Citroen in Ireland has announced details of its new C4 and E-C4.
The C4 sits in the C-hatchback segment, but the French marque says it offers much more than the traditional hatchback, thanks to best-in-class height, ground clearance, seat height position and interior legroom versus competitors.
With claimed similar dimensions to some B-SUV competitors, Citroen boasts that this C4 reinvents the hatchback segment and acquires true crossover claim.
It is available in petrol, diesel and all electric, and is now on sale from €24,740 for the petrol entry-level ’Feel’ model, (the similar spec diesel range starts at €26,790 ), and both come as standard with a five-years warranty, three years roadside assistance, and is available with 1.9 per cent PCP and HP finance.
The E-C4 is the first fully electric passenger car available from Citroen in Ireland and offers a promised 350km WLTP range. Buyers of this model can also avail of a free home charge point when they switch to Energia, thanks to an initiative launched by the French brand here.
Offering the claimed best-in-class height (1,525mm ) and ground clearance (156mm ), Citroen says the C4 also offers best in class driver eye height (1,220mm ) for improved visibility and ease of access. And thanks to its large wheelbase (2,670mm ), the company says the C4 also offers best in class rear knee room (198mm ) to ensure comfort for all occupants.
As with all Citroen vehicles, its Advanced Comfort programme features suspension with progressive hydraulic cushions, and advanced comfort seats. In addition, for the first time, Citroen's smart pad support includes a retractable media support and tablet holder on the dashboard enabling the passenger to make the most of the time while travelling. Four USB connections are also available as standard to support charging for additional devices.
The front end of the new C4 boasts a V-shaped lighting signature which incorporates Citroen's new design standards and includes double-stage headlights with chrome chevrons stretched across the entire width of the vehicle. The bonnet, high and horizontal, echoes the concave shape of C5 Aircross SUV. The unique roof line, combined with the sloping rear window, clearly expresses the aerodynamics of the vehicle, while the rear spoiler enhances the vitality of the body shape. This gently sloping roof and overhanging side windows is a nod to the iconic Citroen GS, but also offers a design feature that allows for a generous boot volume of 380 litres.
The new C4 offers a choice of 31 colour combinations thanks to seven exterior colour options and five exterior colour packs. There are also six different interior choices and a host of alloy wheel options available to ensure optimal customisation.
On the inside, the new C4 offers a clean, contemporary dashboard, softly shaped door panels and soft supple materials throughout. The 10” colour touchscreen infotainment screen which is the nerve centre of the vehicle is also standard across the range. The wide horizontal dashboard gives passengers a feeling of space and volume and there is a chevron grain pattern on the dashboard with satin chrome (or high-gloss black ) accents.
Engine options
The new C4 is paired with a wide variety of engine options including four petrol variants: a PureTech 100 S&S six-speed manual gearbox, a PureTech 130 S&S with a choice of six-speed manual or EAT8, and a PureTech 155 S&S EAT8 completes the petrol range. There will also be two diesel engines, the BlueHDi 110 S&S six-speed manual and BlueHDi 130 S&S EAT8.
The E-C4 possesses a 50KWh lithium-ion battery pack and 100kw electric motor to offer 260Nm torque and 0-100km/h in 9.7 seconds with sport mode engaged. Charging to 80 per cent is possible in 30 minutes with 100kw connection, while an 11kw three-phase charger will charge to 100 per cent in five hours. A 32-amp domestic wall box takes 7.5 hours.
Drive mode select on the E-C4 allows the choice of eco, normal and sport driving modes which alter power output and cabin thermal efficiency depending on driving preference.
E-C4 customers who move their energy account to Energia will also receive a free home charger plus 20 per cent off their electricity tariff while a 30 per cent discount will apply if a wall box is already fitted to the home.
In terms of specification, there are four grades available; Feel, Feel Pack, Flair and Flair Pack. In addition to comforts, the entry level Feel grade comes with an impressive level of specification as standard including 18” alloys, automatic LED headlights, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, rear parking sensors and camera, lane keep assist and automatic air conditioning. The Feel pack adds Citroen Connect Nav, ConnectedCam, Smart Pad support and head up display.
Unique to the E-C4, standard equipment includes a mode three charging cable for on street charging, while the My Citroen app allows for pre-condition of cabin temperature and remote charging options. The E-C4 Flair pack trim also gains a heated steering wheel over the petrol and diesel versions. The new E-C4 Feel starts from €31,730 inclusive of SEAI Grant & VRT relief.
