Recently, Sofia France Auto announced that Citroën has become the best-selling brand of the Stellantis group in Bulgaria since the beginning of the year. At Roadhunter, we’ve already tested several models from the brand, but this recognition naturally sparked my curiosity. I’ve also noticed that the updated C4 and C4 X have become increasingly common on the road – and they certainly look far more appealing than before.
So I decided to find out what exactly makes so many people choose Citroën today. For that purpose, I turned to the compact family-oriented C4 – or as the French themselves describe it, “the most refined and stylish C4 ever created.”
This time, I’m testing the Citroën C4 Hybrid 145 Automatic.
Design
When it debuted five years ago, the third generation C4 followed market trends and transformed from a traditional hatchback in the so-called “Golf class” into a compact SUV with increased ride height. It was a bold move by Citroën, combining the concept with an unconventional design and a fastback silhouette – or as marketing prefers to call it, a coupé-SUV.
At the end of last year, the facelift arrived – and the result is genuinely impressive. The previous model looked slightly quirky, as if the designers were deliberately adding eccentric touches to stay true to Citroën’s history. Now, things are different. The new C4 retains character but appears much cleaner and more mature. This is easily one of the most successful design updates I’ve seen recently.
The front end immediately draws attention. The headlight design, especially the daytime running lights, is distinctive. Three LED lines positioned at different levels create a memorable light signature.
In the tested Manhattan Green colour with a black roof, the C4 looks elegant and fresh. There’s also one small but meaningful detail that won me over – real exhaust pipes. Round, properly sized, not fake covers or oversized decorative cut-outs. In today’s era of “false” design solutions, this is a small but honest gesture toward those who appreciate details.
I genuinely like it. What do you think – is the new C4 still sufficiently “Citroën,” or has it become too modern and polished for its own DNA?
Interior
Citroën traditionally positions itself as the more accessible brand within Stellantis, below Peugeot. In this case, that’s actually a positive. The interior is simpler, more logical and far easier to use. Function controls are intuitive, with real buttons for climate control, a physical switch for the head-up display and overall sensible, human-centred ergonomics.
The digital instrument cluster is relatively small, with limited customisation options. Honestly, it could even be more minimalist. The infotainment system is basic but features a wide display with excellent visibility. It works smoothly and reliably – Apple CarPlay connects instantly and the interface is intuitive. Nothing essential is missing… except perhaps a better audio system, as the sound quality is rather average.
The head-up display is projected onto a transparent plastic panel in front of the driver. The concept is good, but the panel itself is unnecessarily large relative to the information displayed and slightly obstructive. The positive aspect is that it can be switched on and off via a button – something that’s surprisingly rare.
Practicality is solid. Large door pockets, several small storage compartments at the front and a rear centre armrest with cupholders and air vents make longer journeys more comfortable. Rear space is adequate, although the seat base is slightly low – more comfortable for children or shorter passengers.
The seats are upholstered in synthetic leather with square stitching reminiscent of classic Citroën models from the 1980s – a pleasant nod to the brand’s heritage. They are extremely soft, almost armchair-like. Initially, this feels wonderful, but on the move, they lack sufficient lateral support.
In terms of build quality and overall feel, however, the interior is solid. The test car had 17,000 km and showed no rattles. The soft suspension likely plays a role here. Overall, the C4 offers a practical, well-built and understated cabin, with subtle design references to Citroën’s past. I like it.
On the Road
The test car is the Citroën C4 Hybrid 145 Automatic MAX – one of the brand’s new 48-volt hybrid versions, introduced as part of its strategy for more accessible electrification.
The system combines a 1.2-litre three-cylinder PureTech petrol engine producing 136 hp and 230 Nm with a 21 hp electric motor integrated into the new six-speed ë-DCS6 automatic transmission. Total system output is 145 hp, with an official WLTP consumption figure between 4.0 and 5.6 l/100 km. Acceleration to 100 km/h takes 8.1 seconds.
The hybrid system works well, though it’s not entirely refined. Engine engagement can sometimes be noticeable, and at higher revs, the three-cylinder becomes loud. In normal conditions, however, transitions between electric and petrol modes are smooth, and the car frequently drives on electric power alone, especially in urban environments.
Performance is perfectly adequate for the car’s character. Overtaking acceleration is a pleasant surprise – the transmission responds promptly, and the electric motor fills in the slight turbo lag. In real-world driving, average consumption hovers around 6 litres, even at higher motorway speeds – an excellent result for a non-plug-in petrol hybrid.
Sound insulation is good for the class. Road noise is minimal, and the engine only becomes intrusive at higher revs. Aerodynamic noise is noticeable above 120 km/h but remains within normal limits.
The true strength of the compact Citroën, however, is its suspension. This is a car designed for our roads – with long suspension travel and soft springs that absorb imperfections impressively. The Progressive Hydraulic Cushions system smooths out potholes, expansion joints and cobblestones almost as if the car had air suspension.
Naturally, this setup eliminates any dynamic driving excitement. The C4 does not enjoy aggressive manoeuvres or fast cornering. But it compensates with outstanding comfort and serenity. In normal, everyday driving, it genuinely feels like a car from a higher segment.
The 156 mm ground clearance is also a bonus. You can confidently drive over speed bumps, rough surfaces and tram tracks without fear of scraping the underside. This makes the C4 a strong all-rounder for Bulgarian realities – a car that can do a bit of everything and does it with ease.
Driver assistance systems are functional but not class-leading. The speed limiter doesn’t allow instant adjustment of the set value, which can be mildly irritating. Lane-keeping assistance works, but I wouldn’t fully rely on it. On the other hand, adaptive cruise control and distance monitoring operate smoothly and are genuinely useful in urban traffic and on long motorway journeys.
Overall, the C4 Hybrid 145 creates a sense of lightness and calm. It’s not a car for enthusiasts, but for those who simply want to get everywhere comfortably, economically and without stress. And that’s precisely where its charm lies.
Conclusion
After the facelift, the Citroën C4 can confidently be described as the most complete version of the model to date. The interior is functional, easy to use and spacious enough, while build quality is pleasantly surprising for this class.
The hybrid system isn’t perfect, but it’s economical, undemanding and logical for everyday use. Combined with the soft suspension and increased ground clearance, the C4 handles our roads effortlessly and delivers a level of comfort that even some more expensive models struggle to match.
If you’re looking for something calm, economical and slightly different, this is exactly that kind of car.
Prices start at approximately €25,000 (converted from 49,688 BGN) for the base YOU version with the 110 hp hybrid. Pure petrol variants are slightly more expensive, as they are offered only in higher trim levels. The tested Hybrid 145 MAX costs around €30,000 (converted from 59,123 BGN), which in today’s market feels entirely reasonable.
If the seats suit you and comfort is your priority, the Citroën C4 is a strong contender in the compact segment.
— Eng. Tsvetan Iliev
