Citroën is planning to radically reinvent the C4, drawing inspiration from the innovative Oli concept car and focusing on affordability and utility. According to Citroën design chief Pierre Leclercq, the new C3 supermini and C3 Aircross crossover were designed alongside the Oli concept and will heavily influence the forthcoming car, which Leclercq describes as “exceptional.” The intention is to prioritize functionality, innovation, and price, aiming to make mobility accessible to all.
While some elements of the Oli concept may not make it into production, the overall goal is to create a car that embodies the concept’s ideas. However, Citroën product chief Laurence Hansen suggests that it may take until 2026 or 2027 for these ideas to fully materialize across the brand’s lineup, considering the typical product development cycle of around five years.
The C4 family hatchback is expected to be replaced around that time, making it the most likely candidate for a reinvention inspired by the Oli concept. A mid-life facelift for the C4 is scheduled for later this year, which will introduce design elements influenced by the Oli, such as squared-off bumpers and lighting signatures. However, no significant technical changes are anticipated with this facelift.
Given the affordable and utilitarian nature of the new C4, it is likely that Citroën will utilize Stellantis’s value-focused Smart Car platform. The platform offers flexibility and has already been used for models like the C3, C3 Aircross, Fiat Grande Panda, and Vauxhall Frontera. Citroën CEO Thierry Koskas confirms that more cars based on this platform are in the works, including a new model between the C3 Aircross and the next-generation C5 Aircross SUV.
Addressing concerns about affordability in the electric vehicle (EV) market, Koskas explains that the breakthrough needed to hit the €15,000 mark ($17,600) lies in reducing battery costs. While it is currently possible to produce a 200km (124-mile) range EV below €20,000 ($23,500), further cost reduction in batteries is necessary. Koskas highlights that the battery accounts for 40% of the car’s cost and suggests that progress can be made by exploring technologies like lithium-iron-phosphate chemistry and solid-state technology.
In conclusion, Citroën is set to transform the C4 with inspiration from the Oli concept, prioritizing affordability and utility. The new C4 is expected to embody the functionality, innovation, and price of the Oli concept, making mobility accessible to a wider audience. With a mid-life facelift scheduled for later this year and the potential use of Stellantis’s Smart Car platform, Citroën is positioning itself for a future that includes more affordable and innovative vehicles.
