The French car maker has always stood out in the car industry, taking a unique approach to design and engineering. Their latest electric car, the electrifyingly different Citroën ë-C4, continues this trend with its distinctive aesthetics and focus on ride comfort. Citroën aims to appeal to car buyers who are looking for something outside of the norm.
The ë-C4 has a love it or hate-it design. Its bold strokes and unique features make it impossible to blend in with traffic. The electric model shares similarities with its petrol powered counterpart but adds bright blue trim pieces and ë badges. The crossover sits fairly high and features black plastic panels on the lower half, giving it a rugged appearance. Its wheel arches slightly bulge out, and the bonnet has sharp contours, contributing to the sense of sportiness and power.
While some may not be sold on the V-shaped LED light signatures on the front and rear, they do an excellent job of lighting the road. The chrome horizontal trim pieces that blend the LED daytime running lights with the double chevron badge add a touch of elegance.
Inside, the ë-C4 offers a grounded and sensible experience. The switchgear is logically laid out, and the seats are ergonomically designed for comfort. The car includes a dual screen setup, a sleek head-up display, and the same Advanced Comfort seats found in the larger C5 Aircross. The blue textured panels on the door cards add a touch of excitement. Tactile buttons and switches, such as the HVAC controls and steering wheel controls, are a pleasure to operate. The ë-C4 also offers good connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, USB ports, and a wireless charging pad.
Rear occupants will find the ë-C4 cozy and spacious, with supportive seats and dual AC blowers. The car’s boot space is boxy, offering up to 380 liters of storage, and can be expanded by folding the rear seats.
Driving the ë-C4 is a smooth experience due to its 97 kW (130 bhp) motor and up to 260 Nm of torque. It accelerates quickly from a standstill and provides effortless driving. The steering is light, making it easy to maneuver along routes that require many turns. The Progressive Hydraulic Cushions system smooths out bumps and potholes. The regenerative braking system allows for smooth stops and features active safety features as standard.
However, the ë-C4 is not an engaging driver’s car. It lacks the power and agility to handle aggressive driving. It is best suited for calm city driving and excels in comfort and suspension.
Citroën claims a real world range estimate of about 363 km, which is more than sufficient for most drivers in Singapore. During testing, the range fell on the lower end of the 300 km range but still performed well. There was a peculiar issue of the car losing 8.0 to 10 km of range each time it was started up, but this seems to be an isolated incident.
The electrifyingly different Citroën ë-C4 faces tough competition from other electric car manufacturers. However, it offers a well balanced package for those seeking an unconventional looking vehicle that prioritizes space and comfort. With its smooth electric powertrain, the ë-C4 is a compelling option for buyers looking for something different.