Citroën C4 engines

Since its launch in 2004, the Citroën C4 has established itself as an innovative compact car with a characteristic design and offers a diverse range of engines across three generations. Each generation has brought new technologies and different strengths and weaknesses, with technological evolution ranging from classic naturally aspirated engines to modern electric drives.

Citroën C4 Generation I (2004-2010)

The first Citroën C4 generation was a pioneering period for Citroën in the compact car segment and was characterized by robust but technically still conventional engines. Mileage varied greatly depending on the engine type: while the tried-and-tested HDi diesels easily reached 300,000 to 400,000 kilometers with proper maintenance, the petrol engines often required major repairs to the clutch or gearbox between 200,000 and 250,000 kilometers. The early turbo petrol engines occasionally had problems with the cylinder head gasket and the cooling system. The absolute top engine of this generation was the 2.0 HDi with 136 hp, which optimally combined power, reliability and economy and proved to be particularly durable.

Citroën C4 petrol engines: Generation I (2004-2010)

The Citroën C4 petrol engine range initially comprised classic naturally aspirated engines. The 1.4 16V with 90 hp served as the entry-level engine, followed by the 1.6 16V with 110 hp. These Citroën C4 engines proved to be reliable, but not particularly economical. The most powerful Citroën C4 petrol engine was the 2.0 16V with 143 hp, which offered sufficient power but had relatively high fuel consumption. From 2006, the first turbo petrol engine was added: the 1.6 THP with 140 hp, which was, however, prone to cooling system problems and occasional cylinder head gasket defects. The Citroën C4 VTS variant with a 180 hp THP engine developed into the most problematic petrol engine of this generation.

Citroën C4 diesel engines: Generation I (2004-2010)

The Citroën C4 diesels were dominated by the tried-and-tested HDi technology. The 1.6 HDi was available with 90 hp and 110 hp and proved to be economical and reliable. The Citroën C4 2.0 HDi with 136 hp developed into the most reliable engine of the entire generation - especially the variants produced from 2005 onwards with common-rail injection and a particulate filter as standard proved to be very durable and economical. These Citroën C4 HDi engines already met the Euro 4 standard and offered an excellent combination of performance, consumption and reliability. A smaller 1.4 HDi with 68 hp was also available, but less common.

Citroën C4 Generation II (2010-2018)

The second Citroën C4 generation marked a significant technological leap and offered a modernized engine range with improved efficiency. Most engines of this generation can easily reach 250,000 to 300,000 kilometers with proper maintenance, with the BlueHDi diesels being considered particularly durable. Major engine failures have become rarer, with only the THP petrol engines continuing to show weaknesses in the cylinder head gasket and cooling system. The absolute highlight was the 2.0 BlueHDi with 150 hp - a technically mature engine with SCR catalytic converter that offered both power and efficiency. The introduction of Stop&Start technology and optimized gearboxes significantly improved overall efficiency.

Citroën C4 petrol engines: Generation II (2010-2018)

The Citroën C4 petrol engine range was fundamentally revised. The new 1.2 VTi with 82 hp replaced the old 1.4-liter as the entry-level engine and proved to be significantly more economical. The tried-and-tested 1.6 16V remained in the range with 120 hp. The THP turbo engines were further developed: The 1.6 THP was now available with 125 hp, 150 hp and 165 hp. However, these Citroën C4 THP engines continued to exhibit the well-known weaknesses of their predecessors, particularly with regard to the cylinder head gasket and the cooling system. The Citroën C4 1.6 THP with 150 hp became the most popular but also the most problematic petrol engine of this generation, with frequent reports of coolant loss and overheating.

Citroën C4 diesel engines: Generation II (2010-2018)

The Citroën C4 received a completely new generation of diesel engines. The 1.6 HDi was replaced by the more modern 1.6 e-HDi with 92 hp and 112 hp, which had a micro-hybrid system with Stop&Start. The larger 2.0 HDi with 136 hp initially remained in the range, but was later replaced by the 2.0 BlueHDi with 150 hp. All Citroën C4 diesels had modern common-rail injection with SCR catalytic converter and particulate filter. The Citroën C4 1.6 e-HDi with 112 hp proved to be the most reliable and efficient engine of this generation, with a test consumption of only 3.8-4.2 liters per 100 km and high reliability - ideal for city driving and long distances.

Citroën C4 Generation III (2020-today)

The current Citroën C4 generation represents a complete reorientation with a focus on electrification and efficiency. All petrol engines are now equipped with modern turbo technologies, and a purely electric variant (ë-C4) is available for the first time. As this generation has only been on the market since 2020, there is no long-term experience yet, but the initial tests show promising approaches. The top-of-the-range engine is the 1.2 PureTech with 130 PS, which combines sporty performance with high efficiency. The new generation of engines promises a service life of over 250,000 kilometers, as the technology is significantly more mature than that of its predecessors.

Citroën C4 petrol engines: Generation III (2020-today)

The Citroën C4 engine range is based on two 1.2 PureTech engines with 100 hp and 130 hp. Both Citroën C4 engines feature turbocharging and state-of-the-art injection technology. The Citroën C4 1.2 PureTech with 130 hp is considered to be particularly successful and is developing into the best petrol engine of this generation - it offers smooth power delivery over a wide rev range and has so far been free of major series production problems. The engines are available with a 6-speed manual gearbox or 8-speed automatic transmission.

Citroën C4 diesel engines: Generation III (2020-today)

A single Citroën C4 1.5 BlueHDi engine with 110 hp is available and continues the tradition of reliable Citroën C4 diesels. This engine (DV5RC) is equipped with SCR catalytic converter and state-of-the-art emission control according to Euro 6d standard.

Citroën C4 electric drive: Generation III (2020-today)

The Citroën ë-C4 with 136 hp and 50 kWh battery capacity offers a range of up to 350 km according to WLTP. The electric motor is developing into the most innovative drive of this generation, but is technically complex and the long-term durability of the battery has not yet been tested.

Conclusion: The best Citroën C4 engines of all generations

The development of Citroën C4 engines clearly shows the technological progress over almost two decades. While the Citroën C4 diesel engines remained reliable across all generations, the THP petrol engines of the first two generations struggled with similar problems throughout. The new third-generation PureTech technology promises a promising alternative for drivers who value efficiency and reliability.

• Best Citroën C4 gasoline engine:

The Citroën C4 1.2 PureTech (130 hp, Generation III) combines modern turbo technology with high efficiency and excellent reliability to date.

• Best Citroën C4 diesel engine:

The Citroën C4 1.6 e-HDi (112 hp, Generation II) offers the best combination of reliability, economy and everyday usability across all generations.

• Best Citroën C4 electric drive:

The Citroën ë-C4 electric motor (136 hp, Generation III) with its long range of up to 350 km and low operating costs.

For maintenance and spare parts for all Citroën C4 generations, AUTODOC offers a comprehensive range of original and quality spare parts with fast delivery.

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