Numbers stack up for the C4

Citroen’s foray into the EV segment brings a lot of promise, but can the e-C4 deliver? Jack Evans finds out.

While most car makers have been busy bringing all manner of EVs to market, Citroen has remained largely quiet, save for three electric commercial vehicles and a hybrid version of its C5 Aircross SUV. That’s set to change with the e-C4, however. An electric version of the firm’s latest C4, it aims to provide an EV that’s well-suited to daily use. With a decent range and eye-catching looks, it certainly seems to tick many of the initial boxes.

WHAT’S NEW?

This new C4 is a more upright proposition than the previous generation with a more crossover-style appearance. As a result, the e-C4 has a more commanding presence than before, adding a quirky exterior style which we’d expect from the French manufacturer. The C4 is part of Citroen’s multipowertrain policy too. So despite sitting on the same platform, it’s available with the choice of petrol, diesel and – in our case – electric power.

UNDER THE BONNET?

The e-C4 combines a 100kW electric motor with a 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 just 30 minutes via a 100kW charger. Use a home charger and a full charge takes seven hours and 30 minutes. Plus, Citroen is offering a free home wallbox with each new car – a tempting proposition given the £500 saving it brings. When it comes to performance, the e-C4 is around what you’d expect. Zero to 60mph comes in just under nine seconds, while flat-out it’ll do 93mph.

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

The C4 is a strikingly different proposition when it comes to appearances, compared with the car it replaces. For starters, it rides far higher up than before, toeing the line between hatch and crossover. It’s still recognisable as a Citroen, of course – that huge front grille is hard to miss – and it’s a design which is bound to get heads turning and tongues wagging. The heavily raked roofline contributes to a sleek overall look, though it does impact over-the-shoulder visibility.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

Given that it starts at a respectable £29,180 after the government’s plug-in car grant, the e-C4 offers an impressive amount of standard equipment. All cars start at ‘Sense Plus’ specification, which brings LED headlights and daytime running lights, that 10-inch infotainment screen and advanced comfort seats which aid the car’s backsaving measures.

THE VERDICT

The e-C4 is a unique proposition as it’s an electric car which doesn’t feel particularly like an electric car. Yes, it’s quiet and refined like only a batterypowered car can be, but the way it steers and brakes is far more like a conventionally-driven car than you might expect. This makes it the ideal car for those wanting to make the jump into electric car ownership.