C HERE 4 INNOVATION (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

The updated version of Citroen's third generation C4 remains a credible but properly distinctive family hatch. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 59

This improved version of the third generation C4 is a far more creditable offering for Citroen in the family hatchback sector. The looks are sharper, the cabin's smarter and the mild hybrid and EV drivetrains are well up to date. As before though, the really brand-specific bit is the clever suspension system which makes this contender feel really Citroen-esque.

Backgroundword count: 123

Back in 2020, the third generation C4 was launched as being 'Citroen to the core'. Well four years into production, the brand hopes that this extensive mid-term update will continue to set it apart in the combustion and EV parts of the family hatchback segment. 2022 saw the introduction of a C4 X saloon variant - which continues, but mild hybrid tech takes over from most of the conventional PureTech petrol engines at the foot of the range. Significant styling and interior updates feature with this improved design, bringing the C4 more into line with its segment rivals. And as before, this C4 plays to the things people tend to like about Citroen - innovative design, a distinctive feel and exemplary ride quality.

Driving Experienceword count: 552

As before with a C4, you choose between combustion and electric options. The combustion powertrains still include an un-electrified 130hp 8-speed auto gearbox version of Citroen's usual 1.2-litre three cylinder petrol unit. But the brand would prefer that combustion folk opted for a hybrid, which as before comes in two flavours with either 110hp (up from 100hp before) or 145hp (up from 136hp previously). Otherwise, the three cylinder 1.2-litre electrified set-up on offer here isn't really any different, mated to a bespoke 6-speed e-DCS6 dual clutch auto transmission, the casing of which houses a DC inverter, an Engine Control Unit and a little 28hp electric motor, powered by a tiny battery secreted beneath the front passenger seat. Not a proper full-Hybrid then, such as you'd get in this segment on, say, a Toyota Corolla or a Kia Niro. But it does many of the things a full-Hybrid would, like being able to be driven for short urban distances (under 18mph) on electric power alone. Otherwise, there are the usual functions common to just about any kind of hybrid. The motor also assists the engine under acceleration - and during deceleration, the petrol engine stops and the e-motor acts as a generator to recharge the Hybrid system's 48V battery. The gearbox can be sometimes a touch indecisive, but gearshift paddles are fitted so you can take over. Performance varies quite a lot depending on your choice of engine output; 0-62mph in 10.7s en route to 119mph for the 110hp version; or 0-62mph in 8.0s en route to 130mph for the 145hp variant. Those kinds of top speeds are of course a distant memory for drivers of full-EVs such as the e-C4 (which in all its forms is limited to just 93mph). It'd be good if the limitation of being able to drive a small EV on a long trip for no more than about two and a half hours between charges was a distant memory by now. Sadly though - for Stellantis Group models at least - that's still the case here. The last time we tried an e-C4 (at its launch in 2020), its 50kWh battery claimed to take it 217 miles (a figure we never got near). Today, the figure from that same 'Standard Range' battery has been eked up to a best of 232 miles, which doesn't seem to represent much in terms of nearly half a century of development. Those dissatisfied by that will be pointed to the 'Extended Range' battery fitted to the pricier e-C4 model we tried, which claims to be able to offer up to 271 miles between charges. And also provides a boost in power for the front-mounted electric motor - from 136 to 156hp, though because the 260Nm torque figure remains the same, the effect on performance is negligible (a reduction of 0.8s in the 0-62mph sprint time, which in this perkier model is rated at 9.2s). With either powertrain, Citroen hopes that the way this car drives is what will sell it to you - or more specifically, the way this car rides. As before, it features a clever 'Advanced Comfort' 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.

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