The Citroen C4 is a hard car to classify – is it a family hatchback? Is it a mid-size SUV? In reality, it’s neither, and it’s both. A family car that stands out from the crowd is something that its maker has traditionally been good at, and this one is no different.

This third-generation Citroen C4 was introduced in 2021 with a bold new look and a particular focus on ride comfort courtesy of its advanced suspension setup and impressive seats. All this, as well as its unusual styling, has helped to set it apart from rivals, and Citroen has now introduced a mid-life update for 2025.

Key changes include a striking new front end that banishes Citroen’s trademark chevron grille and replaces it with a more upright face. A new triple LED lighting signature is also present and correct, both front and rear, along with new badging and ‘CITROEN’ lettering at the back. The impressive seats have also been revised with more support and padding, and a new digital instrument cluster is now fitted to higher-spec models. 

Since launch, the C4 has also been available in an electric e-C4 flavour, boasting a range of up to 257 miles, but here our focus is on the regular ICE (internal combustion engine) models. Originally sold with petrol and diesel engines, the latter were discontinued in 2023 due to waning demand for diesel. As part of this update, Citroen has also now introduced a mild-hybrid model, which promises to reduce emissions by 20%. 

Three trim levels are available – You, Plus and Max. Standard equipment on the You includes 18-inch alloy wheels, a 10-inch touchscreen and dual-zone climate control. The Plus trim adds a reversing camera, the new digital instrument cluster, a head-up display and satellite navigation. At the top of the range, the Max features adaptive cruise control, tinted rear windows and heated and electric front seats.

You can compare the Citroen C4 against more SUV-inspired models such as the Kia Xceed and Toyota C-HR, or more mainstream hatchbacks like the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra. It undercuts all those cars we’ve mentioned on price by some margin. 

But is the new Citroen C4 worth considering? We’ve tested the updated car on the international launch ahead of UK cars being delivered to the UK later in 2025. Read more about how we test cars at Parkers.