The Citroen C4 III, launched in 2020, represented a significant departure for the French automaker, blending elements of a traditional hatchback with the elevated ride height and styling cues of an SUV. The 1.5 BlueHDi 110 horsepower variant, produced from April 2021 to August 2022, occupied a key position in the C4 III lineup, offering a balance between fuel efficiency, reasonable performance, and affordability. This model was aimed at buyers seeking a practical and economical family vehicle, particularly in European markets where diesel engines remained popular. It formed part of the first phase (Phase I) of the C4 III generation, built on the Common Modular Platform (CMP) shared with other Stellantis brands like Peugeot and Opel/Vauxhall.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Citroen |
| Model | C4 |
| Generation | C4 III (Phase I, 2020) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 BlueHDi (110 Hp) |
| Start of production | April, 2021 |
| End of production | August, 2022 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe, SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 125 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.5 kg/Hp, 87.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5 kg/Nm, 198.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 110 Hp @ 3500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 73.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1750 rpm (184.39 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | YHS DV5RCE |
| Engine displacement | 1499 cm3 (91.47 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1260 kg (2777.82 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1760 kg (3880.14 lbs.) |
| Max load | 500 kg (1102.31 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 380 l (13.42 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1250 l (44.14 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| AdBlue tank | 17 l (4.49 US gal | 3.74 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1200 kg (2645.55 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 660 kg (1455.05 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 55 kg (121.25 lbs.) |
| Length | 4360 mm (171.65 in.) |
| Width | 1800 mm (70.87 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 1834 mm (72.2 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2032 mm (80 in.) |
| Height | 1525 mm (60.04 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2670 mm (105.12 in.) |
| Front track | 1545-1560 mm (60.83 – 61.42 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1545-1560 mm (60.83 – 61.42 in.) |
| Front overhang | 880 mm (34.65 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 810 mm (31.89 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.9 m (35.76 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 215/65 R16; 195/60 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 16; 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the C4 III 1.5 BlueHDi is the YHS DV5RCE engine, a 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder diesel. This engine is part of Citroen’s BlueHDi range, designed to meet stringent Euro 6d emissions standards. It utilizes a common-rail direct fuel injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressure for optimized combustion. A turbocharger with an intercooler is employed to boost power and torque, providing 110 horsepower at 3500 rpm and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque at 1750 rpm. The engine features four valves per cylinder and is known for its relatively quiet operation compared to older diesel designs. The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle. The 6-speed manual transmission was the standard offering for this variant, providing a balance between fuel economy and driver control.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.5 BlueHDi 110 hp variant of the C4 III offered a comfortable and refined driving experience, prioritizing fuel efficiency over outright performance. Acceleration was adequate for everyday driving, but not particularly brisk. The 6-speed manual gearbox was well-matched to the engine’s torque curve, allowing for smooth gear changes and efficient cruising. The gear ratios were tuned for economy, meaning the engine didn’t feel strained at highway speeds. Compared to higher-output versions of the C4 III, such as those with more powerful diesel engines or gasoline options, this variant felt less responsive. However, it provided a more relaxed and economical driving experience, making it well-suited for urban commutes and long-distance journeys.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.5 BlueHDi 110 hp typically came equipped with a respectable level of standard features. These included air conditioning, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and a suite of safety features such as ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), and multiple airbags. Higher trim levels, such as ‘Feel’ and ‘Shine’, added features like automatic climate control, a larger touchscreen display, rear parking sensors, and alloy wheels. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with options for upgraded materials on higher trims. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, navigation system, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
Chassis & Braking
The C4 III utilized a McPherson strut front suspension and a semi-independent coil spring rear suspension. This setup provided a comfortable ride quality, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road surface effectively. The front brakes were ventilated discs, offering good stopping power, while the rear brakes were solid discs. The steering was a rack and pinion system, providing precise and responsive handling. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering. The suspension tuning was geared towards comfort rather than sporty handling, making it a pleasant vehicle for everyday driving.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Citroen C4 III 1.5 BlueHDi 110 hp was generally well-received by automotive critics as a practical and economical family car. It was praised for its comfortable ride, fuel efficiency, and spacious interior. However, some critics noted that the engine lacked outright power and that the handling wasn’t as engaging as some of its rivals. Compared to the more powerful diesel variants, the 1.5 BlueHDi offered significantly better fuel economy, making it a popular choice for drivers who prioritized running costs. Against gasoline-powered C4 III models, the diesel offered superior torque and fuel efficiency, but at a slightly higher purchase price.
Legacy
The 1.5 BlueHDi engine has proven to be a relatively reliable powertrain, although, like all diesel engines, it requires regular maintenance, including oil changes and diesel particulate filter (DPF) regeneration. The C4 III 1.5 BlueHDi 110 hp remains a popular choice on the used car market, offering a good balance of practicality, economy, and comfort. Its relatively low running costs and spacious interior make it an attractive option for families and commuters. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential costs associated with DPF maintenance and ensure the vehicle has been properly serviced throughout its life.
