The Citroën C4 L Sedan, specifically the Phase I model produced from 2012 to 2016, marked Citroën’s foray into the burgeoning compact sedan market, with a particular focus on regions like China and South America where sedan body styles were highly favored. 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, striking 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 |
| Generation | C4 L Sedan (Phase I, 2012) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 THP 16V (150 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 11.3 l/100 km (20.8 US mpg, 25 UK mpg, 8.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg, 47.1 UK mpg, 16.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.9 l/100 km (29.8 US mpg, 35.8 UK mpg, 12.7 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 183 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h (124.27 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.3 kg/Hp, 107.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.8 kg/Nm, 172.7 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 150 Hp @ 6050 rpm |
| Power per litre | 93.9 Hp/l |
| 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 | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l (4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1390 kg (3064.43 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1835 kg (4045.48 lbs.) |
| Max load | 445 kg (981.06 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 | 4621 mm (181.93 in.) |
| Width | 1779 mm (70.04 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 1918 mm (75.51 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2058 mm (81.02 in.) |
| Height | 1498-1508 mm (58.98 – 59.37 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2708 mm (106.61 in.) |
| Front track | 1526-1520 mm (60.08 – 59.84 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1521-1515 mm (59.88 – 59.65 in.) |
| Front overhang | 961 mm (37.83 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 952 mm (37.48 in.) |
| 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, 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 core of this C4 L Sedan variant is the EP6DT, a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine. This engine belongs to the Prince engine family, a joint venture between PSA Peugeot Citroën and BMW. The EP6DT incorporates direct fuel injection, a variable valve timing system for both intake and exhaust valves, and a single-scroll turbocharger coupled with an intercooler. This configuration enables a relatively high specific output – 93.9 horsepower per liter – while maintaining respectable low-end torque. The six-speed automatic transmission, sourced from Aisin, was selected for its smooth operation and efficiency. It features adaptive shift logic, modifying gear changes based on driving style and road conditions. While not a dual-clutch transmission, it delivered a comfortable and convenient driving experience for the intended consumer base.
Driving Characteristics
The 150 hp and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque generated by the EP6DT engine, combined with the six-speed automatic, provided sufficient performance for typical daily driving. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph was achieved in approximately 9.1 seconds, and the car boasted a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph). In comparison to the base engine options, this variant offered a noticeable improvement in responsiveness and highway driving capability. However, it didn’t match the outright performance of higher-specification trims, particularly those equipped with larger engines or manual transmissions. The automatic transmission, while smooth, did result in some power loss when compared to a manual gearbox. Gear ratios were optimized for fuel economy and comfort, prioritizing seamless transitions over aggressive acceleration.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6 THP 16V Automatic trim generally included standard features such as air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, a basic audio system with USB connectivity, and ABS brakes. Higher trim levels added features like alloy wheels, a more sophisticated infotainment system with a touchscreen display, automatic climate control, and rear parking sensors. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with leather options available as an upgrade. The dashboard layout was functional and straightforward, emphasizing ease of use over elaborate styling.
Chassis & Braking
The C4 L Sedan employed a McPherson strut front suspension and a semi-independent coil spring rear suspension. This setup provided a comfortable ride quality, well-suited to the often-challenging road conditions found in its target markets. Front brakes were ventilated discs, while rear brakes were solid discs. ABS was standard, enhancing braking performance and stability. The suspension tuning prioritized comfort over sporty handling, resulting in a predictable, though not particularly engaging, driving experience.
Market Reception & Comparison
The C4 L Sedan 1.6 THP Automatic was generally well-received as a practical and comfortable family sedan. Reviewers commended its fuel efficiency (around 29.8 US mpg combined) and the smooth operation of the automatic transmission. However, some observers noted that the engine could feel strained during hard acceleration, and the overall driving experience lacked the refinement of certain European competitors. Compared to the diesel-powered variants, the 1.6 THP offered a quieter and smoother ride but suffered from lower fuel economy and torque. In contrast to the base engine options, it delivered a significant performance boost, justifying its higher price point.
Legacy
The EP6DT engine, while generally reliable, has been known to develop issues with carbon buildup on the intake valves, particularly in regions with subpar fuel quality. Consistent maintenance, including the use of premium fuel and periodic intake valve cleaning, is essential for long-term dependability. The Aisin automatic transmission is generally considered durable and trustworthy. In the used car market, the C4 L Sedan 1.6 THP Automatic represents a relatively affordable and practical choice, offering a good balance of features and fuel efficiency. Its continued availability and reasonable maintenance costs contribute to its lasting appeal.
