Citroen e-C4 Review

Until now, however, the e-C4 and it’s booted sibling the e-C4 X have been slightly held back by a limited range. While the standard 50kWh pack and 220 mile range has proved perfectly adequate for most drivers, those wanting to stretch the distance between charging stops have been forced to look elsewhere. In an effort to broaden its appeal to higher mileage drivers Citroen has added a new extended range version for 2023 that features a larger battery and more efficient motor to add 20bhp more performance and 40 miles to its range. 

Both the e-C4 and e-C4 X come with new trim grades from late 2023 onwards which have been designed to make the range structure easier to understand. Out go Sense, Sense Plus, Shine and Shine Plus and in come You!, Max and ë-Series. If you want the extended range model, that can only be ordered in e-Series form for now…

In terms of design, the e-C4 strikes a neat balance between conventional and wacky. It’s daring enough to mark you out from the crowd, but not crazy enough to have kids laughing at you at pedestrian crossings. The swooping rear roofline gives it an almost coupe-like profile and the designers have done a great job in disguising the car’s height. The blue-rimmed vents at the front and side are particularly pleasing details in what is one of Citroen’s sharper pieces of design. 

Vision seems to be pretty good, although the C-pillar is a bit thick, meaning there’s a chunky blindspot. Thankfully, the split rear windscreen isn’t as much hassle as the design suggests. It doesn’t really affect the view through the rear view mirrors, and that’s a good thing.

Another impressive aspect of the e-C4’s driving experience is the ride quality. Thankfully, Citroen has resisted the temptation to follow the herd and give the e-C4 a ‘sporty’ driving experience. Although there is a ‘Sport’ driving mode, the suspension set up has been deliberately skewed towards comfort, using what it calls ‘progressive hydraulic cushions’ that stay firm in the corners, and floppy on the bumps. The system was originally invented for rally cars, but here it works… really nicely. Better than in other modern Citroens, in fact, but don't expect it to be as soft as a classic Citroen.

Match that to the squishy seats, and the e-C4 feels genuinely relaxing - and yet when you drive around a corner, it doesn’t wilt, or flop about like overcooked pasta. Top job Citroen spring people. 

Overall, there’s a lot to like about the e-C4. Comfortable, easy to live and nicely made, it does all the boring things very well. Which, when you’re trying to persuade drivers to make the switch to electric, is essential. But where the e-C4 really stands out is its design and attention to detail. This feels like a car that a team of designers and engineers genuinely enjoyed putting together. The exterior design is clever and contemporary while the interior strikes a lovely balance between style and practicality. It’s a decent package, but check out rivals such as the VW ID.3 and Kia Soul/e-Niro too.