As the demand for electric cars grows, the market is really growing with battery-powered options.
Not so long ago Citroen’s line-up was absent of any electrified vehicles, but today the range is already fit to burst, with everything from tiny city runabouts to eight-seat people carriers, along with plug-in hybrids for those not ready for a fully-electric model.
But one of Citroen’s most accomplished electric cars is the e-C4 – a funky new hatchback that’s available as an EV, alongside more conventional petrol and diesel options. Here’s what you need to know about it…
It’s got a decent electric range
Underpinning the Citroen e-C4 is a 50kWh battery, which – while not the largest in a model of this size – still allows this hatchback to travel for a claimed 217 miles on a single charge, which should be more than enough for the majority of drivers. It’s also rather quick to charge too, with 100kW DC rapid charging letting the battery be topped up to 80 per cent in as little as 30 minutes.
There’s more than enough performance for most too, with the e-C4 featuring an electric motor putting out 134bhp and 305Nm of torque – equating to a 0-60mph time of under 10 seconds.
Strong focus on comfort
Citroen is a brand that refreshingly prioritises comfort above all else, and when many marques are chasing sporty thrills, the French firm instead likes to make its cars as easy to live with as possible.
The e-C4 is a great example of this as it really is superb to live with on a daily basis, being easy to drive and impressively relaxing. If you choose a higher-spec model, these are equipped with Citroen’s ‘Advanced Comfort’ seats, which offer greater cushioning and support for maximum comfort.
Stylish looks
Citroen is a brand that isn’t scared to style its cars a bit differently to most, and the e-C4 is a perfect execution of this.
Blending together elements from a hatchback, SUV and coupe, it really does stand out on the road. While it won’t suit everyone, we admire Citroen for doing things differently, and with its sharp LED lighting, large alloy wheels (fitted as standard) and split rear tailgate glass, it’s certainly one of the funkiest-looking electric hatchbacks on the market.
All models are eligible for the government grant
The government changed its grant for electric cars earlier this year, which is now only available on new models with a list price of under £35,000. While some rivals are priced beyond that, the e-C4 is notable because all versions cost under that amount.
That means all are eligible for a £2,500 saving, which really helps to bring the cost down, and means the model starts from an attractive £30,895 once the money has been deducted.
You get a lot of kit for your money
Regardless of which e-C4 model you buy, you’re guaranteed to get an impressive amount of standard equipment.
The Sense Plus kicks off the range and comes with remote temperature pre-conditioning (to heat the car up before you get to it), cruise control, 18-inch alloy wheels, a reversing camera, 10-inch touchscreen and digital dial display as standard.
Upgrade to the Shine to get a heated steering wheel, keyless entry and start, and adaptive cruise control. Topping the range, the Shine Plus gains kit like a wireless smartphone charger, part-leather seats and an upgraded sound system.
Enquire on a new Citroen C4