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The Citroen C4 name is set to return on a crossover with petrol, diesel and electric options, and our exclusive images preview how it could look
Citroen will reinvent its offering in the family hatchback segment with a bold new crossover as an alternative to the VW Golf and Ford Focus. And although the car will be radically different to its closest rivals, the newcomer will continue to use the C4 name, Auto Express can reveal.
The decision to abandon the traditional C-segment hatchback bodystyle and go for something bolder is Citroen’s way of trying to carve out a niche in a highly competitive market. The previous C4, a conservative hatch, was removed from sale back in 2017 as the brand began to reinvent itself.
Speaking to Auto Express, Vincent Cobée, Citroen’s new CEO, told us: “I would agree that the C-segment has been a fairly traditional sector and is probably right for changes. One [idea] is to find the proper balance between affordability, versatility and comfort, better access, and better visibility, as there’s probably also a need for more spice in the style.”
The all-new C4, due to be revealed in June, has been spotted testing, and our exclusive images preview how it could look. The crossover will also kickstart a new design language for the French firm.
“Customers want a design renewal and it’s a great way for us to show our creativity,” Laurence Hansen, Citroen Product and strategy director, added. “We have a strong legacy in this segment and we know what we need to do and to avoid. The car we have designed is the best of different worlds. It will have a strong personality and the new lighting signature from the 19_19 concept.”
As well as capitalising on the continued rise of crossover sales, the new C4 will also tap into another growing segment: EVs. The C4 will be based on the PSA Group’s CMP platform that enables Citroen to offer the crossover with petrol and diesel power, plus a fully electric alternative.
The basic architecture can be found on the latest Peugeot 2008, which uses a 50kWh battery to deliver a real-world range of around 190 miles. The platform also supports a 1.5-litre diesel engine plus a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo. Both are expected to be offered in the new C4.
The traditional C-segment has seen sales gently fall for a number of years as buyers continue to flock towards crossovers and SUVs. Auto Express recently revealed that Renault is evaluating the future of the Mégane so additional investment can be put into electric vehicle development. However, Citroen believes its new strategy in the segment will reverse that trend.
“We will come with a new concept,” Hansen added. “I had a great chance to drive it [the new C4] and when you have the hydraulic suspension and electric drive it truly makes a great difference.”
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I’m a fan of Citroen. For me, they’re one of very few car manufacturers who actually make their cars look different to everyone else. I don’t like all of their designs but I still appreciate that it’s something different to look at.
As far as crossovers go, this one looks quite good from that picture. It’s looks a bit like a bmw x4 but with more style.
Why has everything got to be a big, thrusting Macho motor? I think crossover/SUVs/off-roaders are ugly and just useless. Especially true when they come from Citroen which gave us the (original) DS: 1950s design which is/was strikingly modern and looked like a spaceship – still does now.
I’m a fan of Citroen. For me, they’re one of very few car manufacturers who actually make their cars look different to everyone else. I don’t like all of their designs but I still appreciate that it’s something different to look at. As far as crossovers go, this one looks quite good from that picture. It’s looks a bit like a bmw x4 but with more style.
Same here DBtruth.
Citroen have always dared to be different when it comes to design. Over the years they’ve produced some lovely looking cars & were the first to introduce aspects of their cars that other manufacturer’s copied. Above all – Citroen had always been affordable to the ordinary working man in the street.
Pre-Motability, I owned a couple of Citroen’s over the years. Since joining the scheme years ago now, I have had a C2-VTR and the DS3 when it first came out and both cars were terrific, lovely looking, and never let me down once in the 3-years that I had them.
‘DS’ is now their posh arm of manufacturing of course, but even the DS3 has morphed into a chunky small crossover now (although it looks beautiful admittedly) – and so for those of us that do not require a large car, we are very limited for choice when it comes to small Citroens! Hence when it comes to ordering a new vehicle towards the end of this year, I am looking at the new 130 Peugeot 208 GT Line which looks beautiful & comes with an 8-speed dual clutch box as standard… yes, as standard for once with no extortionate AP!
It doesn’t look too bad at all, looking forward to see it in the flesh so to speak.
So anyone got any idea when they think the q2 or new price list will be out
Our images that are exclusive because we drew them?
I’ll wait until I see the actual result before forming any opinions. Though I always liked the original cactus but wanted it a bit higher, chunkier and more accessible. So maybe I’ll get my wish?
I have c5 aircross ordered. Was due for deliver at the end of April. Unfortunately this horrible virus intervened. So don’t know when it will arrive.
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