Used Citroën C4 2020-present review

The Citroën C4 is a prime example of a car that's changed radically to keep up with trends – it started as a simple family hatchback but is now a sort-of coupé SUV.

So, did shedding the skins of the first generation (2005-10) and second generation (2010-18) models make the C4 a better car – and is it a good used buy? Well, first we should touch upon another factor in the shift.

You see, this isn’t the first time the C4 name has been attached to a more rugged-looking offering. There’s been the C4 Cactus, a quirky, raised-up family car that’s arguably the latest C4’s true predecessor.

Back on topic, though, what’s under the bonnet of the C4? There’s one petrol engine – a 1.2-litre – which is available in three outputs: 99bhp, 128bhp and 153bhp. There's also a 1.5-litre diesel option, with either 108bhp or 128bhp. For emissions-free motoring, there's also the all-electric Citroën e-C4.

None of the engines stands out as lacklustre. Even the base 99bhp petrol has a decent amount of shove. We wouldn’t rule out going for a 128bhp if you regularly carry passengers or would simply prefer some extra grunt. Both diesel power outputs provide satisfactory performance, with the 1.5-litre making the C4 a pleasant motorway cruiser.

Sense trim was the entry-level option from new, and gets dual-zone climate control, cruise control and rear parking sensors, for example. Right now, though, the most affordable used examples are in Shine trim. So, while there is also a Sense Plus, getting you sat-nav, a rear-view camera and LED interior lighting, we're going to focus on Shine here.

Shine gets you privacy glass, keyless entry, automatically dipping headlights and adaptive cruise control. You also get a more sophisticated automatic emergency braking (AEB) system that can detect cyclists. Shine Plus is also an option. It’s the top trim, in fact. It gets leather upholstery, heated front seats, a premium sound system and wireless phone-charging.

On the road, the C4 is far from a sporty car. Its controls are pleasant to use, but the soft suspension means it leans over dramatically if you try to turn into a bend at speed.

The upside of that softness is comfort. The C4 glides over minor imperfections in the road surface and cushion you from most ruts and potholes. It’s only when you come across something with a really sharp edge that you feel a sudden thwack.

Inside, you’ve got a slightly lower driving position than most SUVs. The driver's seat is cosseting on motorways (adjustable lumbar support is standard across the range), if a little lacking in side support.

All C4s have a 10.0in touchscreen mounted high up in the middle of the dashboard. You get a long list of infotainment features, including a DAB radio, Bluetooth and voice control, while the presence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto means you can mirror your phone’s apps on the car’s screen.

In terms of interior quality, the C4 mixes good build quality with a pleasing palette of materials. It’s not quite as posh as premium rivals, such as the Audi Q3 and BMW X2. Front passenger space is adequate, but rear legroom is limited – as is headroom, due to the sloping roofline. Boot space is fairly average for a family car.

If you're interested in finding a used C4, or any of the other cars mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.

Used prices for the Citroën C4 begin at around £18,000. That’ll get you a 2021 model in 128bhp 1.2-litre petrol form featuring the Shine trim. The most expensive 2021 and 2022 examples – 153bhp 1.2-litre petrol cars in Shine Plus trim – tend to be listed for between £22,000 to £27,000 at the time of writing.

MPG

The C4 is a pretty economical car. The 128bhp 1.2-litre petrol averages more than 50mpg on the official WLTP test cycle, while the 108bhp and 128bhp 1.5-litre diesel will both do more than 60mpg on the same cycle.

Road tax

Owners of petrol and diesel C4s will have to pay £165 per year under current VED regulations. To find out more about road tax costs, click here.

Servicing and insurance

Insurance groups are generally low, meaning the C4 should be cheap to insure. In terms of servicing, Citroën offers Care Plans that include three years' servicing from £15.99 per month. Other fixed price service plans are available.

While the 99bhp 1.2-litre petrol doesn’t feel lacking in performance, most buyers will want to go for the 128bhp version because it’s much nippier. Fortunately, cars with this engine are amongst the most affordable on the used market right now.

In terms of trim levels, Shine – despite not being the entry-level trim – is your cheapest used option right now, which is no bad thing. It gets a lot of good kit, as we’ve previously touched upon.

Our favourite Citroën C4: 1.2 PureTech 130 Shine

There are plenty of rivals worth considering, especially because the C4 – though primarily a coupé SUV – can be considered alongside some small SUVs, family SUVs and regular family hatchbacks.

Perhaps the likes of the Mazda CX-30 might tempt you. It comes with a high-end interior, lots of kit and an economical petrol engine. Used examples from 2021 are more expensive than similar C4s, mind you.

The Skoda Karoq is a delightfully well-rounded alternative. It’s spacious, comfortable and nippy. Overall, the model is immensely capable and a great used buy.

If you're interested in finding a used C4, or any of the other coupé SUVs mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.

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