The Citroen C4 L Sedan, specifically the 1.6 VTi 16V variant produced between 2012 and 2016, represented Citroen’s entry into the growing compact sedan market, particularly aimed at regions like China and South America. This model, designated as Phase I of the C4 L Sedan, was built upon the EMP2 platform, a modular architecture designed to accommodate various body styles and powertrains. The 1.6 VTi 16V trim served as a core offering within the C4 L Sedan range, positioned as a balance between affordability and reasonable performance. It aimed to provide a comfortable and practical family vehicle with a focus on fuel efficiency, though it wasn’t the sportiest option available.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Citroen |
| Model | C4 |
| Generation | C4 L Sedan (Phase I, 2012) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 VTi 16V (116 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.4 l/100 km (25 US mpg, 30.1 UK mpg, 10.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.8 l/100 km (40.6 US mpg, 48.7 UK mpg, 17.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.1 l/100 km (33.1 US mpg, 39.8 UK mpg, 14.1 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 164 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 189 km/h (117.44 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.5 kg/Hp, 87.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.9 kg/Nm, 112.8 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 116 Hp @ 6050 rpm |
| Power per litre | 73.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 150 Nm @ 4000 rpm (110.63 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | EC5 |
| Engine displacement | 1587 cm3 (96.84 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 78.5 mm (3.09 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82 mm (3.23 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l (4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1330 kg (2932.15 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1790 kg (3946.27 lbs.) |
| Max load | 460 kg (1014.13 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 | 5 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 |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 215/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this C4 L Sedan variant is the EC5 engine, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder petrol engine. This engine utilizes a naturally aspirated configuration and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its relatively efficient breathing. Fuel delivery is managed by a multi-point fuel injection system. The engine produces 116 horsepower at 6050 rpm and 150 Nm (110.63 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine’s design prioritized fuel economy and smooth operation over outright performance. The 5-speed manual transmission was the standard offering, chosen for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. The transmission’s gear ratios were tuned for everyday driving, prioritizing fuel efficiency and comfortable cruising rather than rapid acceleration.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6 VTi 16V C4 L Sedan offered a comfortable, if not particularly exciting, driving experience. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) took approximately 10.9 seconds. The engine felt adequate for typical urban and highway driving, but lacked the punch of higher-powered variants. The 5-speed manual transmission provided a decent level of control, but the relatively long gearing emphasized fuel economy over spirited driving. Compared to potential turbocharged options or even higher displacement naturally aspirated engines, this variant felt somewhat underpowered, especially when fully loaded with passengers and cargo. The suspension setup, tuned for comfort, absorbed bumps and imperfections in the road well, but didn’t offer particularly sharp handling.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6 VTi 16V trim typically included standard features such as air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, and a basic audio system. Safety features included ABS brakes and front airbags. Higher trim levels offered options like alloy wheels, a more advanced audio system with Bluetooth connectivity, rear parking sensors, and automatic climate control. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a straightforward dashboard layout. The overall interior design focused on practicality and durability rather than luxury.
Chassis & Braking
The C4 L Sedan utilized a McPherson strut front suspension and a semi-independent coil spring rear suspension. This setup provided a good balance between ride comfort and handling. The front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were solid discs. The steering was electrically assisted, providing light and easy steering feel. The tires were typically 215/55 R16, offering a reasonable level of grip and ride comfort.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 1.6 VTi 16V C4 L Sedan was generally well-received as a practical and affordable family sedan. Critics praised its comfortable ride and fuel efficiency, but noted its lack of performance compared to some competitors. Compared to other engines in the C4 L Sedan lineup, the 1.6 VTi 16V was the entry-level option, offering the lowest price point but also the least amount of power. It was often compared to similar compact sedans from Japanese and Korean manufacturers, offering a European alternative with a focus on comfort and style.
Legacy
The EC5 1.6L engine, while not known for being exceptionally robust, proved to be reasonably reliable with proper maintenance. Common issues included occasional oil leaks and sensor failures. In the used car market, the 1.6 VTi 16V C4 L Sedan remains an affordable option for those seeking a practical and fuel-efficient sedan. Its relatively simple mechanical design makes it easier and less expensive to maintain compared to more complex, technologically advanced vehicles. However, potential buyers should be aware of the engine’s limitations in terms of performance and ensure that the vehicle has been well-maintained.
