Which one?
THE only engine we’d suggest avoiding is the PureTech 100, because it lacks zip, while the diesel makes no sense unless you cover a lot of miles each year. Although the e-C4 is good if you want low running costs, its range isn’t very impressive.
Even entry-level C4s have 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, digital dials, a 10-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Also included are automatic headlights and wipers, dual-zone climate control and rear parking sensors.
The Sense Plus adds a head-up display, satellite navigation, a rear camera and LED cabin lighting. Shine spec includes a raft of additional safety equipment, including adaptive cruise control, high-beam assist and blind-spot warning, while Shine Plus brings an upgraded hi-fi, synthetic leather trim and heated front seats.
Alternatives
YOU generally need to consider two sets of alternatives, depending on whether you want an electric car, or one powered by fossil fuel. If you’re in the market for the latter, the Peugeot 208 and 2008 are
INFOTAINMENT Citroen’s 10-inch touchscreen offers lots of functions and is backed up by physical controls, too
related to the C4, along with the Vauxhall Corsa and Mokka, and there’s also the DS 3 Crossback. The SEAT Leon, Skoda Scala, Volkswagen Golf and Kia Ceed are other rivals. They don’t have the crossover look, although the Kia Xceed is a closer option.
If you’re in the market for a used EV, we’d suggest that you take a look at the Hyundai Kona Electric and its cousin, the Kia Niro EV. While the Volkswagen ID.3 is plentiful, its Cupra Born relation is more appealing. There are lots of Nissan Leafs available, too, but it’s a bit dated now.
Verdict
THE small-family-car segment is busy, and getting ever more so as makers introduce a raft of electric models that are separate from their petrol and diesel counterparts.
But Citroen has all bases covered with the C4, and with the e-C4 accounting for a large proportion of sales, the EV option has proved popular. We’ve run an e-C4 and a C4 X on our test fleet and liked their comfort, practicality and tech. However, when we tested a C4 against Kia’s Xceed, it was the latter that won, which proves there’s some tough competition out there.
The important thing is that if you do decide that the Citroen C4 is the right small family car for you, with the third generation we can finally say that we don’t disagree.