Citroen takes on the Nissan Leaf with new electric C4

Watch Tom's video walkaround of the C4 here

Citroen has revealed the first details of its new Golf-sized C4 hatchback, including an all-electric version called the ë-C4. 

Like the e208 and Corsa-e from sister companies Peugeot and Vauxhall, the new Citroen will be available with a choice of petrol, diesel or electric power. 

The new ë-C4 will go head-to-head with the UK’s biggest selling electric car, Nissan’s Leaf.  It also replaces Citroen’s wacky C4 Cactus, which appeared to be a little too crazy-looking to bring sales success in the UK. 

Instead, the ë-C4 appears to use styling which cross a coupe-like roof line with a pseudo-SUV look. It has an elevated stance and tough-looking cladding, but the Cactus’ trademark ‘Airbumps’ (air-filled rubber bumpers inspired by training shoes) have disappeared. 

ë-C4 combines a coupé-like roofline with SUV styling cues.

The  ë-C4 will use the same 50kWh battery and 134bhp electric motor as the other electric vehicles in the Peugeot/Citroen/Vauxhall. This should give it a 203 mile range and reasonable performance too.

Although there is no word on pricing in the UK, Citroen's CEO said: "The price difference between petrol/diesel cars and electric used to be €10,000 more. This is coming down all the time and if you look at the cost of ownership, the cost is now very competitive.... It is a challenge to make electric cars more affordable but Citroen will be at the forefront. Look at the Ami and you will see we are walking the walk." 

The ë-C4 is one of several electrified Citroën vehicles due in the UK over the next year, including three vans. The company has also announced an electric version of its Spacetourer people carrier which can accommodate up to nine people.

The interior has some classic Citroen weirdness, but looks pretty swish