Citroën C4X 1.5 HDi: Compact Sedans are Back Or not?

Perhaps you remember the time around the year 2000 when small hatchback cars were used as the foundation to create sedan cars that appeared in the market from time to time. Despite the fact that cars like the Suzuki Swift sedan, Renault Thalia, and Fabia sedan were not very attractive, they offered the benefit of a three-part body at an incredibly low cost. However, these cars were not very popular in Central Europe, as their main market was in the Middle East. Over there, the sedan body was thought to give the owner a higher social standing. It was commonly believed that hatchbacks were mainly driven by farmers and poor people.

As for me, I am uncertain of the truth, since upon scrutinizing photographs from the metropolises of those cities, I discern an entire spectrum of diverse vehicles, and it does not appear to be a fact. The Hyundai Accent sedan is operated by more eminent individuals than those who occupy a Land Cruiser (with a collapsible rear). It seems to me that in a triclinic automobile, the air conditioning from the compartment does not receive air whilst loading cargo, which is vital in temperatures of forty degrees. Nonetheless, small sedans slowly fade away from the catalog over time. It may be possible that they have been supplanted by more chic crossovers that resemble vehicles a wealthy person would drive, or perchance the newer automobiles possess more robust air conditioning, or maybe it is entirely different.

However, sartorial inclinations often experience a resurgence in marginally innovative patterns, which is why the methodology of “procuring a conventional automobile and bestowing it with a flattened trunk” is once again gaining momentum. This trend commenced with the extravagant sport-utility coupes from BMW and Mercedes and subsequently permeated the Renault Arkana, Volvo C40, and Peugeot 408 a. In the present discussion, we shall examine the offering from Citroën. Adhering to current customs, the C4X’s lower section presents an audacious plastic exterior, although it predominantly serves to emulate the form and provide practical shielding in crowded shopping precincts. Undeniably, the C4X boasts excess power and slightly above-average ground clearance; however, I would refrain from driving it extensively on off-road terrain.

Divergences from the conventional C4 hatchback initiate beyond the B-pillar, while the front segment remains unaltered, both internally and externally. We might even chance upon an unfamiliar (albeit, now unfortunately outdated) iPad holder. Nonetheless, I have no grievances to express. As is typical of Citroens, the seats are elevated and comfortable, there are abundant storage cubbies throughout, the climate control operates via its own dials, and the instrument panel, though petite, provides all necessary data, presented in a lucid manner. Generally, the cabin flaunts an economical yet stylish French plastic aesthetic.

In contradistinction to the conventional C4, the posterior seats proffer greater expanse both in terms of legroom and headroom. The seating arrangement itself is sufficiently commodious, with the backrest comfortably scaling the altitude of a full-grown individual’s shoulders. Devoid of superfluous embellishments, save for the roof-mounted reading lights and a dual set of air vents, the journey remains amenable even for grown-ups. Additionally, the bench’s width is commendable, wherein the installation of a child’s seat does not invariably culminate in the debasement of the center seat, as is customary with petite automobiles.

Inquiry pertaining to the trunks, you pose? Well, analogous to sedans, the drawback here is a diminutive entryway, despite its rather substantial depth. Transporting elongated cargo such as hobby market slats or skis can be elegantly remedied with the installation of a grommet at the back of the middle rear seat. The 510-liter volume appears promising on paper, but it does harbor a few issues. Firstly, the shape of the trunk – the fundamental rectangle is rather diminutive, the protuberances on the sides only aid in loading small objects, but larger boxes cannot be accommodated. Even the standard height – a mere 55 cm – poses limitations. Furthermore, storing objects immediately “under the ceiling” is ill-advised as the ceiling is not elevated, cables run through it, and a sharp metal edge protrudes from it. The hinge arms must also be compressed when the lid is closed.

When you first look at it, the Citroen C4X may seem like it has a longer wheelbase than the regular C4 model, but it’s actually only 24 cm longer behind the back wheels. I was surprised at how smooth and comfortable the sedan was to drive compared to the smaller hatchback. The car’s handling felt natural and easy to control, and the chassis felt stable even when pushed to the limit. The diesel engine was quiet and efficient, and I barely noticed it unless I accelerated hard. Thanks to the car’s long gears, I was able to get great fuel economy even at high speeds. The car’s suspension and tires also did a great job of absorbing bumps and rough roads. I drove the car for almost 600 km in one day and was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable and enjoyable the ride was.

Decision

Looking back, I feel a bit embarrassed talking about the Thalia and Fabia sedans earlier. The C4X is in a different class altogether. Even though the shape, especially from the back, looks a bit weird, it’s actually a really comfortable car to drive, even on long trips. I recommend getting the big 1.5 liter diesel engine, which is very reliable. You can also get it with gasoline, hybrid, or electric options, but I think the diesel is the best. I would choose the cheaper Feel Pack trim instead of the fancier Shine level because it still has everything I need. I wouldn’t even miss the head-up display or other extras. You can get a self-driving diesel sedan for less than seven hundred that can easily fit four adults and their luggage. That’s a great deal in my opinion.

Measurements

Engine: diesel 1.5 liters turbocharged four cylinder
Power: 96 kW (130 hp)
Torque: 300 Nm
Transmission: eight-speed automatic transmission
Top speed: 206 km/h
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 9.5 s
Average consumption according to the manufacturer: 4.8 l/100 km combined
Average consumption in the test: 5.2 l/100 km combined
Base model price: 544,900 CZK (496,900 CZK when buying any car)
Price of the tested version (light 1.5 HDi AT): CZK 749,900

Decision

Measurements

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