This article includes speculative illustrations for a rumored Citroën C4 Sporty Cross variant created by Jean Francois Hubert/SB-Medien for CarScoops that are neither related to nor endorsed by Citroën.

The all-new third-generation Citroën C4 was introduced in 2020 as a compact hatchback with crossover styling cues but the French company could be working on another variant to be placed in the lower part of the C-SUV segment, filling the gap between the recently facelifted C3 Aircross and the C5 Aircross.

Rumors from French media are contradicting, with some claiming that the C4 Aircross or SportCross will be unveiled in late 2022, and others stating that the project for an extended C4 family has been canceled. While we can’t be sure about Citroën’s plans since no official announcement has been made, our colleagues created a speculative rendering of what the French compact SUV could look like.

Read Also: 2023 Peugeot 4008 Coupe-SUV Could Capitalize On The Success Of The 3008

The illustration depicts a high-riding model with a taller body than the regular C4, and more muscular fenders putting emphasis on the large-diameter wheels. Plastic cladding around the bodywork enhances the adventurous appearance with color accents on the “air bumps” and foglight surrounds similar to the C4 hatchback sibling.

At the front, the C4 Aircross would most likely get the new dual headlight treatment with the LED graphics being extensions of the double chevron emblem. At the back, the model should have a more conventional roofline compared to the coupe-style C4, allowing more headroom for the rear passengers and a larger boot. The rendering shows a rather sporty approach with high-mounted LED taillights reminiscent of the design of the C5 X flagship.

See Also: Citroën New C3 Is An Affordable SUV-Style Hatchback For India And South America

If it were given the green light, the C4 Aircross would be based on Stellantis’ CMP platform which is shared with the regular C4 and many other vehicles including the Peugeot 208 and Opel Corsa superminis, and the Peugeot 2008, DS3 Crossback, and Opel Mokka B-SUVs. This architecture is different from the larger EMP2 that is underpinning the Peugeot 308, Opel Astra, and DS 4 compact hatchbacks, plus the larger C-SUVs of the group.

The engine range could include the 1.2-liter Puretech petrol and the 1.5-liter BlueHDi diesel, with power outputs between 99-153 hp (74-114 kW / 100-155 PS). Additionally, a fully electric powertrain would be a nice addition to the range with the eCMP platform featuring a 50 kWh battery and a single electric motor producing 134 hp (100 kW / 136 PS). All variants would be FWD with an optional Grip Control system, standard Progressive Hydraulic Cushions in the comfort-oriented suspension, and ADAS for up to Level 2 autonomy.

A Citroën C4 Aircross would make sense as a more practical alternative to the C4 doubling as an indirect replacement to the discontinued C4 Cactus and the soon-to-be-retired C4 SpaceTourer MPV. While the recently updated C5 Aircross is listed as a C-SUV, its 4,510 mm (177.6 inches) length is significantly longer than the 4,150 mm (163.4 inches) of the C3 Aircross B-SUV, possibly leaving room for another SUV between them.

Having said that, it is possible that Citroën decides against expanding the C4 lineup with another bodystyle due to the little differentiation between the models, since the regular C4 already has a crossover-style design that is popular with buyers. At the moment we can only make assumptions, but if the C-SUV is indeed going for a late 2022 launch, then we should start seeing camouflaged prototypes pretty soon.