Following battery and motor upgrades for electric Peugeot models, the next of the Stellantis group of brands that will benefit from these upgrades is Citroen, with the E-C4 and the more recent E-C4X, which we will talk about in another review. 

So what’s changed? Well, there’s an all-new electric motor, boasting 156hp (up from 136hp), and 260 Nm of torque. With those extra 20 horses only available in ‘Sport’ mode, that will be at the expense of the range – which will be less if you go faster. 

Talking of how far you can go, another key new part of the E-C4’s drivetrain refresh is the 54 kWh battery, which takes this Citroen’s potential range to 261 miles. Also included for range consistency is a standard fit heat pump, so when extra is needed, it can be rapid-charged at 100kW, equalling a 20 to 80% charge in under 30 minutes at a fast charger. 

Outside, the E-C4’s distinctive hatchback/SUV styling is unchanged. So, think cuts, creases, multiple light intersections, and a window-splitting rear spoiler. Three years on from launch we think this design is ageing well and has certainly avoided the obscurity of the previous C4.

Inside, again there are no changes to the E-C4, but our left-hand drive French Shine spec car was well-equipped, airy, spacious, and well-made – although there are still some disappointingly hard plastics on the doors. The neatest touches are the backlit digital driver’s display screen that has purple light to enhance its floating appearance. There are also the impressively comfortable and wide Advanced Comfort seats.  

Our car was in top-spec C-Series trim, which has been recently replaced here by Max trim. Fitted with 17in wheels, the ride remains a key draw, being perhaps even more refined and comfortable. There is more power and the steering is not without feel, but the soft ride and tall stance mean it’s more of a cruiser than an EV to be driven hard.

As mentioned previously, there is more power accessed by the ‘Sport’ mode, but we did not notice much of a difference. It’s probably best summed up as rapid rather than fast with 156hp, it’s happiest in ‘Normal’ mode most of the time. Like all other Stellantis EVs, the E-C4’s brakes lack feel, with a surprising amount of travel and can be snatchy at low speeds. 

Prices for the E-C4 start at £31,995 for the outgoing entry-level Sense, which seems pricey, rising to the range-topping, also outgoing C-Series at £37,140. Although the bigger battery and motor is only available on the top trim for now. On this evidence, this Citroen is still worth a look if you’re after a compact family EV. 

Citroen E-C4 C-Series 54kWh 

P11D: £37,140

Residual value: 32.7%

Depreciation: £24,235

Fuel: £3,408

Service, maintenance and repair: £2,000

Cost per mile: 49.40p

Range: 261 miles

CO2 (BIK %): 0g/km (2%)   

BIK 20/40% a month: £12/£24

Luggage capacity: 380 litres

Battery size/power: 54kWh/156hp