The restyled Citroën C4 X: an almost unique offering in the market

At a time when the roads are filling up with SUVs stuffed with useless gadgets, Citroën still dares to offer something a little different: the restyled C4 X. Of course, this may seem light, like a Ben Howard song on a rainy Tuesday morning, but it’s time to ask whether this sedan can really compete with the intense monster fair that is the current market. Imagine the situation: you are offered a bland coffee while your heart desires a frothy beer. That’s what the C4 X looks like next to those pleasure-filled, adrenaline-packed behemoths known as SUVs. Yet, there is something endearing about this silhouette that subtly weaves between rivals like the Volkswagen Golf, the Ford Focus, and even the melodramatic Audis and Mercedes-Benz.

A design that dares to stand out

The C4 X, measuring 4.60 meters in length, has its roots in a C4 that does not stop being "normal" (if one can say that about a car design that exudes stoicism). While one would expect sleek and provocative lines, we are greeted with gentle curves, reminiscent of a sofa cushion that is admired more for its comfort than its beauty. The front end has received a little boost; the new light signature goes all out to grab attention, captivating distracted gazes. Here, all the architecture preferred by the less fortunate, but ultimately, who doesn’t prefer the headlights to appear?

A trunk that gets the job done

Ah, that precious trunk! Equipped with a lid dressed to the right height that offers a pleasant loading depth with a volume of 510 liters, it hasn’t stolen its title. It won’t work miracles with overly bulky luggage, but promises to solve about 80% of the woes of a professional suffering from transport troubles at the airport. And let’s not forget that beloved space for the spare tire, because, let’s be honest, who still talks about a tire repair kit without air? If the C4 X offers good value for money for its engines - gasoline with mild hybridization and even the fully electric version - it continues to be sold for €700 more than the C4. That’s a bit like paying extra for an optional Coke with your burger: nice, but sometimes superfluous.

Inviting and comfortable, but a tad austere

Step inside and you enter a world of strange contrasts. The Ultracomfort seats, available in the higher trims, are as welcoming as an old couch at the pub. But all this suffers from a presentation that plays the card of austerity. You are faced with a head-up display and a digital control screen that look like they’ve come straight from a 1980s space movie. That said, does it all work? Yes, but the finish could have used more love to stand up to rivals like the BMW Series 1 or the Peugeot 308, which know how to make their interiors sparkle with a bit more flair.

And let's not forget that the tech suite is improving. USB ports are multiplying like pigeons in the city. But this doesn’t change the impression of being locked in a too-dark room when one might expect bright accents of elegant lights. Citroën is making efforts, but it’s like offering a fruit salad in a box of chocolates: the heart wants chocolate, not diced fruits. Speaking of choices, why not check out the new versions that try to bring a bit of freshness to the style, beyond this bland interior?

A routine player among the pioneers

In the end, the Citroën C4 X is not here to revolutionize the automotive world, but still, it slips into an almost untapped niche in Europe—a kindred spirit for fans of traditional sedans. It stands alongside a Fiat Tipo, which, let’s be honest, doesn’t make the party dance but has its audience. In a universe where automotive politics increasingly leans towards an army of high-tech, overpriced vehicles, the C4 X cultivates a simple charm approach, yet imbued with classic codes in boldness.

For those who appreciate comfort and soothing journeys, the C4 X remains a noteworthy option in a market where it faces rivals like the Renault Mégane, the Skoda Octavia, and the Opel Astra. No doubt that despite some shortcomings on the design edge, it’s a good choice for the average citizen in search of pragmatism. After all, every garden needs a few rows of cabbage, right?

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