2020 Citroen C4 And e-C4 Are Not Your Usual Compact Hatchbacks

After ten generations of compact hatchback models, Citroen decided to do something entirely different with the latest C4 and its all-electric variant, the e-C4.

From the original C4 of the 1920s to the AMI 6 and AMI 8 of the 60s, the GS and GSA of the 70s, the BX, ZX, Xsara, modern C4 and C4 Cactus, Citroen have always “done it” differently compared to other mainstream carmakers.

Of course, we’ve know exactly what this latest-generation C4 would look like ever since the French carmaker decided to release a few official images a couple of weeks back. Now however, we can dive into more details regarding styling and tech.

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It’s easy to see that the all-new C4 is more of a crossover than a regular C-segment hatchback, evident from the short front and rear overhangs, combined with its large wheel arches and 156 mm (6.14 inches) of ground clearance. It all results in an elevated go-anywhere type of posture.

The new C4 measures 4,360 mm (171.6 in) in length, 1,800 mm (70.9 in) in width, stands 1,525 mm (60 in) tall and has a 2,670 mm (105.1 in) long wheelbase. By comparison, here are its predecessor’s measurements: 4,329 mm (170.4 in) length, 1,789 mm (70.4 in) width, 1,491 mm (58.7 in) height and 2,608 mm (102.7 in) wheelbase.

Visual cues meanwhile include the double stage headlights, with the chevrons extending to the daytime running lights at the top and bottom, highlighting the Citroen LED Vision tech. Moving on to the profile, we can see the 690 mm (27.1 in) diameter wheels with 18-inch rims, matte black wheel arches, chrome window weather strips and a unique roofline that features a sloping rear window and a spoiler.

As for the rear, Citroen designers actually drew some inspiration from the 2004 C4 Coupe body shape with its original two-piece rear window. Furthermore, there’s also a V-shaped LED rear signature lighting that was first showcased on the Ami One Concept and 19_19 Concept.

The 2020 Citroen C4 is available with 31 exterior color combinations, as customers will be able to choose between: Polar White, Obsidian Black, Steel Grey, Platinum Grey, Elixir Red, Caramel Brown and Iceland Blue, to go with the following 5 color packs: Glossy Black, Metallic Sand, Textured Grey, Anodised Deep Red and Anodised Blue.

Simple yet modern interior

The 2020 Citroen C4 comes with a wide horizontal dashboard, creating a wrap-around effect, while the high and wide center console gives off that crossover vibe that buyers tend to like nowadays.

Other interior design traits include the dashboard’s chevron graphic grain pattern, new patterns on the Advanced Comfort seats, slush-moulded dashboard top, wrapped front door panel strips, soft armrest trim and either satin chrome or high-gloss black accents on the vents, steering wheel, instrument panel or center console. That frameless HD digital display comes with a Citroen brand identity graphic and is highlighted by white side mood lighting for a floating effect. Also available is a head-up display and a borderless 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

The following interior ambiances are available to choose from: Standard, Urban Grey, Metropolitan Grey, Metropolitan Blue, Hype Black and Hype Red

In terms of practicality, the new C4 has a 380-liter (13.4 cu.ft) trunk that can be maxed out at 1,250 liters (44.1 cu.ft) if you fold the rear seat.

Gasoline, diesel or 100% electric

You can buy the new Citroen C4 with a choice of five Euro 6 gasoline engines or two diesels. The former are: PureTech 100 S&S 6-speed manual gearbox, PureTech 130 S&S 6-speed manual gearbox, PureTech 130 S&S EAT8, PureTech 155 S&S EAT8 and PureTech 155 EAT8 – international only; while the diesels can be had either as a BlueHDI 110 6-speed manual or a BlueHDi 130 S&S EAT8 automatic.

If you want the zero emission option, then direct your attention to the e-C4 variant with its 50 kWh electric motor and 400V battery. It offers 136 HP, 260 Nm (192 lb-ft) of instant torque and a WLTP range of 350 km (217 miles). The Citroen e-C4 can accelerate to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 9.7 seconds, before maxing out at 150 km/h (93 mph).

As far as charge times are concerned, Citroen says that 80% of the charge is completed in 30 min using a 100 kW fast charger, while a 32 A wall box will get the job done in 7.5 hours (or even 5 hours with the optional 11 kW charger). Unfortunately, it can take more than 24 hours to recharge the e-C4 at a standard domestic socket. The French carmaker will however offer customers a “one-stop shop” solution for installing a Wall Box at home.

Regardless of which C4 version to buy, you get standard Progressive Hydraulic Cushions, like on the C4 Cactus and C5 Aircross, giving you that “magic carpet ride” effect.

Last but not least, let’s run through some of the 2020 C4’s on-board convenience and safety features. These include Active Safety Brake, Collision Risk Alert and Post Collision Safety Brake, Blind Spot Monitoring, Active Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Highway Driver Assist (Level 2 semi-autonomous tech), Coffee Break Alert (after a 2 hour drive at speeds above 70 km/h), Driver Attention Alert, Extended Traffic Sign Recognition and Recommendation, Intelligent Beam Headlights, Color Head-Up Display, Reversing Camera with Top Rear vision, Park Assist, Keyless entry and start, Trailer Stability Control, Wireless smartphone charging, ConnectedCAM Citroen, Connect Nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and many others.

The 2020 Citroen C4 and e-C4 will be available to order in Europe this autumn.