The Citroen C4 L Sedan, specifically the Phase II model produced from 2016 to 2018, represented Citroen’s entry into the competitive compact sedan market, particularly aimed at regions like China and South America. This variant, equipped with the 1.6 THP 16V engine producing 150 horsepower and paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, occupied a mid-range position within the C4 L Sedan lineup, offering a balance between performance, fuel efficiency, and comfort. It was positioned above the base engine options and below the more powerful, often diesel-powered, trims.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Citroen |
| Model | C4 L Sedan |
| Generation | C4 L Sedan (Phase II, 2016) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 THP 16V (150 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2016 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.9 l/100 km (26.4 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.1 l/100 km (46.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 151 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 207 km/h (128.62 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.2 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 150 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 1400 rpm (177.01 lb.-ft. @ 1400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | EP6DT |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 77 mm (3.03 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 85.8 mm (3.38 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l (4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 6.2 l (6.55 US qt | 5.46 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1374 kg (3029.15 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1810 kg (3990.37 lbs.) |
| Max load | 436 kg (961.22 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 440 l (15.54 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Length | 4644 mm (182.83 in.) |
| Width | 1789 mm (70.43 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 1915 mm (75.39 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2057 mm (80.98 in.) |
| Height | 1513-1518 mm (59.57 – 59.76 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2708 mm (106.61 in.) |
| Front track | 1525 mm (60.04 in.) |
| Rear track | 1521 mm (59.88 in.) |
| Front overhang | 984 mm (38.74 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 952 mm (37.48 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 176 mm (6.93 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic 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 |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 215/55 R16; 215/50 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 16; 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this C4 L Sedan variant is the 1.6 THP (Turbo High Pressure) engine, specifically the EP6DT engine code. This engine is a member of the Prince engine family, a collaborative development between PSA Peugeot Citroen and BMW. It features direct fuel injection, a twin-scroll turbocharger, and variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust camshafts. The direct injection system, coupled with the turbocharger, allows for a good balance of power and fuel efficiency. The engine’s 16 valves (four per cylinder) contribute to its breathing efficiency. The six-speed automatic transmission, sourced from Aisin, was chosen for its smoothness and reliability. It features adaptive shift logic, adjusting shift points based on driving conditions and throttle input.
Driving Characteristics
The 150 hp and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque provided by the 1.6 THP engine, when paired with the six-speed automatic, delivered adequate performance for everyday driving. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took approximately 7.7-8.1 seconds. While not a sports sedan, the engine offered sufficient power for highway merging and overtaking. The automatic transmission, while smooth, wasn’t particularly quick to downshift, which could sometimes result in a slight delay in response. Compared to the manual transmission versions of the same engine, the automatic offered less driver engagement but greater convenience. Higher-output versions, or those equipped with diesel engines, provided noticeably stronger acceleration and better fuel economy on the highway.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6 THP Automatic trim typically included standard features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, a basic audio system with USB connectivity, and steel wheels with wheel covers. Higher trim levels added features like alloy wheels, a touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking sensors, and automatic climate control. Interior upholstery was generally cloth, with options for leatherette or full leather available on higher trims. Safety features included ABS, electronic brake-force distribution, and front airbags. Optional extras often included a sunroof, navigation system, and upgraded audio systems.
Chassis & Braking
The C4 L Sedan utilized a McPherson strut front suspension and a semi-independent coil spring rear suspension. This setup provided a comfortable ride quality, prioritizing smoothness over sporty handling. The front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were solid discs, providing adequate stopping power for the vehicle’s weight and performance. Electric power steering offered light and easy steering feel, suitable for urban driving. The suspension was tuned to absorb bumps and irregularities in the road surface, making it a comfortable cruiser.
Market Reception & Comparison
The C4 L Sedan 1.6 THP Automatic was generally well-received as a practical and comfortable family sedan. Critics praised its fuel efficiency and smooth ride. However, some noted that the engine could feel strained when fully loaded or driving uphill. Compared to competitors like the Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic, the C4 L Sedan offered a more distinctive styling and a more comfortable ride, but potentially lower brand recognition in some markets. The 1.6 THP engine offered a good compromise between performance and fuel economy compared to the base engine options, but the diesel variants often provided superior fuel efficiency, especially on long journeys.
Legacy
The 1.6 THP engine, while generally reliable, has been known to exhibit issues with carbon buildup on the intake valves, particularly in areas with lower fuel quality. Regular maintenance, including the use of fuel system cleaners, can help mitigate this issue. The Aisin automatic transmission has proven to be quite durable. In the used car market, the C4 L Sedan 1.6 THP Automatic represents a relatively affordable and practical option for buyers seeking a comfortable and fuel-efficient sedan. Its availability and maintenance costs vary depending on the region.
