• Boot space is on par with hatchback rivals
• Impressive rear-seat room
• Usefully sized storage solutions

How much space is there? 

We’ve listed some of the C4’s more intriguing storage solutions in the Interior section, but it’s worth saying that Citroen has made this a practical and family-friendly hatchback. As well as the usual cubbies and cupholders, there’s ample space for large-format smartphones plus sensibly located USB sockets.

Although the C4 has quite a low and sweeping coupe-like roofline, its headroom is ample for six-footers front and rear in the outermost seats. Knee- and legroom are also generous in the rear, which is a benefit of its long wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear axle lines) as a proportion of its overall length. One downside is that headroom in the middle rear seat is heavily compromised by the interior lighting unit that is right in the way. It will be a real struggle for a taller passenger to sit here as a result.

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Getting in and out of the C4 is that little bit easier than most rivals, courtesy of that raised ride height, and it’s something to bear in mind when slotting young ones into car seats or for those with restricted mobility. One related point is that the door sills are relatively high, too – if you like having the driver’s seat in its lowest position, you can feel your thighs and buttocks brushing over the metalwork at the bottom of the door opening.

Boot space and storage

Sensible in both size and shape, the C4’s 380-litre boot is on par with the likes of the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf, with a usefully roomy cavity under the floor for storing smaller items. The boot of the Kia Xceed is slightly larger at 426 litres, though. 

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Its rear seats split in the conventional 60:40 manner, although they don’t lie completely flat when folded over, in common with most cars these days. However, when they are folded, there is 1,280 litres of space. Many models also feature a ‘ski hatch’ in the rear centre armrest that allows long, slender items to be accommodated when carrying a maximum of four people.

Is it easy to park?

Curiously, the C4 isn’t as large as its looks suggest, perhaps a visual trick caused by its slightly raised ride height. It’s 4,360mm long, so you won’t have too much bother comfortably slotting it into typical supermarket or multistorey parking bays. Rear parking sensors are standard on the entry-level model, with a reversing camera added with the mid-spec Plus and front sensors included on the range-topping Max. 

All-round visibility is good, with the view out back only slightly restricted by the spoiler that cuts across the rear window. What might pose something of an inconvenience is that there’s no rear wiper to help keep the rear screen clear on days when the weather’s filthy.

Safety 

• Four-star Euro NCAP rating lags behind rivals
• Decent standard safety kit but average marks overall
• Top-spec models needed for most kit

The C4 was tested by Euro NCAP back in 2021 and received a four-star rating, missing out on the top five stars now commonplace on most new cars. Those buying the C4 as a family car should be reassured by the fact its highest category score was for its child protection (83%) but was let down by a weak 57% rating for vulnerable road users (such as pedestrians and cyclists). 

Standard driver assistance features include mandatory kit such as autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist and speed sign recognition. You’ll need the top-spec Max model for the most features, though, as this adds a more advanced autonomous emergency braking that performs better at night and can detect cyclists, as well as extended traffic sign recognition. Adaptive cruise control and blind spot detection are also added with this trim. 

Watch: Citroen C4 crash test video