Citroen C4 review | divisive styling with unrivalled comfort

The Citroen C4 is a comfortable and efficient hatchback that represents great value for money when compared to the most popular models in its segment. The styling might not suit all tastes, however.

Overview

Citroen is no stranger to quirky design and the C4 certainly lives up to the French brand’s desire to be different. It sits in between the traditional hatchback and crossover segments, reflecting the current trend for rugged looks.

As a result, the C4 not only replaced the old version but also the Cactus. The C4’s styling is unconventional, with oversized headlights, numerous blobs and grilles, plus a split rear windscreen.

In terms of rivals, the C4 sits alongside the regular crop of hatches, like the VW Golf, but also competes with the likes of Toyota’s C-HR and the Nissan Juke.

The C4 range has three trims: You, Plus and Max.

Pricing from £19,495 makes it accessible to many, at £7,000 less than an entry-level VW Golf. There’s also a fully electric e-C4.

To read our review of the Citroen e-C4, click here.

Comfort and practicality

We loved the C3 and C5 Aircross for their neatly detailed cabins, but the C4 loses some of this flair. The interior is dominated by black plastic. Aside from some coloured trim pieces on the door cards and a bit of shiny trim around the air vents, it’s a tad drab when compared with the exterior.

Thankfully, the usability of the C4’s interior is much better. There’s conventional heating controls, rather than a sub-menu within the infotainment system, and the materials used on touchpoints like the steering wheel, gear selector and other switchgear feel upmarket.

The seats are super comfy, if a little unsupportive. You’ll definitely not feel fatigued after a long trip in a C4. Sound deadening is another strong point. There’s very little road noise and the car’s sleek body helps to keep wind noise to a minimum.

Despite its sweeping roofline, the C4 provides ample headroom for all occupants and generous leg room – especially for those in the rear.

It matches the VW Golf for boot space, with 380 litres, and offers split-folding rear seats. An array of storage pockets around the cabin include a drawer above the glovebox, while front-seat passengers also get a tablet holder.

Safety and technology

All C4s feature a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which uses the newest ‘My Citroën Drive Plus’ generation of software. It’s a slick setup, with crisp graphics and a easy-to-configure display. There’s also a 5.5-inch digital instrument cluster, which is less impressive than some other brands offer.

Equipment levels are generous across the line-up, with rear parking sensors, cruise control, lane keep assist and forward collision alert fitted as standard.

From Plus grade, there’s a head-up display. The range-topping Max comes with adaptive cruise control, keyless entry, 360-degree cameras and an upgraded sound system.

Driveability and fuel economy

The Citroen C4 is offered with petrol, diesel and electric powertrain options.

The petrol-powered PureTech 100 is the entry-point to the range. It uses a 1.2-litre turbo-charged three-cylinder unit paired with a six-speed manual.

A more potent version, with 130PS, is also offered. This engine feels more lively, delivering punchy acceleration accompanied by a satisfying engine note.

During our test we were able to achieve in excess of 40mpg over a mixed route and expect getting close to the claimed 54mpg would be achievable on a steady journey. The 130PS unit can also be mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

For drivers doing the highest mileages, a diesel-powered BlueHDI version with 130PS is also available, achieving more than 60mpg.

Citroen’s key differentiator is its commitment to comfort and, in the C4 the Advanced Comfort Programme finally makes sense. Until now, other Citroens have been hampered by the comfort focus, making them a bit too soft and wallowy. But the C4 has been dialled in just right. It rides beautifully, ironing out all the imperfections on the roads and giving levels of comfort you’d expect from a car that cost three times as much.

When cornering, the car does pitch about a little initially; but grip levels are strong and the C4 encourages you to drive it quickly. The experience remains relaxed, however. It feels like an old-school saloon rather than a modern hatch/crossover.

Company car tax and running costs

The Citroen C4 is cheap to run and cheap to buy. With prices starting at less than £20,000 it undercuts its rivals – the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra and VW Golf – by a substantial margin. You can get a top-spec C4 for around the same money as an entry-level version of any of those rivals.

Running costs from around 30p per mile also make it great value for businesses.

Company car drivers can expect benefit-in-kind tax bills of less than £100 per month.

The Skoda Scala is the C4’s closest competitor, offering similar costs and a more conventional look.