Citroen unveils radically different C4
The Citroen C4 has a completely new, SUV fastback look
Citroen has unveiled its new C4 and the all-electric variant titled ë-C4. The compact SUV clearly signals a new design direction when compared to the previous generation C4 Cactus.
”With its elevated and assertive stance, the body shape combines the elegance and dynamism of a hatchback while subtly adopting certain SUV traits for added strength and character,” says Citroen. ”Aerodynamic and flowing, it echoes Citroën’s trademarks while bringing a new expression of style to the range. Its warm and high-tech interior instantly expresses well-being, comfort and modernity.”
When viewing the original Cactus and previous generation C4 alongside the new C4, it is evident that the French OEM is moving away from the hatch and towards the SUV, with a fastback roofline and high window line. It is difficult to fully dissect the new design language (the official reveal is on June 30th) but we would guess that this marks the start of a new design direction for Citroen, one more closely aligned to its desired market. Pierre Leclercq, who took over as head of design in 2018, spent two years in the Chinese market, taking Great Wall’s Haval brand into the crossover SUV segment.
There are some legacy Cactus cues in here, the split-level lighting array at the front remains, and some side cladding and the chunky wheelarches also nod to the previous model. However the rear of the new model is a muti-layered change of direction. Also on the exterior, the use of creases signals a car that is much less interested in the functional aesthetic associated with the original Cactus. One of the aims of the previous Cactus was to make it look lower and wider. That certainly is not the case with this generation. It is high-riding, with supermodel hollow cheeks.
The original C4 Cactus was a much admired car, winning CDN’s production design of the year in 2014. But long gone are the days of airbumps running down the side and the quirky interior with crazy materials.
The interior of the new C4 has also been changed significantly, and here the functional aesthetic remains strong. Neatly delineated areas contain the functions, and, at first glance, the use of matt and gloss combined with pared-back textured engraving and chrome accents work well to create a neat and appealing interior. A larger touchscreen sits prominently on the dash but climate control and the home functions are now physical controls again. We look forward to seeing more details about this interior on June 30th.
