Citroen C4 (2011 – 2018) Review

Citroen C4 (2011 – 2018) At A Glance

3/5

+Huge improvement in quality on previous C4. Comfortable and quiet on the move. Large and useful boot. Good HDi diesel engines. Neat styling.

-Array of warning chimes can be annoying. Relatively crude suspension not in the same class as the Focus or Golf. EGS 'automatic' takes getting used to.

Insurance Groups are between 12–26
On average it achieves 79% of the official MPG figure

Citroen played it safe with the C4, sacrificing the radical styling for comfort, quality and refinement. The result is a car that, while perfectly competent, lacks sparkle and feels dated next to more recently launched alternatives like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra. It has been kept up-to-date, though, so there are some good engines on offer including frugal and punchy BlueHDi diesels. 

With the DS 4 designed to be a flashier hatchback, the Citroen C4 is free to be a comfort-focussed model that's also practical. In this respect it's successful thanks to an impeccably good ride, very low noise levels, impressive refinement and a spacious cabin. It's far from the being the best car to drive in its class, that remains the Ford Focus, but then it's not supposed to be. Instead it's composed and relaxing on the move.

Inside, the quality of the interior is massive improvement over the original C4, but it is now showing its age compared to other Citroen models and its rivals. There is useable storage and the materials used throughout feel of good quality.

Features such as the much-hyped fixed-hub steering wheel and transculent digital dash of the old model have been ditched in favour of a more conventional look and although it's not as radical, it's a far more pleasant cabin overall that also feels better built.

Citroen has kept the C4 engine range up to to date, meaning emissions and economy have remained competetive since the car was launched.  The cleanest BlueHDi diesel version emits just 86g/km and is officially capable of 85.6mpg, plus there are more powerful, but less economical alternative BlueHDi versions. There are also punchy PureTech petrol engines with outputs of 110PS or 130PS. 

While it has been continually updated, the Citroen C4 is now showing its age next to rivals like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and Peugeot 308, all of which provide a better, more well-rounded blend of attributes including more advanced technology. If you can get a fantastic deal the C4 might be worth a look, but there are better choices out there. 

Citroen C4 2.0 HDi 150 2011 Road Test

Real MPG average for a Citroen C4 (2011 – 2018)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

79%

Real MPG

31–75 mpg

MPGs submitted

354

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

Why is the gearstick squeaking on my Citroen C4?

"I own a 2011 Citroen C4. When putting the gearstick in first I get a squeaking noise. Do you know what it could be?"
Reads like the linkages need lubrication.
Answered by Dan Powell

Why does the gear stick get stuck in third gear on my Citroen C4?

"My Citroen C4 refused to start today. I can't move the gear stick from parking to any other position unless I press on the brakes. When I do move it, the message "put auto box in place" comes up. When I move from fourth to third gear, it gets stuck there - this is rectified by stopping, switching off the engine and restarting. How can I correct these faults?"
I guess this has the awful EGS automated manual system. But it's entirely normal not to be able to move the lever from P to N or D without pressing the brake pedal. That's a safety device fitted to all automatics. The rest of it is probably faults with the actuator and there is no easy fix. So it's a trip to the Citroen dealer, an independent Citroen specialist or a member of http://www.fedauto.co.uk
Answered by Honest John

Turbo has failed three times - do I have any comeback against the dealer?

"I bought a Citroen C4 with a broken turbo and got a new one fitted with warranty. However, the new turbo failed within 10,000 miles. Another one was fitted under warranty, but less than three months after the warranty expired, the replacement turbo has failed again. What come back could I have?"
Probably none. The reason why turbos fail, then the replacements fail, is that the turbo bearing oil feed and oil return pipes are partially blocked with carbonised oil from switching the engine off when the turbo is very hot rather then idling the engine for a minute to keep the bearing lubricated and the pipes free of carbon while it cools slightly. The consequent restricted flow of oil to the turbo bearing gives it a short life.
Answered by Honest John

Can you suggest an auto that offers a nice ride and decent boot space?

"I'm looking for a very smooth ride and responsive acceleration. I've got £10,000 - £20,000 to spend on something automatic with a decent boot and five doors. I have a 2007 Vauxhall Zafira 2.2 plate which has just died after 45,000 miles. I loved it but it's too expensive in repairs recently. Also have a 2016 Volkswagen Golf SV 1.4 auto and hate it; dreadful acceleration and really dislike the electronic handbrake. We also have a 2004 Volvo S60 auto which is still reliable and very nice to drive. Looking for the feel of the Zafira/Volvo in a reliable car. Currently thinking a Volvo V40 or Citroen C4."
Interesting that you don't like the Golf SV 1.4 TSI DSG. I like the SV, but definitely not the DSG version. if I was you I'd try to test drive a Peugeot 2008 1.2 PureTech 110 EAT6 automatic that comes in just under £20,000 (before any discounts). Supple ride, excellent 6-speed torque converter auto and the added benefit of 'Grip Control' fore the winter. Comes on all weather tyres as standard.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

What does a Citroen C4 (2011 – 2018) cost?