Citroen C4 hatchback - Engines, drive & performance

While some brands like SEAT try and cultivate and promote a sporty image, Citroen has been trying to position its cars as class-leaders in comfort. The Progressive Hydraulic Cushion suspension has been a big part of this push; it’s designed to help soak up the worst bumps in the roads but it's actually had mixed success - in some cars we found the technology made little difference.

Thankfully, it feels more successful here, taking the edge off all but the deepest potholes, giving it an advantage over most family hatchbacks. It's also particularly welcome in Britain, where the suspension is able to filter out all but the worst road surfaces. Composure is still intact at higher speeds but the C4 predictably feels far less willing to play along a twisting back road than a Ford Focus. Its steering is light and somewhat vague, while there's also a fair bit of body lean.

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Citroen C4 petrol engines

Citroen's willing 1.2-litre PureTech three-cylinder engine has been around for some time and fitted in various Peugeot and Citroen models. Here it's available with 99bhp, 128bhp and 153bhp, with the first two getting a manual gearbox as standard. An eight-speed automatic gearbox is optional for the 128bhp version and standard for the range-topper. 

The 128bhp version has decent pulling power at low revs, so you rarely have to go above 3,000rpm where the engine can start to sound a bit gruff. The automatic gearbox shuffles through the gears competently enough but we think the manual makes better use of the available power. 

Diesel engines

Choose the 1.5-litre diesel engine and there's 108bhp but this increases to 128bhp with the automatic gearbox fitted. The Volkswagen Golf has a larger 2.0-litre TDI diesel with 113bhp or 148bhp.

Electric

Unlike most of its rivals, the Citroen C4 is available as a petrol, diesel or electric car. Badged e-C4, the latter has a single electric motor powering the front wheels, making it a rival for the Mazda MX-30. Acceleration from 0-62mph takes 9.0 seconds but instant torque and the absence of gear changes help it feel quicker than the raw numbers suggest.