Zapping The Blogauto Volkswagen Taigo Test Drive
Renault boosted the market with its Arkana coupe SUV, following in the footsteps of a hybrid SUV/Sedan segment initially launched by premium brands. Citroën wants to boost its international sales and is targeting the markets of Europe, Africa and the Middle East here with a C4X which is inserted between the C4 and the C5X.
An atypical physique
The C4X seems like a real patchwork vehicle, borrowing a little from the SUV, a little from the crossover, a little from the sedan and a little from the coupe. Difficult to position such a vehicle. Question design, the front does not reserve any surprise with the stylistic canons of Citroën and the split optics. In profile, the C4X stands out from the 408X.
With a length of 4600 mm, ë-C4 X and C4 X therefore fit between the 4360 mm C4 hatchback and the 4800 mm C5 X. The wheelbase of 2.67 m is identical to that of C4 hatchback. While the Sochaux pulls towards the raised coupe break, the C4X benefits from a more plunging stern with a larger overhang and a notchback format. The body stretches 24 centimeters to reach 4.60 mboosting the boot volume from 380 l to 510 l. What to compensate a weak point compared to an Arkana or a Taigo, or a trunk that opens with headlight units in one piece, impractical compared to a tailgate. At this level, therefore, the C4X is less refined than the C5X. The rear legroom is intended to be quite generous, but not enough for the Asian markets, which are very attentive to this aspect of comfort.
The tailgate’s rear panel is very sleek, with an integrated spoiler at the top, but the whole thing still lacks “pep”, in comparison to the more muscular profile view and the large 690mm wheels. Also for the rear, new characteristic LED rear lights echo the light signature of the front. They are placed on either side of the trunk opening and echo the sculpted lines of its opening, fitting into the corners and along the sides of the car. They end in the shape of an arrow in front of the rear door, which further amplifies the dynamism of the silhouette.
Improved multimedia and comfort
The ë-C4 X and C4 X carry over the next-generation infotainment introduced on the C5 X with a 10-inch HD screen, voice recognition and a TomTom navigation service with free updates for three years. The driver assistance systems of the C5X are also included.
Passengers will benefit from Advanced seats Comfort, wide and welcoming, with high-density foam. The spacious rear seats can be heated, as can the front seats, which are also equipped with a massage function. On certain trim levels, these seats adopt a new soft-touch Alcantara upholstery that reinforces the perception of refinement and comfort on board.
Under the hood, horses for the rafters?
For many European markets (Austria, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Nordic markets, Portugal and United Kingdom) Citroën will offer the 100% electric ë-C4 X exclusively, while other European markets and the Middle East and Africa will offer both ë-C4 X and C4 X in petrol or Diesel.
The model embeds a 3-cylinder petrol available in 100 hp manual gearbox and 130 hp 8-speed automatic. An EAT8 transmission that also matches thesingle diesel block of 130 hp. In addition, a 100% electric ë-C4 X oversees this range, taking up the 100 kW (136 hp) and 260 Nm of torque from the block of the ë-C4in the same way as its 50 kWh battery. Citroën announces autonomy similar to the C4, i.e. approximately 360 km WLTP, the extra weight of the lengthening being compensated by better aerodynamic efficiency. To be checked in real conditions. The ë-C4X is said to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds in Sport mode, with a top speed of 150 km/h. Markets that will be offered diesel will be able to count on a Blue HDi 130 Stop & Start Euro 6.4 automatic gearbox EAT8.
to summarize
With the C4X and ëC4X, Citroën makes the link between the C4, already raised, and the C5X. Mixing genres, with a special design, and wanting to cross a little all styles, does it take the risk of missing its target? The prices may make the difference, for an arrival at the end of 2022.
