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Citroen has confirmed the reinvented C4 will make its official debut 30th June. The bold new crossover is expected to reach the UK market between late 2020 and early 2021 and, when it goes on sale, it’ll act as a taller riding alternative to the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus.
Citroen announced the new C4’s launch date on Twitter – and it was accompanied by a short video which teased the car’s badging. The vehicle in the clip wears an “ë-C4” moniker, which will be the nameplate used on the all-electric variant. Petrol and diesel-powered cars are expected to retain the previous model’s C4 badge.
• Best small SUVs and crossovers on sale now
The decision to abandon the traditional C-segment bodystyle in favour of something bolder and more SUV inspired is Citroen’s way of trying to carve out a niche in a highly competitive market. The previous C4, which was a fairly conservative hatchback, was removed from sale in 2017 as the brand began to reinvent its image.
Speaking to Auto Express earlier this year, 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.”
As shown by our exclusive images, the next-generation C4 will be a staunch departure from the previous model, ushering in a new design language for the French firm. Laurence Hansen, Citroen Product and Strategy director, said: “Customers want a design renewal and it’s a great way for us to show our creativity.
Citroen C4 Cactus replacement - spyshot 9
Citroen C4 Cactus replacement - spyshot 1
Citroen C4 Cactus replacement - spyshot 6
Citroen C4 Cactus replacement - spyshot 3
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Citroen C4 Cactus replacement - spyshot 5
Citroen C4 Cactus replacement - spyshot 2
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“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 – badged the ë-C4.
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.
Sales in the traditional C-segment have fallen gradually over the last few years, as buyers continue to flock towards crossovers and SUVs. Manufacturers are recognising this, too – Auto Express recently revealed that Renault is evaluating the future of the Mégane, to allow extra investment to be tipped 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.”
Do you think the new Citroen C4 will be a success? Let us know in the comments section below…
Continue reading...
Citroen announced the new C4’s launch date on Twitter – and it was accompanied by a short video which teased the car’s badging. The vehicle in the clip wears an “ë-C4” moniker, which will be the nameplate used on the all-electric variant. Petrol and diesel-powered cars are expected to retain the previous model’s C4 badge.
• Best small SUVs and crossovers on sale now
The decision to abandon the traditional C-segment bodystyle in favour of something bolder and more SUV inspired is Citroen’s way of trying to carve out a niche in a highly competitive market. The previous C4, which was a fairly conservative hatchback, was removed from sale in 2017 as the brand began to reinvent its image.
Speaking to Auto Express earlier this year, 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.”
As shown by our exclusive images, the next-generation C4 will be a staunch departure from the previous model, ushering in a new design language for the French firm. Laurence Hansen, Citroen Product and Strategy director, said: “Customers want a design renewal and it’s a great way for us to show our creativity.
Citroen C4 Cactus replacement - spyshot 9
Citroen C4 Cactus replacement - spyshot 1
Citroen C4 Cactus replacement - spyshot 6
Citroen C4 Cactus replacement - spyshot 3
image
image
image
Citroen C4 Cactus replacement - spyshot 5
Citroen C4 Cactus replacement - spyshot 2
image
“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 – badged the ë-C4.
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.
Sales in the traditional C-segment have fallen gradually over the last few years, as buyers continue to flock towards crossovers and SUVs. Manufacturers are recognising this, too – Auto Express recently revealed that Renault is evaluating the future of the Mégane, to allow extra investment to be tipped 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.”
Do you think the new Citroen C4 will be a success? Let us know in the comments section below…
Continue reading...