2021 Citroen C4 [UK]

Following on from its successful SUV offensive with the launch of C3 Aircross SUV and C5 Aircross SUV - with 300,000 and 200,000 sales respectively - Citroën is ready for the next stage in the rollout of its product strategy, focusing firmly on the hatchback market. With more than 1,700,000 cars sold in Europe in 2019 - nearly 11% of total passenger car sales - the compact hatchback segment is significant within the European market.

New ë-C4 and New C4 represent Citroën's new-generation compact hatchback, inspired by customers and their various ways of driving. 100% electric, petrol or Diesel powered, surpassing expectations for the segment, while offering a modern concept that is full of character, New ë-C4 and New C4 have all the qualities needed to shake up standards in a segment that is already in the process of reinventing itself.

The 10th generation of Citroën compact cars

Citroën's line of compact cars has been a success story for 92 years, covering ten generations since the very first C4 in 1928. A history that includes the GS - voted European Car of the Year in 1971 - which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. A run of models accounting for nearly 12.5 million sales, each acknowledged for their character, comfort and compliant ride throughout the decades: C4 (1928), Ami 6/Ami 8, GS/GSA, BX, ZX, Xsara, C4 (2004 and 2010) and C4 Cactus.

An innovative stance and assertive style

With a unique and bold identity, New ë-C4 and New C4 present a new concept at the heart of the compact hatchback segment. With its elevated and assertive posture, the new body shape combines the elegance and dynamism of a hatchback, while subtly adopting certain SUV design forms for added strength and character. Aerodynamic and fluid, the design features new LED V-shaped front and rear lighting signatures, and a new expression of style that is more assertive, muscular and dynamic. The warm and high-tech interiors instantly express well-being, comfort and modernity. Each customer will be able to configure their car to suit their preferences, with 31 exterior colour combinations and six ambiences inside the cabin.

Choice of powertrain: 100% electric, petrol or Diesel

New ë-C4 is the fifth vehicle in the brand's electric offensive. In effect, New C4 offers customers the comfort of choosing between three types of efficient and high-performance powertrain: 100% electric 100 kW (136 hp) with a WLTP range of 217 miles (350 km), Euro 6d petrol engines from 100 hp to 155 hp and Diesel power from 110 hp to 130 hp.

A new expression of the Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme

New ë-C4 and New C4 herald a new stage for the Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme, offering all-round comfort with a focus on every aspect of on-board well-being. Suspension with Progressive Hydraulic Cushions® and Advanced Comfort seats deliver driving comfort. Travelling comfort is enhanced by generous interior space, including "Best in Class" rear knee room, clever storage compartments and Smart Pad Support Citroën™. Comfort of the mind arises through a soothing and luminous atmosphere with warm materials and the electric panoramic sunroof. Comfort of use comes from the 20 driving assistance technologies, including Highway Driver Assist - a level two semi-autonomous driving system - and six connectivity technologies. The serenity is amplified further on New ë-C4, which adds all the benefits of ë-Comfort: silence, smoothness, ease and pleasure of use.

"With New ë-C4 - 100% Electric and New C4, Citroën is making a strong comeback in the C-Hatch segment, a major segment in Europe. Expressing all of Citroën's DNA through its innovative posture and exceptional comfort, this new model offers customers a choice of 100% electric, petrol or Diesel powertrains to meet the needs of as many people as possible." Vincent Cobée, Citroën

A CENTURY OF COMFORT AND CHARACTER

New ë-C4 - 100% Electric and New C4 draw on Citroën's long and rich experience in the compact vehicle segment, with nearly 12,500,000 sales over 92 years: first generation of C4 (1928), Ami 6 and Ami 8, GS and GSA, BX, ZX, Xsara, C4 (2004 and 2010) and C4 Cactus. A line of cars that has made its mark in automotive history by responding to the needs of customers looking for vehicles with great comfort and rewarding road manners. Cars that have always been compact on the outside and spacious on the inside, elegant and robust. New C4 and New ë-C4 represent the 10th generation of Citroën compact cars.

These new models bring all the elements that make up Citroën to life. The inspiration comes from the spirit of André Citroën in the C4 of 1928, the bold design of Ami 6 and Ami 8, the legendary comfort of GS and GSA, the modernity of BX, the relentless handling of ZX, the generous roominess of Xsara, the technology and versatility of C4 (2004 and 2010), and the assertive character of C4 Cactus.

CITROËN C4 (1928)

This first generation C4 was the very first compact car from the brand. Comfortable and elegant, some 243,000 examples were sold.

CITROËN AMI 6 AND AMI 8

Unveiled in 1961, Ami 6 stands out through its atypical design for its time and its exceptional comfort in the segment. In 1969, Ami 8 was introduced - a modernised version of Ami 6 with a more fluid roofline. A real success for the brand, Ami 6 and Ami 8 sold 882,000 units.

Citroën GS and GSA

Introduced in 1970 - and voted European Car of the Year in 1971 - GS was praised by the press for its limousine-like comfort, its aerodynamic and elegant design, and its ergonomic controls, which were revolutionary in the 70s. Thanks, in particular, to its hydropneumatic suspension, GS offered a "flying carpet" ride and immediately stood out as the most comfortable car in its class. GSA was the updated version of GS, integrating a tailgate for easier loading. GS and GSA versions together sold 1,994,000 units.

Citroën BX

Introduced in 1982, BX offered a modern and original design, as well as great comfort for all its passengers. Another success story, BX hatchback versions sold 2,150,000 units.

Citroën ZX

Launched in 1991, ZX stood out from the competition with its outstanding handling and self-steering rear axle that eliminated rear-end inertia in corners. Its suspension comfort and interior space were important factors too. ZX sold more than 2,465,000 units in its various body shapes during its production run: three-door Coupé, five-door and four-door (an international body shape sold in China).

Citroën Xsara

Presented in 1997, Xsara replaced ZX, bringing even more safety, versatility and comfort in an elegant body shape that is typical of Citroën. It sold 1,343,000 units in its five-door and three-door Coupé versions.

Citroën C4 (2004 and 2010)

The generation of C4 launched in 2004 embodied Citroën's boldness in terms of design and technology. Innovative and modern, it was available in a number of body shapes: five-door, four-door and as a highly original Coupé with a two-part rear window surmounted by an aerodynamic spoiler. In addition to the futuristic dashboard, the vehicle's equipment included numerous comfort innovations, such as a fixed-hub steering wheel.

The generation of C4 launched in 2010 was available as five-door and four-door versions. It represented the most comfortable approach in the segment, combined with high-tech equipment, elegant design and efficient engines.

These two generations of C4 embodied all the versatility expected in a compact car. They sold over 2,941,000 units.

Citroën C4 Cactus

C4 Cactus, introduced in 2014, made a strong statement as a bold alternative to standard compact hatchbacks of the time. C4 Cactus offered a different philosophy: a robust, smooth and organic style, punctuated by functional graphic elements such as the Airbump® panels or wheel arch protection. It had a streamlined high-tech interior and a high level of comfort.

Advanced comfort was the secret weapon of the second generation C4 Cactus. Launched in 2018, comfort was enhanced by two major innovations: suspension with Progressive Hydraulic Cushions® and Advanced Comfort seats that welcome passengers into a soft and cosy cocoon. With over 440,000 units sold to date, C4 Cactus has paved the way for the design of the Citroën models of today and tomorrow, and has marked the brand's history by crystallising all the elements that make a Citroën a Citroën.

A modern, high-tech front end

The front end, with its V-shaped signature lighting, incorporates Citroën's new aesthetic design, as previewed on CXperience, Ami One and 19_19 Concept cars, and as featured on New C3 launched earlier in 2020. The styling is a natural development of Citroën's previous front signature with its double-stage headlights and chrome chevrons stretched across the entire width of the vehicle. In this new and unique iteration, the chevrons extend to the daytime running lights at the top and now to the headlights at the bottom. This serves to highlight the 100% LED "Citroën LED Vision" lighting technology with LED daytime running lights and headlights with three LED modules. LED fog lights, combined with colourful surrounds, complete this innovative and high-tech front end.

The bonnet is high and horizontal - and features same concave shapes as C5 Aircross SUV - contributing vigour, strength and robustness. New ë-C4 and New C4 has an energetic and assertive attitude. The front bumper has a matt black lower skirt for durability in the event of minor impacts. The air intake grilles use a "macro chevron" pattern similar to that used on the Ami One and 19_19 Concepts, illustrating the attention to detail on these new models.

A smooth and aerodynamic profile

The aerodynamic profile offers generous volumes emphasised by soft and muscular lines to give the impression of power, perceived robustness and character. The large 690 mm diameter wheels and tyres particularly stand out thanks to the elaborate design on the 18-inch alloys that are available at the heart of the range. Well-positioned at the four corners of the vehicle, they provide reassurance and underpin the body's posture. Matt black wheel arches - linked to the front and rear bumper skirts, and Airbump® trim with coloured inserts - energise the body shape and suggest protection and robustness. Chrome window weather strips, and new door mirrors with a modern and elegant design, add poise and refinement.

The unique roofline and the sloping rear window clearly express the aerodynamics of the vehicle, accompanied by a spoiler that enhances the vitality of the body shape. This gently sloping roof is a nod to the iconic Citroën GS.

A rear end expressing strength and dynamism

The rear design gives the vehicle dynamism and robustness, while suggesting a generous boot volume (380-litres) that is easy to load. With its sloping rear window and spoiler, the rear end draws its inspiration from the 2004 C4 Coupé with its original two-piece rear window topped by an aerodynamic spoiler.

Again, at the rear, New ë-C4 and New C4 instigate the V-shaped LED rear signature lighting that appeared on the Ami One and 19_19 Concepts, offering real consistency with the front end.

The bumper skirt - matt black for protection and durability - has gloss black decoration and chrome exhaust pipes for the petrol and Diesel versions, or unique inserts for the BEV versions, expressing power and dynamism. The two outer air scoops on the rear bumper pick up the design language of C5 Aircross SUV.

A PASSENGER COMPARTMENT EXPRESSING WELL-BEING AND MODERNITY

The interior inspires confidence at first glance through its perceived quality and modernity. An expression of the Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme, it suggests comfort with its clean, modern dashboard, softly shaped door panels, multiple storage compartments, soft materials and seats inviting passengers to relax on-board. The wide, horizontal dashboard gives a feeling of space and volume, while offering numerous storage compartments built into the design. The intelligence applied to the layout is evidenced by the Dashboard tray, Smart Pad Support Citroën™ and mobile phone storage. Extending naturally into the door panels, the dashboard creates a wrap-around effect that amplifies the impression of protection and serenity on-board, while the high and wide centre console enhances the status of this compact hatchback.

Occupants are immersed in a comfortable and cosy atmosphere: there is a new chevron grain pattern on the dashboard, new patterns on the Advanced Comfort seats and the interior colour schemes coordinate the seats with the new door panels. The materials add value and are soft to the touch in contact areas: notably the moulded dashboard top, wrapped front door panel strips and soft armrest trim. Satin chrome or high-gloss black accents on the vents, steering wheel, instrument panel, air-conditioning and infotainment controls, centre console and Dashboard tray add refinement to the passenger compartment and serve to identify useful functions.

The steering wheel has a wide bottom spoke that incorporates the driver assistance controls on the left and the infotainment controls on the right. New, gloss black automatic transmission paddles are integrated into the steering wheel for instantaneous gear changes, whatever the angle of the steering wheel.

The HMIs (Human Machine Interfaces) bring technology and modernity into the cabin. The frameless HD digital instrument panel features an original and easily readable Citroën identity graphic. It is highlighted with white mood lighting for a floating effect. The large colour head-up display is easy to use and keeps the driver focused on the road ahead by displaying essential driving information in a legible and intuitive way. In the centre, at the top of the dashboard, the ultra-thin borderless 10-inch touchscreen is the nerve centre of the vehicle's controls. It has a gloss black finish and a physical chrome dial with a chevron motif. The controls of the dual-zone automatic climate control - also physical for immediate access to change the settings - have been treated with the same care: chrome dials decorated with the same motif and gloss black push buttons.

New ë-C4 and New C4 have a new and elegant guilloché metal automatic gear lever. It has the three usual positions (R, N and D) that are backlit for clarity. There are also two backlit push buttons: P to activate Parking mode, M to activate manual driving mode (for conventional engine versions) or B to activate the "Brake" energy recovery mode for the electric version. The console also incorporates the electric parking brake and a driving mode selector that has three settings on automatic transmission versions: Eco, Normal, Sport.

A SPECIFIC AND REFINED CUSTOMISATION OFFERING

In line with the status expectations of compact hatchback customers, New ë-C4 and New C4 offer a choice of 31 colour combinations and "Colour Packs" for the exterior and six different interior ambiences, allowing customers to drive in the car that suits them best.

31 exterior combinations to create a car that suits your image

The exterior customisations on offer on New ë-C4 and New C4 allows 31 different combinations to be created, combining:

Seven body colours: Polar White, Obsidian Black, Steel Grey, Platinum Grey, Elixir Red, Caramel Brown, Iceland Blue.

Five Colour Packs: Glossy Black, Metallic Sand, Textured Grey, Anodised Deep Red, Anodised Blue. Anodised Blue is exclusive to New ë-C4 and is identical to that offered on C5 Aircross SUV Hybrid to reinforce the family spirit of Citroën's electrified vehicles. These Colour Packs are made up from coloured inserts around the front fog lights and on the Airbump® panels. Each colour choice allows discreet, refined or more dynamic combinations to be created.