More than meets the eye
Think the C4 is a generic hatch? Living with it tells a di erent story.
I wanted something that was comfortable and practical, but less intense than my Focus ST – and one more suited to motorway driving than the aggressive, firm Ford. In that sense, the Citroën C4 was the perfect car, and at the perfect time, too.
Lately I’ve been driving more than I used to before the first Covid lockdown. Domestic events have replaced international ones, and it’s meant zig-zagging across the UK – rather than to the airport – has become my norm. Whether it’s the Peak District, the Cotswolds or Goodwood, UK events have meant serious miles – and usually catching rush-hour trac on the way back.
The C4, then, with its auto ’box, adaptive cruise control and soft, cosseting ride, has taken the sting and fatigue out of the longer journeys. After trying an electric Vauxhall Mokka for a week, I’m also particularly thankful for my petrol C4’s 450-mile tank, which has taken any range anxiety or recharging stress out of the equation, too.
The C4 particularly came into its own in the run-up to my full motorbike test. Every day of intensive training required a 5.30am start and two-hour car journey, followed by eight hours of coaching and the journey back. The C4 kept me mentally fresh on the way in, and after eight hours of shouty instruction, poor weather and wobbly U-turns, the C4 became a place to decompress and unwind on the journey home.
Inside, the C4 is basic, but hides most of its cost-saving with fresh design. The air vents are shaped with purpose, and the Citroën’s infotainment system also rises out of the dash in a pleasing way. It won’t worry more premium crossovers, but it’s a reminder interesting design doesn’t need to be restricted to cars over £40,000. Comparison with the Vauxhall also emphasises the good quality of the materials used by Citroën. Although there’s much about the Mokka’s interior that looks impressive, that impression suffers when you touch it.
I can’t vouch for Citroën’s horridlooking navigation software, as I almost entirely used Android Auto. But both Google’s system and Apple CarPlay are available in the C4, albeit with a wired connection.
The Citroën is equally unique outside, too. It’s constantly attracted looks from curious
passers-by, probably unable to identify its rear end – part old Honda Civic, part Audi Q4 e-Tron Sportback. Its relatively aggressive headlight signature must also puzzle onlookers.
Tall, but not high and with a hatch-style roofline, the C4 looks unlike anything else on the road. Its silhouette has certainly grown on me – and the fact it can take a 65-inch TV in the boot is a bonus.
But there have been downsides. While great on motorways, the C4’s adaptive cruise is jerky in closer trac, choosing to come to an abrupt halt rather than a smooth stop. It’s made me switch it off several times, and even prompted passengers to ask if I’d pulled the handbrake. What’s more, the auto start/stop has also made passengers ask if I’ve stalled. Quick to shut down at the worst time, but slow to restart, it’s the most annoying thing about the C4.
After nearly 6000 miles together, I’m sad to see the Citroën go. Practical, comfortable, and most importantly easy, the C4 has been a useful companion. Able to swallow up luggage, smooth out bumps and eat up miles, it’s an ideal family car at a reasonable price. And thanks to its avantgarde design, it doesn’t remind you about its good value, either.
The C4’s a reminder interesting design doesn’t need to be restricted to cars over £40,000