Even after a hundred years, Citroën does not seem ready to achieve wisdom.
To fall into line.
The difference being for them a trademark that is conjugated in all weather, the rafters are once again noticeable with a C4 leaving the beaten track.
After two years of absence and the interim of the C4 Cactus, this compact family is back on the market with the firm intention of winning over both sedan and SUV customers.
A hell of a challenge that she considers taking up by placing herself at the interstices of these two markets.
With its crossover sedan look moving 40mm higher than the model it replaces and with 156mm ground clearance, the third C4 cultivates originality.
It even disturbs with its new benchmark mixing the codes of the SUV and the sedan with three side and rear windows with cutaway, a nod to the GS.
A treatment which contributes to the aerodynamics and to the reduction of consumption, as well as the streamlined underbody and the rear spoiler which blocks visibility.
The future will tell if customers adhere to this type of silhouette that Kia has already ventured into with the X-Ceed.
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Developed around the CMP platform dedicated to small PSA models but stretched to the maximum, the C4 exceeds its predecessor by 60 mm in wheelbase and 30 mm in length to reach 4.36 m.
This size benefits the livability, generous in all places.
Except at the rear or beyond 1.80 m, passengers will have to put up with a measured headroom.
Benefiting from a lowered threshold, the trunk sees its capacity vary from 380 to 1250 liters, rear seat folded down.
At the front, the arrangement of the elements is based on a clean design.
If the ergonomics are satisfactory, the presentation leaves a taste of unfinished, failing to be really rewarding.
The sober atmosphere borders on monotony and the instrument cap accommodates a small digital panel framed on each side by a purple backlit band.
With its 7 inches, the glass slide ensuring the head-up display is more generous.
More than the size of the screens, the graphics of the letters and the GPS are not a model of modernity.
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On the other hand, Citroën had the good idea to ensure the air conditioning adjustment with direct access via rotary knobs surrounded by a chevron pattern reminiscent of the gears of Citroën's beginnings.
To drive out passenger boredom during a long journey, Citroën has designed the smart Pad, a high drawer that can accommodate a tablet (iPad type or other) which is then attached to the facade.
This system is only available from level 3 (Feel Pack).
Well in its time, the C4 reads road signs, detects hypovigilance and the presence of vehicles in blind spots, warns of a risk of collision, brakes automatically in the event of driver negligence and keeps the vehicle in line.
Its technology already allows it to offer level 2 autonomous driving.
Welcome to the world of silence
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Under the hood, the C4 also innovates.
It is the first sedan of the PSA group to have access to the electric motor.
Alongside the three petrol versions (100, 130 and 155 hp) and the two Blue HDi of 110 and 130 hp, the latest chevron model inherits the 100 kW (136 hp) electric machine that already equips the DS3, the Peugeot 208 and 2008 as well as the Opel Corsa.
It is powered by a 50 kWh battery.
According to Citroën, thanks to its charger accepting up to 100 kW, it can recover 10 km of range per minute.
It would take 30 minutes to restore 80% of the energy.
In real life, it will probably take a little more because we are not immune to a bug in the terminal.
At home, on a domestic outlet, you will have to wait at least two turns of the dials to leave with full electricity.
With the optional 11 kW charger (+ 350 €) connected to a wallbox, 5 hours will suffice.
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Driving electrically requires a period of learning because in addition to having to manage recharging, it will be necessary to monitor autonomy.
Unless you limit your radius of action to the city or to a few tens of kilometers, if you venture on the road and the highway, you never leave home without having spotted a drop-off point to recharge. .
If maintaining the claimed autonomy of 350 km is almost a miracle, reaching 280 km is possible.
On the condition of being satisfied with the 80 kW (109 hp) of Normal mode.
With Sport mode, maximum power allows satisfactory performance, reaching 100 km / h in 9.4 seconds, 1.3 seconds more than the e-208.
The fault is a weight of the order of 1,541 kg.
Consumption fluctuated between 18.5 and 23.5 kWh, depending on our speed and the profile of the course.
The silent operation of the electric propulsion goes perfectly with the remarkable driving comfort guaranteed by the Advanced Comfort program.
This system, based on a double hydraulic stopper suspension and a foam padded upholstery, is characterized by a remarkable absorption of road irregularities.
But, it is at the cost of an exaggerated roll, which can inconvenience sensitive passengers, and diving movements under braking.
The latter is not easy to dose.
To the credit of the C4, this is a recurring problem with many electrified vehicles.
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Our opinion
As often, Citroën has chosen to shake up the codes and to trace its own path.
Its unusual execution will not appeal to everyone.
Beyond the silhouette, the interior presentation is a mini-disappointment.
With its dapper colors, the C3 has nevertheless shown that it is possible to brighten up the daily life of motorists.
The C4 stands out above all as an affordable electric sedan.
Barely more expensive than a gasoline version of equivalent power, after subtracting the bonus of 7,000 euros.
However, to avoid disappointment, electricity must remain a perfectly agreed and assumed choice.
Technical sheet
Engine
Type: permanent magnet synchronous electric
Power: 136 ch
Torque: 260 Nm
Transmission
Type: traction
Box: 1 report
Dimensions (L / W / H): 4,360 x 1,800 x 1,525 mm
Safe: 380 liters
Weight: 1,541 kg
Performances
0-100 km / h: 9.4 seconds
Speed: 150 km / h
Consumption (Mixed EU): nc
Range: 350 km
Price: from 35 600 €
