Citroen C4 X

The first-ever Citroen C4 X can be considered the baby brother of the C5 X but unlike its big brother, it's an all-electric crossover saloon with almost little to show for it. So, what's it all about the C4 X?

2023 Citroen e-C4 X

Starting at 27,650 Euros plus additional costs, the first-ever e-C4 X is cheaper to own than its big brother, but like all good cars, it's complicated to explain what's that car for as we will observe what's it all about from top to bottom.

2023 Citroen e-C4 X

To differentiate the C4 X from the normal C4 crossover hatchback, it's been given the impression of a coupe crossover, think BMW's X4 but with a pinch of ratatouille on it. It may look like a jacked-up saloon but in reality, it's all common sense. Of course, you can expect typical Citroen styling all over, especially the signature cross-face most models had. If you're feeling cross-eyed, then this is what this car looks like for you. Classic Citroen vibe.

2023 Citroen e-C4 X interior

Asking about the interior, the C4 X works and feels like a normal C4. meaning you can expect the available sat-nav with smartphone connectivity, a high-tech instrumental cluster, and seating for five people, just like in the normal C4. However, the boot space is greater than the normal C4 because it has up to 1360 liters of boot space for the e-C4 X variant with the rear seats folded down. With such space, you have room for extras on your next weekend trip in a quiet French landmark or possibly a nearby thrift shop if you're into that.

2023 Citroen e-C4 X

The choice of powertrains for the C4 X consists of a PureTech S&S petrol engine (with up to 130PS of power) mated to either a 6-speed MT or an 8-speed AT, a 130PS BlueHDi diesel engine, and for the e-C4 X, a 136PS electric motor capable of hitting a 0-100kph in less than ten seconds, 150kph of top speed, and up to 360km of driving range.

Although not exciting to drive as expected, the C4 X puts its emphasis on comfort, a classic Citroen tradition, and with that, it comes with a unique suspension setup with progressive hydraulic stops. Thanks to such suspension, driving on a rocky road feels like there's nothing underneath. You can really drive one on a rough road without leaving someone's drink getting spilled and that's how Citroen's signature suspension works.

In terms of safety, the C4 X comes with over 20 safety and driver assistance systems including Active Safety Brake, collision risk alert and Post Collision Safety Brake, Highway Driver Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, HUD, reversing camera with Top Rear Vision, and many others.

Although not a worthy favorite for speedo boys, the C4 X behaves pretty much like its big brother, the C5 X, and because it's got more to show for than the normal C4, it's a hard bargain worth checking out. Like it or not, this crossover saloon is out there to play smart, not hard.

Photo: Citroen

Citroen C4 III

At first glance, it looks like Citroen created a coupe crossover that is too much to bear for today's roads but when you turn around, it probably says C4 in it and you said "it can't be" in a shocked face. As a matter of fact, it is. THIS IS THE CITROEN C4.

The third-generation Citroen C4 is now morphed into a coupe crossover for all the wrong barrels and although the design is anything but questionable, the new C4 puts its strong emphasis to its tech, economy, and safety that will put everyone behind the wheel on notice.

What's the word on the styling, you may ask? The new Citroen C4 carries the brand's new X-faced design first applied on the C3 minor change and for bystanders, that new face is worth upsetting because it has the expression of the kabuki ready to strike, or rather your favorite cartoon character got slapped with X-eyes, the cute and hilarious expression of death. Striking the menacing new face it maybe, the switch to coupe-crossover styling is a radical departure from the previous model and while it sounds questionable, it feels like it's in tune with the times.

On the inside, the new C4 features a rather futuristic dashboard that feels like you're in a French cyberpunk movie without the punk in it. Although it features a touch screen sat-nav in it as well as other show-off features such as the head-up display, there are buttons in it where you can adjust the volume and room temperature. Happy days for the hipster-type speedo boys behind the wheel.

Convenience aside, the new C4 comes with numerous places to store with and for the first time ever in the world of motoring, it features Smart Pad Support Citroen, a retractable system made for holding iPads or any tablet computers you had in your arsenal. That's pretty neat for a car like this and while it was built for drivers from all walks of life, it fits up to five people on board and has a boot volume of 380-litres, which is shockingly less than the previous model it replaces, probably due to the sloping roofline but it still carries almost everything for work or for play.

Driving behind the wheel of this 20,900 Euro high-riding fastback, you will experience its clever dynamics and comfort that has championed Citroen for ages since the original C4 of 1928. That's because the new model's signature suspension setup comes with the Progressive Hydraulic Cushion that gives this car the most comfortable driving experience that is uniquely Citroen in every way. Ask everyone who drove the new model and this is the end result.

Under the hood, the new C4 offers a wide range of petrol and diesel engines with the most powerful bearing a 131PS 1.2L petrol engine that can be mated to either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed Auto.

For the first time, the C4 is offered in electric which features a 100kw electric motor and 50kWh battery pack good for 352km in one full charge based on WLTP standards. It does 0-100kph in 9.7 seconds and top speed of 150kph, which is 20kph slower than a normal Japanese car. Plugged at a 100kW public charging station, it gets recharged to 80% in half an hour.

Of course, because tech is the main focus for most modern cars, the new C4 features a wide array of safety features such as Active Safety Brake, Blind Spot Monitoring System, Active Lane Departure Warning System, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Highway Driver Assist, Coffee Break Alert, Driver Attention Alert, Extended traffic sign recognition, and intelligent beam headlights.

The new Citroen C4 may have became a coupe crossover that cuts space from the previous model but it's surprisingly as comfortable as most Citroens should be and it has lots of tech to toy around. Like it or not, this is the Citroen built for the new normal.

Photo: Citroen

Citroen C4 Cactus

The Citroen C4 range once has a hatchback, the Picasso minivans, and the Aircross compact SUV. Now, the C4 family has expanded with a new member and what's this? C4 Cactus? The Cactus is a crossover, just like the Aircross, but there's more to this story than that.

2015 Citroen C4 Cactus

You see the Citroen C4 Cactus isn't more of a crossover nor a compact in its own right. It was made for those who can't really afford a regular C4 hatchback because when you look at their prices, the C4 Cactus starts at 13,950 Euros TTC, which is 5,250 Euros less than the normal C4 hatchback. That's a good merit for the Cactus, but what can you expect from the C4's lesser sibling?

Judging by its looks, it can be somewhat too cheeky in design terms. The front face looks as if it has the headlamps of the new Jeep Cherokee while the paneling on the side view feels like when steel and chocolate got accidentally fused. Oh my goodness. It looks like a mutated chocolate bar on wheels and if anyone has a craving for chocolates, look away now because you've just chased a moving piece of chocolate bar. Ha ha ha...

2015 Citroen C4 Cactus interior

2015 Citroen C4 Cactus interior

What about the interior? Well, I was expecting good things and it is but only just. When fully equipped, you can enjoy what's inside the Cactus and you'll get the same experience as you would expect from a cheap girl's car from Japan. Yes, Toyota Passo reference. But this isn't a Toyota Passo for some unknown reasons. This is a budget car loaded with some premium stuff such as a digital instrumental panel, touch screen for climate control, navigation, radio, and some thingamabobs, and for the first time, the airbag was displaced to the roof. Sounds clever but what about driving.

It behaves like a normal and civilized car. There's no complicated wizardry involved and driving one of these is incredibly easy, although you might be experiencing some understeering but never mind about that. The C4 Cactus is a simple car made for novice of drivers because thanks to its low cost of ownership, almost everyone can afford this simple machine made of simple stuff.

For a car so simple, the Cactus is available with the choice of three petrol engines and two diesel engines. The top-of-the-line is the one with the BlueHDi 100 engine mated with a 5-speed manual gearbox. It will do 0-100kph in 10.7 seconds and a top speed of 184kph. It's not what you call quick but as a city car, the Cactus tries to be content with what it has but is the car content even though it doesn't have a split-fold rear seat or a wind-down back windows? Even though it doesn't have those like you would expect in a typical Citroen, it's natural.

2015 Citroen C4 Cactus

So would you buy one? Even though it costs less than a normal C4, you should go for it if you're new to the world of motoring but if you want something even more affordable than the C4 Cactus but sacrifice its sizing for something else, get yourself a new C1.

Photo: PSA Peugeot Citroen

Citroen Grand C4 Picasso II

2014 Citroen Grand C4 Picasso

2014 Citroen Grand C4 Picasso interior

A couple of months ago, a brand new generation of Citroen C4 Picasso was showcased to the world and although the exterior looks a bit more vague than the old one, the interior is starting to be more redeemable rather than being too redundant for a people carrier because of its tech-loaded goodies as well as the clever touch screen. Sitting in here is like riding on a spaceship on wheels but as a warning, it feels a bit old fashioned.

Now, its longer brother, the Grand C4 Picasso is following suit as well and although it still looks like the new Picasso aside from its controversial looks, it's still a people carrier worth capable of carrying a typical French family who want to spend the remaining days of summer going places. The Grand C4 Picasso targets the VW Sharan, SEAT Alhambra, the Renault Grand Scenic, and the Peugeot 5008 respectively and although it maybe not as classy as the luxury minivans from Japan such as the Estima, the Alphard, the Elgrand, and the Elysion, the interior's still had the same tech-savvy goodness as expected on the normal 5-seater C4 Picasso especially the 12-inch HD screen for the instrumental panel, the addictive touch screen, the optional rear seat entertainment system, and so much more for the tech geeks.

Like its 5-seater cousin, the 7-passenger Grand C4 Picasso retains the choice of engines such as a VTi 120, a THP 155, e-HDi 115, and the e-HDi 90 Airdream engine respectively. Let's not forget that the e-HDI 90 Airdream engine, combined with an ETG6 gearbox, emits just 98g/km with a combined fuel economy of just 74.3mpg, the best in its class. What's more is that the Grand C4 Picasso is loaded with cutting edge safety features that cares the occupants more than the car itself such as the radar guided cruise control, Intelligent traction control, Lane Departure Warning System, blind spot monitoring, and the very clever anti-collision warning system that uses the front radar to alert drivers when this car's getting too close for collision. It also has the feature similar to Nissan's Around View Monitor and that feature's exclusive in this segment. Amazingly, the new Grand C4 Picasso also got Park Assist which can park the car automatically when it sees an available parking space. You can even read a book or drink coffee while this car's parking by itself. Clever, isn't it?

So, the new Grand C4 Picasso though, it may not be a good-looking MPV for seven passengers but with loads of gizmos and an array of fuel-efficient engines, not to mention the fact that they're planning a more Euro 6 compliant BlueHDi 150 engine sometime next year or so, it's worth a redeemable one. One thing to aware for is its pricing and it starts at 23,050 Euros, cheaper than the Grand Scenic.

Available colors: Blanc Banquise, Bleu Teles Nacre, Bleu Kyanos Nacre, Noir Onyx, Hichory Nacre, Gris Aluminium Metallic, Gris Shark Nacre, and Rouge Rubi Nacre.

Photo: PSA Peugeot Citroen

Citroen C4 Picasso II

2014 Citroen C4 Picasso

Now, let's take a look at the all new, second-generation Citroen C4 Picasso, the newest version of Citroen's people carrier that is suitable for what is French for the word "soccer mom". Although, it's now lighter and more compact than the previous model it replaces, the new C4 Picasso offers a wide variety of engines to chose from such as a VTi 120, a THP 155, e-HDi 115, and an all new e-HDi 90 Airdream engine which is the first ever MPV to emit less than 100g/km of CO2 with a conventional, internal-combustion engine. When mated with an all-new 6-speed clutchless gearbox (ETG6), fuel economy for this new engine reaches 3.8 l/100 km or 26.3km/L. Starting at just 23,050 Euros, this new model is more expensive than its rival, the Renault Scenic.

In terms of design, this new model is a bit to shoddy and once again, this is just another one of the weird-looking cars to be ever come out this year that is just too "west of weird". I mean look at this front view, I mean, I'd prefer the front view of the previous model rather than this odd looking front end because it's too disturbing for a family car like this. Still, this is the French way when it comes to car designs because today's French cars are a bit "ouest de bizarre", they want everyday cars to be more weirder and untrue than other European cars look like. Anyway, while the new exterior is the least of my problems, let's take a look on the inside where things are about to get interesting...

2014 Citroen C4 Picasso

Okay, seems that new interior is getting a bit more classy than the old model though. What's so cool about the new dashboard is this 12-inch HD screen for the instrumental panel that checks out how the driver does, especially checking the current location of the driver. That's science fiction without the fiction, feels like I'm in a luxury spaceship flying around the distant galaxy.though except this isn't a spaceship but it is when you tell the kids at the back. Also, there's this addictive touch screen as expected on the 208 except this isn't the 208's or the 2008's touch screen. This is even more techie than that. Look at it, this cool touchscreen controls all the in-car functions, including the dual-zone air conditioning, navigation, audio, telephone, driving aids and connected services. Also, the new Picasso has a bigger boot for your groceries. It's now 40 liters more than the old model, at 537 liters up to 637 liters with the rear seats pushed forward.

2014 Citroen C4 Picasso

So, how about what it feels like when you use it as an everyday car? Well, for starters, the new model is built on an entirely new EMP2 platform so therefore it's 140 kg lighter than the old car, which is good but how good was it? Sadly though, it's not quite good enough on the bends and then there's the suspension because it feels as bouncy as hell. I can hardly imagine what would the kids at the back would think while getting through such situation but in the straights, it feels a bit redeeming...but how redeeming was that? It's a bit tad old-fashioned. It maybe a character-building car but as a concept, it's a bit terrible rubbish to me. This is about as rubbish as an idiot who lives in a condo and then taking a peep into someone else's TV and makes up a dialogue for his own tastes in a husky kind of way.

The judgment then is simple; it may not be well civilized in terms of handling but if you bear in mind about practicality and technology and ignore the ugly front view, it's really not too bad...unless you are a victim of a botched eye operation and you are looking for a car that is catastrophically ugly. For a wild card, find something even cheaper than the new Picasso or the new Renault Scenic. How about a Kangoo or the Partner Tepee instead? Oh well, you'd better of with Postman Pat instead of a people carrier that was built to be "west of weird" for the oncoming summer holday.

Available colors: Blanc Banquise, Bleu Teles, Bleu Kyanos, Noir Onyx, Hickory, Gris Aluminium, Gris Shark, and Rouge Rubi.

Photo: PSA Peugeot Citroen

My souffle for September - the DS4

Doesn't look more souffle to me

This is the souffle of the Forza Motorsport 4's September Pennzoil Car Pack, well not exactly a souffle to us unless you remember the souffle girl last weekend's. This is the Citroen DS4 and some people say that this is somewhat the French alternative...to the Alfa Romeo Giulietta.

I was really bothered about this but the one that FM4 featured here comes with the THP 200 engine, the one that the Peugeot RCZ have and believe it or not, this one's not as good as the Alfa Giulietta when I tried. Sure, the Giulietta is all about the finesse and the touch of class but for this one...plenty of style but no cider. The steering's a bit heavy, it's a bit harsh, and as observed, feels like I overcooked my favorite souffle for the souffle girl. 

A mountain to climb for...

That gave me an interesting idea. Instead of comparing this to the Giuletta because as I'm sure I know, the Giulietta will easily slit the DS4's throat in terms of speed and handling, I would rather compare this one to the Citroen from the past.

Citroen C4 VTS

This one is the old Citroen C4 VTS. The one that was used as Sebastien Loeb's rally car from the past until it was replaced by the DS3. When the second generation C4 came, the Coupe was discontinued and furthermore, Citroen has stated that the DS4 is not intended as a successor to the Citroen C4 Coupe.

First up, the drag race. Remember the DS4 comes with the RCZ's THP 200 engine which produces more power than the old C4 VTS. However, it's heavier than the C4 VTS. Top speed for the new DS4 with the THP 200 engine is 235kph while for the old C4 VTS can go about 227kph. Let's see if we can translate science into speed with a quarter mile drag race...

So, the DS4 has done that but now, let's translate science into track times at the Top Gear Test Track and I need a driver and I have one. Some say he believes that Christmas is a load of @#$%....and he is...




The Citroen C4 VTS did it in 1:36.668 while the Citroen DS4 THP 200 did it in 1:35.495 so to be honest, it did better than the old C4 VTS but sadly though, I am not happy with the burnt souffle with some eggs to exterminate. I mean, imagine if I put an egg to the passenger seat of the DS4, you know that this would be a childish science experiment to analyze its handling and grip. The only way that the egg's going to be EGG-STIR-MINUTE-d is when you handle it too hard or some rough oversteer.

In short, I didn't like the DS4 because of its heavy steering but as a decent alternative to the old C4 VTS, you'll know that this works quite well.

DS4's Rage

Citroen C4 Aircross

Some say this is the Mitsubishi RVR but it isn't. Its the Mitsubishi RVR's French cousins; the Peugeot 4008 and the Citroen C4 Aircross. This isn't the first time the French carmakers using underpinnings from Mitsubishi. Back in 2007, PSA Peugeot-Citroen collaborated with Mitsubishi Motors for their own versions of the Mitsubishi Outlander crossover known as the Peugeot 4007 and the Citroen C-Crosser. In 2010, they did it again by turning the all-electric Mitsubishi i MiEV into a Peugeot iOn and the Citroen C-Zero. The Citroen C4 Aircross and the Peugeot 4008 are somewhat to be the third difficult album about a partnership between PSA Peugeot-Citroen and Mitsubishi Motors.

2013 Citroen C4 Aircross

2013 Citroen C4 Aircross

The Citroen C4 Aircross is just rather a spin-off of the Citroen C4. Remember, despite the naming, it doesn't share some of the components of the second generation Citroen C4. What you expect underneath on the Citroen C4 Aircross is actually a Mitsubishi RVR from Citroen's point of view. Imagine if you try to put your Citroen C4 Aircross at your nearest Mitsubishi service center and chances are that they might think you're driving an RVR. In true French fashion, the Citroen C4 Aircross do come with a very quirky design DNA that truly expresses the brand's "Creative Technologie" slogan.

2013 Citroen C4 Aircross interior

On the interior, well, the C4 Aircross really looked the same as the Mitsubishi RVR. You would still expect getting the Mitsubishi-favorite Rockford Fosgate audio and navigation system, an optional panoramic roof, seating for five, foldable rear seats, and that's about it. Play a game of "Dashboard Spot the Difference" between the two and you would expect that there is only one change occurred; the steering wheel.

2013 Citroen C4 Aircross

The Citroen C4 Aircross has three engines available; a 1.6i petrol engine, an HDi 115 diesel, and the HDi 150 diesel engine. At first, the C4 Aircross is FF but with optional 4WD, you'll have the Drive Mode Selector, which provides the driver three different modes to choose from such as 2WD for better fuel economy, 4WD Auto for traction, and 4WD Lock where you want to take it on tarmac, gravel, and snow, even in the rain.

Back on the engine types. The 1.6i petrol engine produces 115PS of power, 154Nm of torque, 0-100kph in 11.3 seconds and top speed of 182kph. This engine has a combined fuel economy of 5.9L/100km and CO2 emissions of 135g/km. Onto the HDi 115 diesel, this has 112PS of power and 270Nm of torque. A Citroen C4 Aircross HDi 115 with 2WD will have a combined fuel economy of 4.6L/100km and 119g/km of CO2 emissions. A Citroen C4 Aircross HDi 115 with 4WD will have a combined fuel economy of 4.9L/100km and 129g/km. On the much powerful HDi 150, this produces 150PS of power and 300Nm of torque. With 2WD, expect a combined fuel economy of 5.4L/100km and 142g/km of CO2 emissions. With 4WD, you should expect 5.6L/100km of fuel economy and a
CO2 emission of 147g/km. The 1.6i petrol will have a 5-speed manual and HDi models will have a 6-speed manual.

Exterior colors are; Blanc Antarctique opaque, Gris Cool Silver metallise, Noir Perle nacre, Rouge Chili's metallise, Brun Mangaro metallise, Gris Papyrus metallise, Gris Titanium metallise, and Blanc nacre.

My comment:


Yes, the Citroen C4 Aircross is just a Mitsubishi RVR altered and edited to be sold in Citroen dealerships in Europe but terribly sorry, the C4 Aircross won't be made for right hand drive use and terribly, it won't be coming to the United Kingdom. Like the C-Crosser and the C-Zero, don't expect this one coming to Japan, but what the heck? It's just a Mitsubishi. A Mitsubishi RVR perhaps a little bit different when it comes to the outside and the performance figures.

Photo: PSA Peugeot Citroen

This is how you say Mitsubishi RVR in French

2013 Peugeot 4008

2013 Citroen C4 AIRCROSS

They maybe using the Mitsubishi RVR (known in others as the ASX and Outlander Sport) as its foundation but Peugeot's latest debutante, the 4008, and Citroen's latest addition to the C4 range, the C4 AIRCROSS, are those kind of crossovers you do want to watch out for next year.

More details coming soon!

Citroen C4 II

2011 Citroen C4

The previous C4 wows the crowd because of two undeniable answers; the participation on World Rally Championship and the advertisement that the C4 transforms into a robot for coolness. Does this answers sounds cool? The C4 is no longer a rally car because the DS3 take place for the next WRC season, and for that, the outdated C4 is finally reborn in a fresh new second-generation basis. Welcome to the all-new, second-generation, Citroen C4.

The new C4's exterior truly celebrates to its name thanks to Citroen's design DNA and the front view is somewhat similar to the GTbyCitroen concept, providing the sportiness on this hatchback that does not need to be called eccentric or strange. It is a shame that the 3-door version of the C4 is not offered, but on the lighter side, it will be replaced by the sportier version of the C4, the DS4, to be launched next year. It seems odd that the DS4 is not a 3-door version of the C4 because of the secret rear doors offered. In the meantime, the new second generation C4 needs to be told first.

The new C4's exterior is truly a sports car in the making, but the new interior feels like a premium luxury sedan because of the luxurious features offered to keep the driver interested for more. What I personally like about the new C4 is the refreshed front seats because it resembles more like the seats commonly found on most sports cars. The leather upholstery adds a touch of class and perfects how the new C4's interior should be.

At the start, the new C4 carries various engines available; the diesel-fed 1.6-liter HDi, the 2.0-litre HDi, 1.6-litre VTi petrol engine, 1.4-litre VTi, and the range-topping 1.6-litre THP engine that comes with a turbocharger. Do not forget the new micro-hybrid 1.6-litre e-HDi engine. This new engine was made to be more of an eco-car because of its micro-hybrid technology. Most people looking for power may go for the 1.6L THP variant because of its turbocharged performance that it makes it worthy to be called a hot hatch, but for those looking for fuel efficiency may go on the 1.6L HDi 90 FAP variant because of less fuel consumption and less CO2 emissions. Depending on the variant, the available transmissions they will get is either a 5-speed MT, 6-speed MT, or 6-speed AT with Paddle Shifters (available on the new C4 e-HDi). The new C4 may be equipped with safe features such as Intelligent Traction Control, ESP, Lane Departure Warning, xenon dual-function directional headlamps, blind-spot monitoring system, cruise control, and speed-limiter.

My thoughts about the C4:
If this hatchback made a close encounter with the Opel Astra, Mazda Axela Sport, Lancia Delta, Kia Forte Hatchback, Hyundai i30, or even the Mitsubishi Galant Fortis Sportback, expect a huge dogfight on these hatchback rivals because neither a single car addict know the differences of these hatchbacks. The previous generation C4 may be good because of the Transformers-like ad, but the new second-generation Citroen C4 is now evolved from bland to glamor because of its premium features. This premium hatchback offered from Citroen has a unique taste most men would take granted for because this premium hatchback is made for their personal preference. Should you go for this or wait for the DS4? The choice is yours. The new C4 has a positive power within reach.



Photo: PSA Peugeot Citroen