Citroen adds French flair to EV future

MANUFACTURERS need to acknowledge the electric future that we’re all heading towards.

Many have been busy bringing EVs to market but Citroen has remained largely quiet, save for three electric commercial vehicles and a hybrid version of its C5 Aircross SUV.

However, that’s set to change with this – the e-C4. An electric version of the firm’s latest C4, it aims to provide buyers with an EV which is well-suited to daily use.

The new C4 brings a more crossover-style appearance compared with the older C4.

Add to that the quirky styling you’d expect from the French manufacturer.

The e-C4’s electric powertrain combines a 100kW electric motor with 50kWh battery pack.

Citroen claims that you should get 217 miles from a single charge, while thanks to CCS rapid charging compatibility, an 80% top-up can take as little as 30 minutes via a 100kW charger.

Use a home charger and a full charge will take seven hours and 30 minutes.

Plus, Citroen is offering a free home wallbox with each new e-C4.

When it comes to performance, the e-C4 is around what you’d expect from a hatchback of this size. Zero to 60mph comes in just under nine seconds, while flat-out it’ll do 93mph.

The driving experience is much like the one you’d get from a “regular” car. It feels like the acceleration you’d get from a regular hatchback.

The seating position is good and the seats comfortable, though the small gear selector is a touch on the compact size.

Back seat passengers are well catered for in terms of legroom.

And boot space is good. There are 380 litres as standard, rising to 1,250 litres with the rear seats folded flat.

Given that it starts at £29,180 after the government’s plug-in car grant, the e-C4 offers an impressive amount of standard equipment.