Citroën C4 review
The Citroën C4 is a stylish and comfortable family hatchback that offers a lot of equipment and some very economical engines.
Author: Charlie Harvey
19th Dec 2025 – 8 mins read
The Citroën C4 has always been a car that does things a little differently. The first-generation model, launched in 2004, stood out with its quirky design and clever tech, like a built-in air freshener and a unique fixed-hub steering wheel. It was a distinctive choice in a sea of sensible family hatchbacks. The second-generation model, which arrived in 2010 and was updated in 2015, toned down the quirkiness for a more conventional, but still very stylish, look. It continued the C4's tradition of offering great value, with a generous amount of standard equipment and a range of incredibly efficient engines. While it might not have the sharpest driving experience or the most premium-feeling cabin, the C4 is a comfortable, affordable, and good-looking hatchback that offers a hassle-free way to get around.
Pros
- Classy and attractive exterior styling
- A range of very economical petrol and diesel engines
- A generous amount of standard equipment across the range
Cons
- The build quality isn't quite on par with some rivals
- Space in the back seats is not as generous as others
- Tends to lose its value faster than competitors
Interior
Dashboard & tech
Step inside the second-generation C4 and you'll find a cabin that's simple, logically laid out, and easy to use. The first-generation car was known for its quirky interior, but this model adopted a more conventional design. Higher-spec models feature a seven-inch touchscreen that houses the media and Bluetooth functions.
The interior quality is a bit of a mixed bag. While the design is pleasant and there are some soft-touch plastics, you’ll also find harder, cheaper-feeling materials that let down the overall premium feel. It’s a functional and perfectly pleasant place to be, but it can’t quite match the quality you’d find in a Volkswagen Golf or Ford Focus.
Comfort
Citroën has a long history of making comfortable cars, and the C4 is no exception. The ride is generally soft and does a good job of soaking up bumps in the road, making it a relaxing car for daily driving and long journeys. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and the cabin is reasonably quiet at motorway speeds.
It’s a car that prioritises a calm and comfortable driving experience over sporty handling. If you’re looking for a hatchback that will get you from A to B with the minimum of fuss, the C4 is a very comfortable companion.
Quality
The build quality of the C4 is decent, but it falls short of the standards set by some of its key rivals. As mentioned, the cabin features a mix of materials, and some of the plastics feel a bit flimsy. While everything feels sturdy enough to stand up to daily use, it lacks the solid, premium feel of a Volkswagen Golf. Citroën's reliability record has been average in the past, but the engines used in the C4 are well-proven across many different models.
Practicality & boot space
Interior space
The C4 is a reasonably practical car, but it’s not the most spacious in its class. There’s plenty of room up front for the driver and passenger to get comfortable, with a good number of storage compartments for everyday items.
Space in the back, however, is a bit tight. Legroom is limited, so taller adults might feel a bit cramped on longer journeys. It’s perfectly fine for children, but if you regularly carry adults in the back, you might want to look at some more spacious alternatives like a Skoda Octavia.
Boot space
The C4 has a good-sized boot for a family hatchback. It offers 380 litres of space, which is more than enough for the weekly shop or luggage for a family weekend away. If you include the useful underfloor storage area, that figure rises to a very competitive 408 litres.
When you need to carry larger items, the rear seats fold down to open up a 1,300-litre load area. One small frustration is that the seats don't fold completely flat, instead resting at a slight angle, which can make it a little tricky to slide in very large or heavy items.
Driving
Driving experience
The driving experience in the C4 is very much focused on comfort and ease of use. The steering is light, which makes it easy to drive around town and to park, but it doesn't provide much in the way of feedback. It's a car that feels safe and predictable rather than fun and engaging.
It can’t match the sharp, agile handling of a Ford Focus. Instead, it’s a car that encourages a relaxed driving style. It’s a perfectly capable and pleasant car to drive every day, but it won’t put a huge smile on your face on a twisty B-road.
Performance
The second-generation C4 is available with a choice of excellent and efficient petrol and diesel engines. The petrol engine is a 1.2-litre 'PureTech' unit, available with either 108bhp or 128bhp. This award-winning engine is punchy and economical.
The diesel option is a 1.6-litre 'BlueHDi' engine, offered with either 98bhp or 118bhp. These engines are incredibly frugal and are the best choice for high-mileage drivers. Most engines come with a manual gearbox, but a smooth automatic is also available as an option.
Running costs
Fuel economy & CO2 emissions
This is a real strong point for the Citroën C4. All the engines are incredibly efficient, but the diesel models are the champions of low running costs. The lower-powered diesel can officially achieve up to 85.6mpg, with incredibly low CO2 emissions. The more powerful diesel isn't far behind, returning up to 78.5mpg.
Even the petrol engines are very economical. Low running costs are a key attraction of the C4, meaning you'll spend less time and money at the fuel pumps compared to many rivals.
Value for money
The C4 has always represented good value for money. From new, it was competitively priced and came with a lot of standard equipment. However, Citroëns tend to depreciate quite quickly, which is bad news for new car buyers but fantastic news for those looking for a used bargain. You can get a lot of car for your money on the used market, making a nearly-new C4 a very smart purchase.
Reliability & Warranty
While older Citroëns had a reputation for patchy reliability, modern versions are much better. The C4 has proven to be a surprisingly dependable car. As with any used car, it’s important to check for a full service history to ensure it has been well looked after. From new, all Citroëns come with a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty.
Safety
Safety features
When the second-generation C4 was crash-tested by the safety experts at Euro NCAP back in 2010, it was awarded the maximum five-star rating. It’s important to remember that these tests have become much stricter over the years, so it wouldn’t score as highly by today’s standards. It has a good amount of basic safety kit, but it lacks some of the more advanced active safety features that are now common on newer rivals.
Trims & Engines
Trim levels
The second-generation C4 is available in three core trim levels.
Touch: The entry-level model is reasonably well-equipped. It comes with air conditioning, cruise control, a CD player, and electrically adjustable door mirrors. However, it makes do with steel wheels with plastic trims instead of alloys.
Feel: This is the sweet spot in the range. It adds desirable features like 16-inch alloy wheels, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, and a DAB radio with Bluetooth for hands-free calls and media streaming.
Flair: The top-of-the-range model adds more tech and convenience features. It comes with the seven-inch touchscreen, dual-zone automatic climate control, and rear parking sensors, which make parking much easier.
Engines
The engine lineup for the facelifted second-generation C4 is simple and efficient.
1.2-litre PureTech Petrol: This turbocharged three-cylinder engine is available with either 108bhp or 128bhp. It’s a great engine that offers a fantastic blend of punchy performance and good fuel economy.1.6-litre BlueHDi Diesel: The diesel option is available with either 98bhp or 118bhp. Both versions offer excellent fuel economy and are the best choice for drivers who cover a lot of motorway miles.