Citroën unveils the C4 X, an elevated four-door sedan derived from the C4. Extended by 24 cm compared to the latter, it will be offered in gasoline, diesel and electric. The argus makes you discover it in detail.
Event at Citroën at the start of summer 2022 with the addition of a new model to the range. The C4 X is a stretched four-door variant of the C4 raised compact sedan. This is the model developed under the code name C43, which The argus announced to you in 2018, since its design was carried out in parallel with that of the five-door C4. Like the big C5 X, but in a different way, the Citroën C4 X stands at the crossroads between sedan and SUV.
The Citroën alternative to the Renault Arkana
The Citroën C4 X is based on the Stellantis group’s modular CMP platform (PSA side), like the C4, and it is also the largest model to use this technical basis. Its length of 4.60 m places it between the C4 (4.36 m) and the C5 X (4.80 m). Its wheelbase of 2.67 m is identical to that of the C4. All its elongation is therefore in the rear overhang, which measures 1.05 m. Width and height are also unchanged from the C4, at 1.83m and 1.53m respectively. Although the C4 X is not equipped with a tailgate, its designers have opted for a “fastback” silhouette, its flag declining from the central pillars to the stern.
In the passenger car market, the most direct competitor of the new Citroën is the Renault Arkana, which displays similar dimensions with its 4.57 m long, 1.82 m wide and 2.72 m wheelbase. The C4 X is however lower, because its ground clearance drops by about 4 cm and peaks at 15.6 cm, like the standard C4. In addition, the car is based exclusively on 18-inch rims.
A crossover sedan that has the trunk
For reasons of aesthetic consistency as well as industrial rationalization, the entire front part of the C4 X is taken from the C4. We therefore find an almost horizontal hood hollowed out by two generous indentations, as well as the two chrome chevrons which extend to above the two-stage lights.
The black rocker panels of the compact are also taken up by the C4 X, up to the famous Airbump side protections, customizable by means of colored inserts. The angular design of the short rear quarter windows, which rise towards the rear, contrasts with the car’s curved haunches.
They can evoke, from certain angles, BMW or Polestar productions and contribute to visually muscle the sides of the car. This is also the case for the small spoiler integrated into the boot, which contributes to the vehicle’s aerodynamic performance.
In profile, the elongated trunk visually blends into the inclination of the rear pillars. The arrow-shaped optical blocks that frame it generously overflow onto the fenders, which could recall the late C5 Tourer, and give an illusion of compactness. The very hollow vertical part of the trunk panel and the largely black shield also help to hide this “backpack”.
The C4 X offers a loading volume of 510 l; that’s 130 l more than a C4 and 3 l less than an Arkana. The latter benefits from easier access thanks to its tailgate, but the chevron sedan makes up for it with a lower loading threshold of 2.2 cm, at 74.5 cm. The C4 still displays 3 cm less.
The C4 X also has a split-folding rear bench seat and can be fitted with a ski hatch allowing long objects to be loaded without having to lower the backrests. Incidentally, we note that the hold of the C4 X only makes 12 l of capacity to that of the new Peugeot 408 five-door crossover, 4.69 m long and based on the EMP2 architecture.
A digital and practical cabin
Installed in the front seats of the Citroën C4 X, we find ourselves on familiar ground. The interior layout is taken from the standard C4. But, unlike the latter (for now), the newcomer receives as standard the MyCitroën Drive Plus infotainment system introduced by the C5 X and usable via the central 10-inch touch screen supplied as standard. A digital dashboard completes the endowment.
This device notably includes wireless smartphone replication compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as a voice assistant that is activated by saying: “Hello Citroën”. Eight user profiles can be stored, each intended for two smartphones.
Facing the driver is a retractable tablet holder. It surmounts a drawer to house, for example, the tablet in question, as well as a generous glove box. Up to sixteen storage compartments can be dotted around the cabin, representing a total volume of 39 litres.
Depending on the finishes or by drawing from the option packs, it will be possible to take advantage, pell-mell, of a head-up display, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, an induction charger, four USB ports ( two USB-A/USB-C pairs, one at the front and the other at the rear), a connected GPS, a reversing camera with a 180° overhead view, 360 cameras °, level 2 semi-autonomous driving (adaptive cruise control and lane keeping) or even a panoramic sunroof. Not to mention the Advanced Comfort seats, whose reinforced foam improves support and comfort. These seats can be heated and massage in the front. Comfort always, Progressive hydraulic stop suspension is standard at all four corners.
Citroën with driver
Citroën thought particularly of taxis and other drivers when developing the C4 X. The rear passengers therefore benefited from all the attention. Their bench seat is reclined at 27°, more than that of the classic C4, and they benefit from a radius at the knees of 198 mm for a total width of 1.37 m at the shoulders and 1.44 m at the elbows; figures slightly lower than those of a Renault Arkana. The rear roof guard of the two models is identical, with 86 cm announced. Larger sizes (over 1.80 m) may feel a little cramped at head level. The occupants of the second row also have a central armrest with storage and cup holders and can also benefit from dedicated air vents or heated seats, in particular.
Petrol, diesel and electricity for the C4 X
The Citroën C4 X will be offered in France with two 1.2 l PureTech three-cylinder petrol engines, one 100 hp with a six-speed manual gearbox, the other 130 hp with an EAT8 automatic transmission. A four-cylinder 1.5 l BlueHDi 130 hp diesel with EAT8 box will also be in the catalog. Finally, the car will be available in a 100% electric variant called ë-C4.
The powertrain of the latter is taken from other “zero emission” models from Stellantis, including the ë-C4. It is a 136 hp (100 kW) and 260 Nm electric motor powered by a 50 kWh (gross) battery giving it 360 km of range in the WLTP homologation combined cycle.
This accumulator accepts a maximum charging power of 100 kW. Enough to travel 100 km after 10 minutes of connection or fill the batteries to 80% in 30 minutes in the best conditions. The top speed of the car is limited to 150 km/h, and the manufacturer announces a time of 9.7 s to go from 0 to 100 km/h in Sport mode. This version, which will be the only one offered on certain European markets, offers the same trunk volume as the thermal C4 Xs.
With its services designed (among other things) for drivers, the new Citroën competes with the Mobilize Limo, the Renault group’s electric sedan dedicated to passenger transport professionals. The Limo is longer (4.67 m), but also lower (1.47 m) than the C4 X. If it promises its rear passengers more generous knee space (288 mm), it does however have significantly smaller trunk (411 l).
The Citroën C4 X on the roads at the end of 2022
The Citroën C4 X is due to go into production in the fall of 2022 at the Stellantis factory in Villaverde, Spain near Madrid, where the C4 is already assembled. It will be marketed in 80 countries, with Citroën estimating that its main markets will be in Africa and the Middle East. According to the manufacturer, the electric version should represent around 30% of global orders, as is the case for the C4. He also expects 45% gasoline sales and 25% diesel. The arrival of the C4 X in concessions is scheduled for the end of 2022 at prices still unknown.
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