The 2022 Citroen Oli concept introduced the brand’s new styling language, but it turns out it was more than a design exercise. The next generation of the Citroen C4, which is already under development, will reportedly look like the quirky concept, with only a few toned-down features.

The current Citroen C4 was originally introduced in June 2020, and received a mid-lifecycle in October 2024, including the longer C4 X bodystyle derivative. The crossover with the aerodynamic silhouette has a hard time competing with well-established rivals in the compact segment like the VW Golf and the Toyota Corolla, making Citroen look for ways to further distinguish it.

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According to French media L’Argus, the Citroen Oli concept is a good candidate for evolving into the next C4, with its boxy SUV stance and funky elements deemed quirky enough to help it stand out from the crowd.

The concept has already served as an inspiration for the design of the C3 and C3 Aircross, the facelifted C4 and C4 X, and the upcoming C5 Aircross. Still, the new C4 is expected to be a lot closer in terms of footprint and proportions and reportedly end up with around 70% of the concept into the production version.

The C4 will most likely trade the flat and vertical windshield of the Oli with a more aerodynamic solution in favor of efficiency. The sloping roofline and the fastback-style tail might be carried over, although we don’t expect Citroen to go as far as to keep the concept’s pickup conversion abilities. Other changes could include redesigned bumpers, smaller wheels, and more conventional lighting units.

The new model will most likely ride on the Smart Car architecture, which already underpins the Citroen C3 and C3 Aircross, the Fiat Grande Panda, and the Opel Frontera. This would allow Citroen to offer a choice between EV and ICE powertrain options, continuing the example of the current model that rides on the CMP / e-CMP platform. It would also result in competitive pricing, potentially making it one of the cheapest offerings in the segment.

L’Argus reports that the Citroen concept was originally intended to result in a production model, that would be manufactured in Slovakia alongside a Peugeot derivative. Plans were frozen in 2021, but the new CEO, Thierry Koskas, gave new life to the project in 2023, to reposition Citroen as a budget-oriented brand.

According to the latest information, the new Citroen C4 could arrive in 2027, which sounds like a stretch given that the first examples of the facelifted C4 will reach dealers in early 2025. French media speculate that Stellantis might keep the costs low by producing the Citroen C4 in Morocco, alongside a reborn Fiat Multipla sibling.

The Morocco facility, is currently home to the Citroen Ami, Opel Rocks Electric, and Fiat Topolino, with a capacity of 200,000 units per year. However, thanks to a recent investment it has been upgraded to produce vehicles based on the Smart Car architecture, which will eventually increase its production capacity to 450,000 units per year.

The new C5 Aircross Concept might be the highlight of the Citroen booth at the Paris Auto Show 2024, but the French brand hosted another interesting premiere. The Citroen C4 and C4 X benefit from a mid-lifecycle update for 2025, adopting a redesigned exterior, comfier seats and a digital instrument cluster.

The closely-related models wear a redesigned face, with a slimmer and boxier arrangement for the split headlights. The chrome-infused double chevron grille is gone, replaced by Citroen‘s new oval emblem. Finally, the tweaked bumper is more sculpted than before, with less plastic cladding and an aluminum-style skid plate.

More: Citroen C5 Aircross Concept Previews A Family-Focused Compact SUV For 2025

The profile is largely carried over, with new designs for the alloy wheels. The rear end of the C4 looks a lot cleaner than before, thanks to the new LED taillights mounted below the integrated rear spoiler. On the other hand, the longer and more aerodynamic tail of the C4 X remains virtually unchanged, setting aside the updated Citroen branding. This might have to do with the fact that the C4 X debuted in 2022, two years after the C4 .

Interior changes are limited to new Citroen Advanced Comfort seats with thicker foam padding, and a fresh 7-inch digital instrument cluster joining the carry-over 10-inch infotainment touchscreen.

Despite competing in the compact segment, the C4 and the C4 X still ride on the CMP architecture, usually found in subcompact models from Stellantis brands.

The powertrain lineup includes mild-hybrid and fully electric options, with an ICE-only version available in certain markets. The mild-hybrid turbocharged 1.2-liter engine produces 99 hp (74 kW /100 PS) or 134 hp (100 kW / 136 PS), with another  28 hp (21 kW / 29 PS) from the electric motor mounted inside the six-speed automatic gearbox.

The carry-over fully electric powertrains generate 134 hp (136 PS) and 155 hp (115 kW / 156 PS) of power, transmitted to the front wheels. The 50 kWh battery of the former offers 355/360 km (221/224 miles) of WLTP range, while the larger 54 kWh battery of the more potent EV is good for 415/425 km (258/264 miles) of range depending on the bodystyle.

The facelifted Citroen C4 and C4 X will reach European dealerships in early 2025. Pricing will be announced closer to their market launch.