Citroen e-C4 review
Citroen's first proper go at an electric family car is a successful one, offering good all-round ability with a unique character
Pros
- Very comfortable and refined
- Practical family transport
- Competitive charging speeds
Cons
- Soft chassis can feel a bit unwieldy
- Some rivals offer a longer range
- Steering is too light
| Car type | Range | Wallbox charge time | Rapid charge time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | 219 miles | 7hrs 30mins (0-100%, 7kW) | 30mins (0-80%, 100kW) |
Citroen e-C4 verdict
The Citroen e-C4 is a small electric family car that focuses on comfort and refinement. Despite not yet being offered with the bigger battery found in its DS 3 E-Tense sibling, the e-C4 remains a usable, practical and relatively affordable EV. The Citroen feels unique – quite a feat when many electric cars today share the same running gear – but it’s not different for the sake of it; instead the e-C4’s quirks only add to its charm.
Range details, specs and alternatives
The Citroen e-C4 has been around for a little while now. Based on the same fundamental platform and running gear as the Peugeot e-2008, Vauxhall Mokka Electric and DS 3 E-Tense, the slightly unconventional looking e-C4 is a small family electric car that primarily rivals zero-emissions hatchbacks like the Volkswagen ID.3, Nissan Leaf and MG4 EV.
Although there are plenty of compact electric SUVs around that compete with the e-C4, including the budget-minded MG ZS EV, the soon-to-be-replaced Hyundai Kona Electric, and the slightly larger and also more expensive Kia Niro EV.
All e-C4s feature a 50kWh battery, connected to a 134bhp electric motor that powers the front wheels.That battery and motor combination will return, Citroen says, up to 219 miles on a charge. You can charge at up to 100kW from a suitable rapid charger; a 10-80% top-up takes around 30 minutes, which is competitive in this area of the market.
Citroen has updated the car over time, including the addition of a new infotainment system on certain models from February 2023. But the French brand has so far resisted fitting the slightly larger 54kWh battery found in the recently facelifted DS and all-new Jeep Avenger – presumably to keep costs down.
However, in late 2022, Citroen released a second bodyshape for the e-C4, called the e-C4 X. From the front the two look identical, but at the rear, the e-C4 X swaps out the standard car’s hatchback tailgate for a longer, saloon-style fastback opening. It’s not expected to be as popular with UK buyers, but the bigger boot means it’s not without appeal.
There are currently three trims to choose from for the e-C4: Sense, C-Series Edition and Shine Plus. Every car comes with LED lights, 18-inch wheels and a reversing camera, as well as Citroen’s Advance Comfort Suspension. This does what it says on the tin, prioritising a plush ride that makes the e-C4 a fantastic urban runaround.
Higher-spec models bolster the kit count with keyless entry, diamond-cut wheels and heated front seats, as well as extra safety kit. Even the top-spec trim comes in at under £35,500.
For a more detailed look at the Citroen e-C4, read on for the rest of our in-depth review…
