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By Jonathan Crouch

Citroen's improved e-C4 adds a bit of colour to the EV part of the family hatch segment. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 60

The improved version of this e-C4 continues to bring a dose of Citroen individuality to the EV part of the family hatchback segment. The smarter looks have a crossover vibe, the range is reasonable and the cabin is still the most comfortable in the class. If you're fed up with clinical family EVs, here's one that just might charm you.

Backgroundword count: 157

Citroen is a company with a reputation for trying to do things differently. Unfortunately though, the reality is that it's not always been a company able to do things differently from sister brand Peugeot. In the last few decades, a depressing cloak of conformity has characterised family offerings from the double chevron marque. But gradually things seem to be changing and Citroens are being set apart once more. First, with details things like Airbumps and squashier seats. And in more recent years with more fundamental engineering. For an example of that, take the subject of this test, the updated version of the brand's offering in the EV family hatch segment, the e-C4. Significant styling and interior updates feature with this improved design, bringing the e-C4 more into line with its segment rivals. And as before, this car plays to the things people tend to like about Citroen - innovative design, a distinctive feel and exemplary ride quality.

Driving Experienceword count: 398

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 the perkier model is rated at 9.2s). This e-C4 gives you three drive modes - 'Normal', 'Eco' or 'Sport'. Obviously, you'll need 'Eco' to stand any chance of getting near the quoted drive range figures, but selecting this mode feels like glue has been inserted into the throttle pedal. With an e-C4, there are no regen braking options provided; just a gear selector 'B' setting which, if you're anything like us, you'll keep forgetting to engage. Obviously, this all-electric model carries around a lot more weight than its combustion counterparts, but since there's nothing about the handling that encourages you to drive this car with much vigour, you're unlikely to notice that difference very much. There's actually less body roll at speed through the bends than you'd think there might be; more of a problem is the almost complete lack of steering feel, but since a typical Citroen buyer probably won't be used to having much of that, this probably won't really matter. The ride is very comfort-orientated, as you'd expect from a Citroen thanks to the clever 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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