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Citroën C4

The original C4 kept its wheel hub still; the C4 WRC won all 13 pure asphalt rounds of its career.12

Researched October 28, 2026 from 26 sources

Also called

  • King of AsphaltThe C4 WRC's nickname reflects its unbeaten asphalt run with Loeb and Daniel Elena.3

At a glance

Engine
Mk1: 1.4–2.0 L I4; Mk2 adds 1.2 L I3; Mk3 adds hybrid and electric411
Layout
Front-wheel drive; front engine or electric motor4612
Gearbox
Mk1: 5/6MT, 4AT, 6AMT; Mk2 adds 6AT; Mk3 adds 8AT and hybrid 6DCT41012
Built at
Mk1/2: Mulhouse, France; Wuhan, China; El Palomar, Argentina; Mk2 Kaluga, Russia4

The story

Created to replace the Xsara, the C4 began in 2004 with a fixed-hub wheel and central LCD instruments. A five-door second generation followed in 2010; the 2020 third generation became a coupe SUV.45

2004: Two bodies replace the Xsara20042007: Monte Carlo debut ends in a one-two20072008: Facelift brings VTi and THP power20082010: The second C4 goes five-door only20102015: PureTech, BlueHDi and a touchscreen20152020: A coupe SUV from Pinson's team20202023: 54 kWh joins the ë-C4 battery menu20232024: A 134 hp hybrid joins the range20242025: Facelifted ë-C4 claims up to 414 km2025 Citroën GS/GSA: 1970–1986Citroën GS/GSACitroën ZX: 1991–1998Citroën ZXCitroën Xsara: 1997–2006Citroën XsaraCitroën C4 I (B5): 2004–2010; Argentina to 2015B5Citroën C4 II (B7): 2010–2018; sedans to 2022B7Citroën C4 III (C41): 2020–presentC41 197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones14911181920
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1970–1986Citroën GS/GSA
1991–1998Citroën ZX
1997–2006Citroën Xsara
2004–2010; Argentina to 2015Citroën C4 I (B5)
2010–2018; sedans to 2022Citroën C4 II (B7)
2020–presentCitroën C4 III (C41)
2004Two bodies replace the Xsara
2007Monte Carlo debut ends in a one-two
2008Facelift brings VTi and THP power
2010The second C4 goes five-door only
2015PureTech, BlueHDi and a touchscreen
2020A coupe SUV from Pinson's team
202354 kWh joins the ë-C4 battery menu
2024A 134 hp hybrid joins the range
2025Facelifted ë-C4 claims up to 414 km
  1. 2004

    Two bodies replace the Xsara

    Jean Pierre Ploué, Donato Coco and Bertrand Rapatel's design arrives as a three-door coupe or five-door hatchback, sharing the Peugeot 307 platform.4

  2. 2007

    Monte Carlo debut ends in a one-two

    Sébastien Loeb wins the C4 WRC's first rally at Monte Carlo, with Daniel Sordo second after the pair take the first nine stages.2

  3. 2008

    Facelift brings VTi and THP power

    Mk1 gains 1.6-liter gas engines: 118 hp VTi or 148 hp turbo THP; the 2.0 HDi Airdream diesel reaches 138 hp and 340 Nm.4

  4. 2010

    The second C4 goes five-door only

    The Mk2 hatchback offers e-HDi diesels and the EGS automated gearbox, with road manners focused on refinement.1467

  5. 2015

    PureTech, BlueHDi and a touchscreen

    The Mk2 facelift adds 1.2-liter three-cylinder PureTech gas engines, BlueHDi diesels, an EAT6 automatic option and a 7-inch touchscreen.468

  6. 2020

    A coupe SUV from Pinson's team

    Marc Pinson's team, with Cyril Pietton handling exterior styling, recasts the third C4 as a coupe SUV.49

  7. 2023

    54 kWh joins the ë-C4 battery menu

    A larger 54 kWh battery joins the ë-C4's existing 50 kWh pack, widening the electric model's battery choices.10

  8. 2024

    A 134 hp hybrid joins the range

    The Mk3 gains a 1.2-liter gas/electric hybrid rated at 134 hp, adding another electrified powertrain beside the ë-C4.11

  9. 2025

    Facelifted ë-C4 claims up to 414 km

    Facelifted ë-C4 models pair 50/54 kWh packs with 136/156 hp motors: 352/414 km claimed, with 20–80% charging in 25/27 minutes at 100 kW.10

Every generation

  • Citroën GS/GSA
    Citroën GS/GSA1970–1986
  • Citroën ZX
    Citroën ZX1991–1998
  • Citroën Xsara
    Citroën Xsara1997–2006
  • Citroën C4 I
    B52004–2010; Argentina to 2015
  • Citroën C4 II
    B72010–2018; sedans to 2022
  • DS 4 (C4 coupe successor)
    DS 4 (C4 coupe successor)
  • Citroën C4 III
    C412020–present

Power over the years

From 87 hp to 177 hp in 0 years.

050100150200 20052010201520202025 hp 2004 · 87 hp · Mk1 1.4 16v2004 · 89 hp · Mk1 1.6 HDi 902004 · 134 hp · Mk1 2.0 HDi2004 · 177 hp · Mk1 2.0 VTS2008 · 118 hp · Mk1 1.6 VTi2008 · 148 hp · Mk1 1.6 THP2010 · 154 hp · Mk2 1.6 turbo2015 · 129 hp · Mk2 PureTech 1302020 · 134 hp · ë-C4 50 kWh2020 · 153 hp · Mk3 1.2 PureTech, top tune2024 · 134 hp · Mk3 1.2 hybrid2025 · 156 hp · Facelift ë-C4 54 kWh 177 hp Mk1 2.0 VTS 87 hp Mk1 1.4 16v
14610111213
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
200487Mk1 1.4 16v
200489Mk1 1.6 HDi 90
2004134Mk1 2.0 HDi
2004177Mk1 2.0 VTS
2008118Mk1 1.6 VTi
2008148Mk1 1.6 THP
2010154Mk2 1.6 turbo
2015129Mk2 PureTech 130
2020134ë-C4 50 kWh
2020153Mk3 1.2 PureTech, top tune
2024134Mk3 1.2 hybrid
2025156Facelift ë-C4 54 kWh

Versions

9 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    C4 Exclusive (first generation)

  • C4 Touch / Feel / Flair; Live / Feel / Shine

    Standard

    C4 Touch / Feel / Flair; Live / Feel / Shine

    2015

  • Standard

    C4 Sense / Sense Plus / Shine / Shine Plus

    2020

  • C-Triomphe / C4 Pallas / C-Quatre

    Standard

    C-Triomphe / C4 Pallas / C-Quatre

  • C4L / C4 Lounge

    Standard

    C4L / C4 Lounge

  • C4 2.0 VTS coupé

    Performance

    C4 2.0 VTS coupé

    2004–2008

    177 hp
  • C4 Cool

    Special

    C4 Cool

  • Limited

    C4 Cachet

  • Limited

    C4 Airdream+

How to spot one

Look for

  • First generation: chrome grille bars carry the chevrons between large, upswept headlights.45
  • First generation: arched five-door roof; three-door coupé has split rear glass and high taillights.45
  • Second generation: shoulder crease fades into the rear door, then restarts lower toward the taillights.14
  • Third generation: sloping coupé roof, large wheels and black protection along the lower doors.49
  • Third generation: rear spoiler over the glass and a floating-roof effect with tapered rear pillars.49

Year by year

  1. 2008

    First-generation facelift: larger trapezoidal front opening and a gently curved grille.4

  2. 2010

    Second generation adopts a conventional steering wheel and dashboard, replacing the fixed hub and high central LCD.14

  3. 2015

    Second-generation facelift adds LED running lights and 3D-effect taillights; Flair gains the touchscreen dashboard.6

  4. 2020

    Third generation introduces a coupé-style crossover profile, large wheels and protective lower-body trim.49

  5. 2025

    Third-generation facelift adds an oval-framed chevron badge, new LED running lights and bumper color clips.10

  6. 2025

    C4 taillights move lower, with light strips in a black bar carrying Citroen lettering; the C4 X rear stays unchanged.10

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Citroën C4
    C4
    Photo of a Citroen C4 Cactus
    Citroen C4 Cactus

    Citroen C4 Cactus

    The Mk2 C4 is a conventional five-door hatchback; the C4 Cactus has a crossover-style body.6

  • Photo of a Citroën C4
    C4
    Photo of a Citroën C4 Picasso / Grand C4 Picasso
    Citroën C4 Picasso / Grand C4 Picasso

    Citroën C4 Picasso / Grand C4 Picasso

    The Picasso and Grand Picasso are MPVs. Early versions echo the C4 grille but use different headlamp outlines.4

Against its rivals

  • Peugeot 308

    C4 vs Peugeot 308

    Starting price lower is better

    C418,950 €
    Peugeot 30818,200 €
    8

Prices

Value today $1.7K–$3.9K2526

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$10K$20K$30K$40K 20052010201520202025 Value today: $1,700–$3,900 2004 · $32,900 · UK VTS RRP (~$1.83/£)2010 · $31,000 · UK C4 quoted RRP (~$1.55/£)2015 · $21,000 · France Live VTi 95 (~$1.11/€)2020 · $27,100 · UK Sense base (~$1.29/£)2020 · $34,300 · UK 130 EAT8 Shine Plus (~$1.29/£)2025 · $27,900 · UK You base (~$1.25/£)2025 · $32,900 · UK e-C4 You (~$1.25/£) 2017 · $14,500 · 2005 C4 R-PUR, one-off (~$1.18/€), Leclere2025 · $1,700 · 2005 VTS, 55,000 miles (~$1.30/£), United Kingdom2026 · $3,900 · 2006 VTS, 43,000 miles (~$1.30/£), United Kingdom $14.5K Leclere, 2017
18101213242526
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2004Price when new$32,900UK VTS RRP (~$1.83/£)
2010Price when new$31,000UK C4 quoted RRP (~$1.55/£)
2015Price when new$21,000France Live VTi 95 (~$1.11/€)
2020Price when new$27,100UK Sense base (~$1.29/£)
2020Price when new$34,300UK 130 EAT8 Shine Plus (~$1.29/£)
2025Price when new$27,900UK You base (~$1.25/£)
2025Price when new$32,900UK e-C4 You (~$1.25/£)
2017Auction sale$14,5002005 C4 R-PUR, one-off (~$1.18/€), Leclere
2025Auction sale$1,7002005 VTS, 55,000 miles (~$1.30/£), United Kingdom
2026Auction sale$3,9002006 VTS, 43,000 miles (~$1.30/£), United Kingdom
2026Value today$1,700–$3,900

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 9 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 13 stories from its legend
    • “13 asphalt rallies, 13 wins”
    • “36 wins, 4 drivers' titles, 3 team crowns”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 7 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 26 sources
  1. New Citroen C4 hatchback review | evo evo.co.uk
  2. Citroën C4 WRC - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  3. The restoration of this road-racing Lancia Stratos continues | Girardo & Co girardo.com
  4. Citroën C4 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  5. Back from the Banal – Driven to Write driventowrite.com
  6. Used Citroen C4 (Mk2, 2010 - 2018) review and buyer's guide | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  7. Citroen C4 vs. Volkswagen Golf | Car Group Tests | | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  8. Prix Citroën C4 (2015) : des tarifs à partir de 18950 euros - L'argus largus.fr
  9. ENGLISH – Understanding the style of the C4: Interview with Marc Pinson – LIGNES/auto lignesauto.fr
  10. Citroen C4 and e-C4 get 2025 facelifts and a major price cut of £5,600 | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  11. Used Citroen C4 (Mk3, 2020-date) review: comfortable hatch covers all the bases | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  12. New Citroen C4 2020 review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  13. Citroen C4 | evo evo.co.uk
  14. Citroen C-Triomphe - Car Body Design carbodydesign.com
  15. Citroën C4 VTS | evo evo.co.uk
  16. Citroen C4 (2004-2010) — New Car Net newcarnet.co.uk
  17. Citroen introduces C4 by Loeb | Car Reviews | by Car Enthusiast carenthusiast.com
  18. Citroën ZX - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  19. GS & GSA – Citroen Car Club citroencarclub.org.uk
  20. Citroën Xsara - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  21. juwra.com  |  Citroen C4 WRC juwra.com
  22. Autozine - Nieuws: Bijzondere reclame voor Citroen C4 ook op Nederlandse tv autozine.nl
  23. Palmarès de la Pub 2006 - Citroën C4 « The dancer » | Ipsos ipsos.com
  24. Espera Pontarlier Citroën C4 R-PUR 2005 sbarro.phcalvet.fr
  25. Sold | 2005 Citroen C4 VTS theclassicvaluer.com
  26. Sold | 2006 Citroen C4 VTS theclassicvaluer.com
  • evo.co.uk
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • girardo.com
  • driventowrite.com
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • largus.fr
  • lignesauto.fr
  • carbodydesign.com
  • newcarnet.co.uk
  • carenthusiast.com
  • citroencarclub.org.uk
  • juwra.com
  • autozine.nl
  • ipsos.com

Photo credits

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