Another update has come the way of Citroen’s family hatchback with revised infotainment and prices
The current generation Citroen C4 was launched in 2020, meaning it’s a little young for a full-on facelift but Citroen has still been busy refining the model for 2023.
In addition to the handful of design tweaks and improved range introduced in 2022, Citroen has looked at the C4 and e-C4’s ‘My Citroen Drive Plus’ infotainment system, borrowing the latest version from the newer C4 X version. Citroen says this iteration offers an “improved user experience, with a more responsive, intuitive interface”.
The latest infotainment adds a better quality reversing camera view, simultaneous Bluetooth connection and customisable widget shortcuts. The optional wireless smartphone charging speed has also been upped. The technology update comes to the C4 Sense Plus, C-Series Edition and Shine Plus, along with e-C4 C-Series Edition and Shine Plus models – which also get a bi-tone roof.
Inside, the C4’s striking cabin is largely unchanged, with a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen taking centre stage on the dashboard. In 2022 the C4 received updates to include Citroen Smart Pad Support to entry-level Sense models. This feature allows front-seat passengers to mount a tablet device to the dashboard, using an integrated holder above the glovebox. A screen filter is included in the tablet case, which prevents the driver from being distracted on the move. The passenger airbag has been designed with the system in mind, and deploys over the top of the mount in the event of an accident.
Citroen’s EV offering, the e-C4 Electric, has received a “series of technical enhancements” and efficiency improvements to improve range. While it retains the same 50kWh battery, and official 217-mile WLTP range figure, the updates should see the e-C4 Electric travelling further on a charge during real-world use.
The final alteration comes in the form of a revised trim lineup. Citroen claims that 70% of C4 sales have been towards the top of the range since launch, and in light of this, two middle-rung models have been scrapped – the BlueHDi 130 diesel automatic in Sense Plus guise, and the PureTech 155 petrol automatic in Shine trim. Both options remain available with Shine Plus models. Prices for the updated C4 start from £21,560, the all-electric e-C4 starts from £31,995.
New 2023 Citroen C4: engines and drivetrains
UK Citroen C4 buyers have their choice of three petrol, two diesel and one pure-electric powertrain. Petrol options include PSA’s familiar PureTech 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine in three states of tune – 99, 128 or 153bhp. All models are front-wheel drive, while the more powerful versions are available with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
The C4’s diesel range is based around PSA’s turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine – and it’s available in outputs of either 108bhp or 128bhp. The less powerful model is fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, while the range-topping model comes with an eight-speed automatic.
The new Jeep Avenger EV and Vauxhall Astra Electric both offer more range because they sit on the new EMP2 platform with a larger 54kWh battery. The older e-C4 instead features a 50kWh battery pack and an electric motor mounted on the front axle, which develops 135bhp. Citroen claims the ë-C4 can cover 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds, hit a top speed of 93mph and cover 217 miles on a single charge. The car’s battery pack will also recover an 80 percent charge in just 30 minutes when plugged into a 100kW fast charger. A full charge using a 7kW wallbox charger takes a little over seven hours.
Every version of the third-generation C4 will also be fitted with Citroen’s new progressive hydraulic suspension set-up. The car’s springs and shock absorbers work with hydraulic compression and rebound stops, which are designed to gradually slow body movement over bumps and potholes – ultimately improving ride quality.
New 2023 Citroen C4: design and interior
The regular hatchback market has suffered in the wake of the SUV boom, so Citroen took a different approach with the styling of the third-generation C4. As revealed by Auto Express earlier this year, the firm’s traditional Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus rival has morphed into a coupe-inspired crossover.
Citroen’s CEO, Vincent Cobée, explained to Auto Express how the C4’s market needed reinventing. “I would agree that the C-segment has been a fairly traditional sector and is probably right for changes,” he said. “One [idea] is to find the proper balance between affordability, versatility and comfort, better access, and better visibility, as there’s probably also a need for more spice in the style.”
So, the new C4 borrows styling cues from the larger C5 Aircross SUV, as well as the 19_19 Concept, which recently revealed Citroen’s planned future design language The concept’s influence can be seen in the head and tail-light design of the new C4.
Whether buyers choose combustion or electric power, the crossover’s styling will be identical, with the exception of blue detailing on the badges of the e-C4.
The C4 measures 4,360 mm long, 1,800 mm wide, 1,525 mm high, making it noticeably larger than a VW Golf. Citroen claims boot capacity of 380 litres across every model, while wheel sizes range from 16 to 18 inches in diameter. There’s also now the option of the C4 X which is little longer with a saloon boot and offers a bit more range in e-C4 X form with 222 miles.
Citroen’s work in the C4’s cabin is a more gentle redesign of what we can see in today’s C4 Cactus. Most obviously, there’s a new 10-inch infotainment system and digital instrument binnacle, while a new centre console occupies the centre of the cabin. Wireless smartphone charging as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are also included.
Citroen also claims there are 16 storage compartments dotted around the cabin that add up to 39 litres of additional storage.
Now read our review of the Citroen e-C4 X…
Keyword: Citroen C4 and electric e-C4 now offered with new technology and pricing