Currently reading: Citroen C4 drops manual gearbox in design refresh

French family hatchback and its saloon sibling, the C4 X, get Oli-inspired looks and interior update

The Citroën C4 hatchback and its C4 X saloon sibling have been refreshed with a new look and a revised range of powertrains.

The entry-level 99bhp 1.2-litre petrol engine has been dropped from the line-up, meaning the C4 can no longer be had with a manual gearbox.

A new 99bhp 1.2-litre mild-hybrid petrol, mated to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic, takes its place. As before (and indeed in the Fiat 600, Jeep Avenger and Peugeot 208), this unit is also offered in 134bhp form.

The unelectrified 128bhp 1.2-litre petrol engine (with eight-speed automatic gearbox) is also retained.

So are the two ë-C4 electric options: one with a 134bhp motor and 50kWh battery, for a range of 223 miles; the other with a 154bhp motor and 54kWh pack, yielding 260 miles.

The C4’s new look draws on the Oli concept unveiled in 2022, with squared-off lighting signatures and Citroën’s new logo, inspired by its original from 1919.

Inside, it gets redesigned seats with 15mm-thicker foam that’s said to provide better postural support.

Citroen C4 facelift at the 2024 Paris motor show

There's also a new 7.0in digital instrument screen, while the 10.0in infotainment touchscreen gets updated software.

UK deliveries will begin early next year. Prices are expected to remain on a par with the outgoing car, which starts from £18,886 in hatchback form and £19,053 as a saloon.

The ë-C4, however, is likely to drop from its current £34,560 price tag as Citroën looks to keep it competitive with newer (and cheaper) rivals.

The new C4 has been unveiled alongside a refreshed Ami and a new concept previewing the next-generation C5 Aircross, marking the next phase in Citroën’s reinvention under Stellantis.

It has now applied its new branding to every car in its line-up bar the old C3 (recently renamed the C3 Origin), C5 X and C5 Aircross.

Advertisement

Read our review

Car review

French firm’s new, comfort-first family hatchback has echoes of a 1970s great

Back to top

The C5 X faces an uncertain future, however, with shrinking sales of saloons and estates in Europe.

Join our WhatsApp community and be the first to read about the latest news and reviews wowing the car world. Our community is the best, easiest and most direct place to tap into the minds of Autocar, and if you join you’ll also be treated to unique WhatsApp content. You can leave at any time after joining - check our full privacy policy here.

Charlie Martin

Charlie Martin Autocar
Title: Editorial assistant, Autocar

As part of Autocar’s news desk, Charlie plays a key role in the title’s coverage of new car launches and industry events. He’s also a regular contributor to its social media channels, providing videos for Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook and Twitter.

Charlie joined Autocar in July 2022 after a nine-month stint as an apprentice with sister publication What Car?, during which he acquired his gold-standard NCTJ diploma with the Press Association.

Charlie is the proud owner of a Fiat Panda 100HP, which he swears to be the best car in the world. Until it breaks.

Join the debate

Comments
2
Add a comment…
sabre 14 October 2024

Citroen drops manual gearbox since it proved too reliable

Andrew1 14 October 2024

Or rather since it's proved a useless, ancient technology that allows some drivers to get worse fuel efficiency and performance while imagining they get better.