By Otsile Kadiege 

Citroën is completely revamping its range of C-segment saloons, with the World Premiere of the new C4 and C4 X at the Paris Motor Show 2024. The new C4 becomes the most serene and stylish C4 ever, while the new C4 X reveals a spacious lounge in a sleek fastback body style. New the C4 range is a bold yet sophisticated look, new technologies, new advanced driver assistance systems and electrified powertrains. 

Bold yet sophisticated 

Outside, the newcomers retain Citroën’s outlandish design and styling which also looks modern and sophisticated. Highlights include a new front end – identical on both models – that adopts the Brand’s new identity. It features slim, elegant LED front headlamps with integrated LED turn signals which flank a modern grille that towers over an SUV-inspired skid plate in the lower section.

In profile, the C4 range is shod with 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. It also features redesigned side guards, contrasting wheel arches and a coupe-like silhouette. At the rear, the C4 is fitted with a boot spoiler integrated onto the boot lid and LED taillights which kind-of mimic the front light design.

Two new colours have been added to the range. Manhattan Green and Mercury Grey that will be available alongside the recently launched Eclipse Blue and Elixir Red, Okenite White and Perla Nera Black (pearlescent). In addition, the two-tone option with black roof – adding a touch of distinction and exclusivity – remains available. This finish enhances the dynamic lines of these models and offers a more prestigious look.

Enhanced interior comfort

Hopping aboard, you’re greeted by a flat-top and bottom multifunctional steering wheel, a full-colour head-up display, an optional configurable 7-inch digital cluster and a 10-inch touch display with an infotainment system that features a ‘widget’ system that offers a quick way of consulting applications and content on the vehicle’s touchscreen. The new infotainment system also features ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, directly integrated into the infotainment system thanks to SoundHound’s voice and audio recognition system, and available via the ‘Connect Plus’ Pack. With ChatGPT, Citroën introduces a new generative artificial intelligence tool that makes voice recognition even more fluid and natural. 

Other interior highlights include redesigned Advanced Comfort seats, a centre console with shift-by-wire gear selector, a drive mode selector, 60:40 split rear seats, a 510 litre luggage capacity and a two-position boot floor for a maximum volume of 1,250 litres with the rear seat folded down.

Safety

The new C4 and C4X feature up to 20 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which use automated technologies such as sensors and cameras to enhance road safety. These include Active Safety Brake, Collision Risk Alert, Highway Driver Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go. In addition, the newcomers also offer blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, coffee break alert, driver attention alert, automatic high beam, extended speed sign recognition, speed recommendations, Reversing camera with Top Rear Vision and Vision 360 (360-degree panoramic view around the vehicle).

Powertrains

Underneath the bonnets is a 1.2-litre 130 EAT8 turbo PureTech engine delivering 130bhp (97kW) and is paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Although unconfirmed for the South African market, there will also be hybridised powertrains, namely Hybrid 136 and Hybrid 100.

On the Hybrid 136 version, the 1199cc three-cylinder engine delivers 136bhp (100kW) at 5500rpm and 230Nm of torque at 1750rpm. The Hybrid 100 version is designed on the same technical basis, but with power of 100 bhp (74 kW) at 5,500 rpm and torque of 205 Nm at 1,750 rpm. This new-generation 1.2-litre supercharged petrol engine has been developed for hybridisation and incorporates 40% new components.

There will also be fully-electric versions called ë-C4 and ë-C4 X. The electrified C4 and C4 X will be equipped with a 115 kW electric motor and a 54 kWh battery pack which avails claimed ranges of 415 and 425 km respectively. A 50 kWh battery pack with also be available with almost 355 km for the C4 and 360 km for the C4 X.

Availability

Citroën South Africa is yet to announce local availability.