The Citroën C4 is a compact class car produced from 2004 to 2018 in two generations. The French automaker marketed this front-engine, front-wheel-drive vehicle in 3-door coupé, 5-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, and 5-door MPV (C4 Picasso) body styles in the first generation. The second generation had the same engine layout but came with an optional four-wheel drive, selling as 4-door sedans and 5-door hatchbacks.
The First Generation (2004-2010)
Designed by a team that included Jean Pierre Ploué, Donato Coco, and Bertrand Rapatel, and built on the Peugeot 307 platform, C4 was first available in three-door coupé and five-door hatchback variants. Both versions sported the same front grille that extended and formed the Citroën emblem. While the hatchback had a more angular and gentler shape, the coupe boasted of a more angular design with a split rear end. Citroën introduced the sedan version and the Picasso MPV in 2006.
The trims available for the C4 were VT, VTR BioFlex, VTR, Cool, by LOEB, VTR Plus, Exclusive, C4 by Loeb and VTS.
Despite being a compact car, C4 rolled out with many advanced features, including lane departure warning system, directional headlights, perfume dispenser integrated into ventilation, translucent dashboard, transparent glass roof, ESP, and fixed steering wheel hub.
Basic equipment included 3x3 point rear seat belts, ABS, audio remote, body-coloured bumpers, CD, cruise control, airbags (driver and passenger), power mirrors, folding rear seats, power front windows, full-size spare wheel, height-adjustable seat (driver), Isofix child seat anchor points, PAS, passenger's airbag, remote locking, service indicator, side airbags, and steering wheel rake adjustment.
- VTR trim level added air conditioning, alloy wheels, cloth seat trim, and front fog lights
- VTS trim level added an alarm, alloy wheels, front fog lights, heated mirrors, Lumbar support, parking sensors, sports seats, traction control
- Exclusive trim level added an alarm, alloy wheels, cloth seat trim, front fog lights, lumbar support, Sat Nav, sports seats, traction control, and lane departure warning system
The 2008 facelift brought minor cosmetic changes to the front of the car in the redesigned grille, making the car slightly longer. It also introduced new engines and a reworked suspension to offer better ride comfort.
The powertrain options available in Australia include:
- 1.6L MPI 16v petrol engine producing 80kW (108hp) at 5750rpm and 147Nm of torque at 4000rpm, 0-100km/h acceleration in 10.6 seconds and a top speed of 194km/h, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox
- 1.6L MPI 16v VTi petrol engine producing 88kW (118hp) at 6000rpm and 160Nm of torque at 4250rpm, 0-100km/h acceleration in 11.4 seconds and a top speed of 195km/h, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox
- 2.0L MPI 16v petrol engine producing 100kW (134hp) at 6000rpm and 190Nm of torque at 4100rpm, 0-100km/h acceleration in 9.2 seconds and a top speed of 207km/h, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox
- 2.0L MPI 16v petrol engine producing 103kW (138hp) at 6000rpm and 200Nm of torque at 4000rpm, 0-100km/h acceleration in 10.1 seconds and a top speed of 206km/h, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission
- 1.6L HDi 16v turbocharged diesel engine producing 66kW (89hp) at 4000rpm and 215Nm of torque at 1750rpm, 0-100km/h acceleration in 12.5 seconds and a top speed of 180km/h, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox
- 1.6L HDi 16v turbocharged diesel engine producing 80kW (108hp) at 4000rpm and 240Nm of torque at 1750rpm, 0-100km/h acceleration in 11.2 seconds and a top speed of 192km/h, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox
- 2.0L HDi 16v turbocharged diesel engine producing 100kW (134hp) at 4000rpm and 320Nm of torque at 2000rpm, 0-100km/h acceleration in 9.7 seconds and a top speed of 207km/h, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission
The Second Generation (2010-2018)
Citroën revealed the second generation at the 2010 Paris Salon as a slightly-bigger model than its predecessor. It featured only a five-door variant but later received a sedan variant. The reasoning behind the streamlined options of the second generation was to prevent taking the market share from the C3.
Compared to the first generation, the new C4 had a less eccentric design and more pronounced grille in the shape of the Citroën emblem. The hood had been designed to appear more aggressive with two longitudinal ribs and a redesigned bumper. On the interior, the dashboard combined analog and digital technology with blue-lit instrumentation.
Basic equipment included 3x3 point rear seat belts, ABS, air conditioning, audio remote, body-coloured bumpers, CD, cruise control, driver's and passenger's airbag, power mirrors, folding rear seats, power front windows, heated mirrors, height-adjustable seat (driver), Isofix child seat anchor points, PAS, remote locking, service indicator, side airbags, steering wheel rake adjustment, steering wheel reach adjustment, and traction control.
- Edition trim level includes alloy wheels, cloth seat trim, lumbar support, and parking sensors
- Exclusive trim level includes alarm, alloy wheels, front fog lights, lumbar support, parking sensors, partial leather seat trim, and power rear windows
- Selection trim level includes alloy wheels, cloth seat trim, power sunroof, front fog lights, lumbar support, parking sensors, and power rear windows
- VTR+ trim level includes alloy wheels, cloth seat trim, front fog lights, lumbar support, parking sensors, and power rear windows
The powertrain options available in Australia include:
- 1.6L VTi 88kW (120ps) paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission or 5-speed manual gearbox
- 1.6L THP 114kW (155ps) paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission
- 1.6 HDi 66kW (90ps) paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission
If you're looking for accessories or used car parts for your Citroën C4, try Carpart! We have a wide assortment offered from our sellers across Australia!
Author: Luka Kusic