First Drive - EV Review - Citroen e-C4
EV Review: Citroen e-C4
What is it?
Citroen definitely isn’t sitting on its hands when it comes to electrification. It has quickly implemented electric powertrains across a number of its vehicles while also introducing a variety of plug-in hybrid setups to those models which can’t go all-electric just yet.
The e-C4 is arguably one of its most prominent EVs. it is, of course, an electric version of one of the firm’s core models so, can it deliver that widespread appeal into the electric segment? We’ve been finding out.
What’s new?
The latest generation C4 is a far more upright affair than the car it replaces, tapping into that lucrative crossover segment with a design that’s a little more go-anywhere than before. However, we’ve still got that quirky edge that Citroen has become known for, while inside there are some clever elements to help keep things interesting.
The e-C4 is also designed with Citroen’s renewed focus on comfort, with luxuriously padded chairs and cossetting suspension working together to make this latest C4 even more refined than ever.
What’s under the bonnet?
There’s a 100kW electric motor powering the e-C4, which can help deliver a 0-60mph time of just under nine seconds and a top speed of 93 mph. But of course, performance isn’t really the main focus in a car like this. The real angle is range, of course, which the e-C4 does quite well on, returning up to 219 miles from a charge.
The e-C4 can rapid charge, too, so Citroen says that a 0-80 per cent top-up can be achieved in as little as 30 minutes. Use a home charger instead and a full charge will take seven hours and 30 minutes.
What’s the Citroen e-C4 like to drive?
One of the shining aspects of the driving experience that you get from the e-C4 is how ‘normal’ it is to potter around in. Save for the lack of engine noise, it’s remarkably easy to get used to with light steering and a progressive throttle.
It’s also very comfortable courtesy of Citroen’s progressive hydraulic cushion suspension, which helps to dial out the worst of the imperfections on the road surfaces. Thankfully, despite being very comfortable, the Citroen doesn’t roll too much through the bends.
How does it look?
The e-C4, as we’ve mentioned, is quite a lot different to the car it replaces. It’s more upright, while being both chunkier and more packed with distinctive styling touches. The front lights, for example, are sharp, while the Citroen badge is really prominent on the nose.
Around the back, there’s a more upright design than before, with the whole car appearing more like a little SUV than a traditional hatchback.
What’s it like inside?
You can tell that the e-C4 is ergonomically designed, with controls that are clear and nicely laid out. There’s also a sizeable touchscreen which incorporates all of the major functions you need. Material quality across the board is good, too, though some harsher plastics have been used in a number of places such as around the ventilation controls.
The seating position is good and easy to adjust as well, while overall visibility is pretty bang-on too, though your eyeline rearward is blocked slightly by the slight wing.
What’s the spec like?
All versions of the e-C4 get plenty of standard equipment off the bat, including LED headlights with daytime running lights, a 10-inch infotainment setup with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and clever advanced comfort seats with their additional cushioning.
You can opt for higher-specification cars - ‘Shine’ models, for example, bring a head-up display and live traffic information - but even entry-level cars bring more than enough equipment for most people.
Electric Citroen e-C4 Verdict
The e-C4 is a great proposition for those people who might be new to the world of EVs. Why? It’s because this Citroen feels so ‘normal’ to drive, with control weights and features that’ll feel second nature to anyone used to a car in general.
It’s also got plenty of equipment as standard and an eye-catching look that’ll stand up for years to come. What’s not to like?
