Citroen C4 X Shine long-term test: a roomy and budget-friendly option

author: FutureCar Staff    

The Citroen C4 X has received positive feedback for its load-lugging ability, spacious interior, and comfortable seats. It has proven to be a great value for family life. With two sporty kids and a lively Labrador, the C4 X seemed like the perfect fit for the writer's busy household. The writer recalls their first experience with Citroen, their dad's XM in 1990, which left a lasting impression with its stylish design and comfortable seats. Although the writer has always been drawn to the XM's replacement, the C6, the C4 X still captures their attention with its unconventional styling.

The C4 X, based on the C4 hatchback, takes on the appearance of a smart saloon with SUV undertones. It comes with generous standard features, including a 10-inch touchscreen with integrated sat-nav, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a head-up display, and dual-zone air-conditioning. However, the absence of heated seats or a heated steering wheel may be missed during the winter season. While a sunroof or panoramic glass panel would have been a nice addition, the reasonable price and decent build quality make up for these minor shortcomings.

The Comfort seats in the C4 X are a highlight and provide a relaxing experience, especially when combined with the soft damper set-up. The writer feels a sense of ease and relaxation while driving the C4 X, similar to their experience with the larger C5 X. Despite a few minor issues such as a faulty boot catch and an occasionally irritating stop-start system, the C4 X proves to be a capable family car. The writer remains optimistic about their experience with the C4 X so far.

The Citroen C4 X 130 S&S Shine has been in the writer's possession since October 2023. It has an initial price of £26,320 and is equipped with a 1.2-litre, 3cyl turbo petrol engine producing 128bhp. The CO2 emissions are 129g/km, resulting in a tax of £180. Optional features include Cumulus Grey metallic paint (£545) and the Safety Pack Plus without Adaptive Cruise Control (£135). The insurance group is 20E, with a quote of £889 from AA for a 42-year-old driver with three points. The mileage currently stands at 313 miles, and the car achieves an economy of 39.7mpg.

FutureCar Staff