Citroen e-C4 review

Zapmap verdict: “Comfortable and refined, the Citroen e-C4 offers an alternative driving experience from most rivals – and a welcome option for buyers.”

Citroen e-C4: Range & charging

The Citroen e-C4 comes with just the one powertrain and core charging set-up. Citroen offers DC charging at up to 100 kW, with a 7 kW AC on-board charger fitted as standard. The only change available is the addition of 11 kW AC charging.

There is one configuration available:

• • ● Citroen e-C4 – 100 kW – 50 kWh – 217 miles

Range

The Citroen e-C4’s official WLTP driving range is 217 miles on a charge, with little to differentiate mileages from different trim levels.

During the testing process, the Citroen’s range held up better than most of its group rivals, from Peugeot and Vauxhall in particular. The e-C4 will get around 170 miles out of a full charge comfortably, and more if sticking at lower speeds. Even longer, faster trips saw that figure drop to around 145 miles on a full charge,

Braking

There’s a simple brake energy recuperation system fitted – D or B. The latter will provide mid-level braking strength for the driver, but not enough to bring the Citroen to a halt. Equally, although useful in town driving, a stronger level would be welcomed by most buyers. D keeps the e-C4 almost coasting.

Charging

Charging is available at up to 100 kW DC using CCS points, with a charging time of around 30 minutes from a high power unit, and about 45 minutes from a from 50 kW point. A 7 kW AC on-board charger is fitted as standard, though there is the option of an 11 kW system to be fitted to cut recharging times down to as little as about five hours AC.

The Citroen e-C4 on the road

With a 100 kW electric motor, the Citroen e-C4 will never be classed as a performance model, but there is enough oomph to keep everything going. This output can only be accessed fully in Sport mode, with Normal and Eco trimming the power available for the driver to help eke out range.

What’s the Citroen e-C4 like to drive?

The Citroen e-C4 is not a taut, dynamic machine… and it’s all the better for it. With clever suspension, the car returns to Citroen’s roots and offers a ride that feels like that of a premium model. It doesn’t wallow through corners, but sportier drivers will want to head elsewhere. The e-C4 is unusual in its focus on comfort, and combined with the quiet electric motor, is remarkably refined for a car in the mass-market family hatchback market.

Citroen e-C4: Comfort & Practicality

The comfort is continued inside, with relaxing pews rather than built up sports seats. There could be more space in the boot, as it’s cut down by the sloping roofline. It’s still ample for daily use, but I’d expected a more useful load area from this size of car. The occupant space is good however, but again the sloping roofline can make it feel a little enclosed for taller adults – children have no such issues.

Design and functionality

It’s not a sensation of style and design, but the Citroen e-C4 has a decent interior. It’s kept fairly clean to look at thanks to the large touchscreen system, and there’s a simple and compact digital driver’s instrument screen, but supplemented with a very handy head-up display. Materials are reasonable throughout, and there are some nice touches like the pop-out tablet shelf, to hold an iPad or similar for front seat passengers.

Citroen e-C4: Tech & Specifications

There are three trim levels to the Citroen e-C4 range – Sense Plus, Shine, and Shine Plus. Fitted as standard are:


 

1. 16-inch alloys
2. Drive mode select
3. 10-inch colour touchscreen
4. Keyless start
5. LED headlights
6. Rear parking sensors
7. Adaptive cruise control
8. Head-up display

The Citroen e-C4 is an alternative choice of hatchback, in that it’s extremely comfortable to drive. Cosseting rather than performance-orientated, the e-C4 hits its brief brilliantly, and proves an excellent example of an electric family hatchback. More range could be welcomed by some, but it has enough for most households.

And how much is the road tax on a Citroen e-C4? Use our Car Tax Calculator to find out.

All information above correct at time of publication. Official economy figures, pricing, and tax rates supplied by the manufacturer. Cost to charge based on 0-100% charge at home on a tariff of 16 p/kWh.