild-hybrid petrol, FWD | 134bhp | 6-speed automatic (e-DCS6) | Hatchback | 8.0s |
| e-C4 (50kWh) Plus / Max | Single electric motor, FWD | 136bhp | Single-speed automatic | Hatchback | 9.7s |
| e-C4 (54kWh) Max | Single electric motor, FWD | 156bhp | Single-speed automatic | Hatchback | 9.2s |
Trim walk runs You! → Plus → Max, with a dedicated e-Series trim available on the electric versions. A handful of exterior colours are offered, with a bi-tone roof option available on higher trims. Check Citroen's UK configurator for current pricing.
Strengths
- Genuinely comfortable ride, especially in hybrid form
- Distinctive, well-resolved styling despite defying easy classification
- Quiet, refined petrol hybrid powertrain
- Physical climate controls retained alongside the touchscreen
Weak points
- Handling degrades noticeably the moment you drive with any enthusiasm
- Electric versions feel too soft and wallowy compared with the hybrids
- Sloping roofline compromises rear headroom and child seat access
- Ageing, occasionally sluggish infotainment menus
Who It Actually Suits
Buyers who genuinely prioritise ride comfort over handling sharpness and don't mind a shape that doesn't fit neatly into "hatchback" or "SUV." The mild-hybrid petrol is the pick of the range — reviewers consistently rate it as better resolved than the electric versions.
Common Citroen C4 Parts & Costs
- Citroen C4 Alternator
- Citroen C4 Battery
- Citroen C4 Brake Discs
- Citroen C4 Brake Pads
- Citroen C4 Cabin Air Filter
- Citroen C4 Engine Mount
- Citroen C4 Exhaust System
- Citroen C4 Fog Lights
- Citroen C4 Front Bumper
- Citroen C4 Front Suspension
- Citroen C4 Fuel Pump
- Citroen C4 Grille
- Citroen C4 Headlights
- Citroen C4 Radiator
- Citroen C4 Rear Bumper
- Citroen C4 Rear Shock Absorber
- Citroen C4 Rear Springs
- Citroen C4 Spark Plugs
- Citroen C4 Tail Lights
- Citroen C4 Timing Belt
- Citroen C4 Wing Mirror
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