Sometimes the best is the enemy of the good. Wanting to “overplay” a personality halfway between a classic sedan and an SUV, the particular style of the 3rd generation of Citroën C4 launched at the end of 2020 was not unanimous at launch. But, thanks to its solid fundamentals, this does not prevent the car from having an honorable career. Because if we look at the 2024 sales figures, the Citroën is doing well: 2nd best-selling compact in Europe behind the tireless Volkswagen Golf, the Citroën C4 is also the most purchased compact by individuals in France, ahead of the Peugeot 308 – the order is reversed in total sales, because the lioness is much more popular with fleets. So, when it comes time to offer him the essential mid-career restyling, the Chevrons are calming on the style side. In front, the look is simplified, while adopting the latest Citroën codes as well as the new logo. The car appears wiser, especially in this new pastel green “Manhattan Green” color. Same story on the stern side, where the optics, now organized on a single horizontal plane, refine the silhouette. Tower like the black strip that connects them, now marked with “Citroën” in full letters.
Some welcome changes on board
Behind these modifications which are seen as the nose in the middle of the face, Citroën has made far fewer changes to the interior. The most obvious is the arrival of a new 7-inch instrument panel behind the steering wheel, instead of the original 5-inch one. Beyond the enlarged display, progress comes mainly from modernized graphics, the old ones being the most simplistic. This is what rejuvenates a passenger compartment whose the sense of welcome is also reinforced by “Advanced Comfort” seats – delivered as standard from the second finishing level called PLUS – which have been redesigned. The seat is reinforced by 15 mm thicker foam while the lateral support has been (too little) reinforced. The last clearly visible modification is that Citroën has simplified the layout of the dashboard in front of the passenger. Gone are the two glove boxes and the tablet holder (the location of which we can still see), the new Citroën C4 now makes do with just one glove box, with an increased capacity by the way.
Always so welcoming
For the rest, apart from the essential updates to the driving aids and the infotainment system, the Citroën C4 remains true to itself. Here is a sedan which, failing to set a benchmark in terms of production – honorable but nothing more -, puts space and practical aspects in the spotlight. At 4.35 m long (-1 cm) and 1.80 m wide, the French car offers a spacious interior. Particularly in the rear seats, where the space to stretch out your legs is generous. The only downside is that older people will perhaps feel a little squeezed behind, the fault of the sloping roof, responsible for a fairly ordinary headroom. When it comes to storage, there is everything you need, with good-capacity door bins and a large space under the central armrest. Without forgetting, at the bottom of the console, under the induction smartphone charger and the two USB sockets, a small “discreet” compartment, very practical for hiding small objects out of sight. Finally, the trunk, apart from a slightly high threshold (73 cm), appears just as welcoming as before. The capacity measured before the restyling and still current (300 dm3 under boot floor shelf at the bottom) appears honorable for the category.
Flat calm under the hood… and while driving
Citroën, on the other hand, did not see fit to make technical modifications to its compact family sedan. No new engines on the program, therefore, nor any changes to the suspensions or steering. In addition to two electric variants (136 and 156 hp), the range is therefore structured (the diesel disappeared at the start of 2024), as before, around a PureTech 130 version with automatic transmission and two hybrids of 100 and 136 hp. Driving the latter, we realize that the Citroën C4 is still in the game. It's still not the most exciting compact to drive there is – a 308 or even a VW Golf are more engaging – the fault of a lack of incisive steering, offering more softness than road feel. But the Citroën's imperturbable rear axle and its balanced reactions in the event of an emergency make it an all the more reassuring companion as its hydraulic shock absorbers smooth the road with talent. Speed bumps and rutted roads are swallowed up with skill and the few jolts coming from the 18-inch wheels are quite bearable. The suitable soundproofing, despite some wind noise, convinces us that this Citroën C4 can be used on a daily basis… even if we must accept the lack of fluidity imposed by hybridization on the Stellantis economy.
-A hybridization that can still be improved
Indeed, as in the (very) many other cars of the group which are equipped with it (Peugeot 308, Peugeot 2008, Peugeot 5008, Citroën C3 Aircross, Alfa Romeo Junior, Opel Astra, etc.), the 136 hp hybrid traction chain can be improved in town aboard the Citroën C4. The power of the small electric motor (28 hp peak) installed in the original triple-clutch gearbox is too tight and you have to be gentle with the accelerator so as not to shake the occupants of the car at low speed. Not to mention that the small battery of only 0.43 kWh does not allow you to drive more than a few hundred meters entirely electric at low speed. – the gain in consumption is however significant in town. The car appears much more pleasant on the road, where the goodwill of the 1.2 liter turbo delivering 136 hp and 230 Nm of torque allows you to get going again with complete peace of mind.
A Citroën at reasonable prices
Last advantage of this restyled Citroën C4, and not the least, competitive prices. The spacious Citroën family costs, in fact, from €28,650 in hybrid version 100. The PureTech 130 engine is priced from €29,100 (with a €450 penalty to be added), while the 136 hybrid starts at €31,100 (without penalty) in You intermediate finish. Not bad when we see that a Peugeot 208 Hybrid 136 costs no less than €32,250 in the basic Style finish. We understand better why the Citroën C4 has made a place for itself on the European market.
