Full details: 2021 Citroen C4 and pure-electric e-C4

The all-new Citroen C4 has been officially launched in Europe as a petrol, diesel and pure-electric replacement for the C4 Cactus to take the battle to the VW Golf.

Turning its back on its hatchback roots, the new Citroen C4 features more overt looks via a jacked-up ride height, large wheels, high bonnet and the raised driving position so loved by SUV buyers.

Designed to be far more muscular than the quirky C4 Cactus, the new C4's face is dominated by the French car-maker new V-shaped grille that first appeared on the CXperience, Ami One and 19_19 concept cars.

Chrome strips stretch across the entire width of the car, and double chevrons now extend neatly into the LED running lamps.

At the rear of the rakish C4, the front-end's V-shape design is replicated with the LED tail-lights.

Distinguishing the petrol and diesel C4 from the zero-emission e-C4 won't be easy, with the pure-electric model only getting subtle blue badging and a rear bumper with deleted tailpipe.

Measuring in at 4360mm long, 1800mm wide and standing 1525mm tall, the new C4 and its electric e-C4 sibling is 78mm longer, 11 wider and a considerable 344mm taller than the Golf it will battle – mainly on account of its 156mm ground clearance.

Boot space is only 380 litres – a considerable 70 litres less than the small Volkswagen's.

Within the cabin, Citroen claims the C4 will lead the class for space and comfort, with the small high-riding hatch offering more knee-room than any other conventional hatch.

The French car-maker has also redesigned its 'Advanced Comfort' seats, with the new pair of armchairs claimed to be better than ever at cushioning you from bumps and nasty vibrations entering the cabin.

Featuring a new 10.0-inch infotainment system that incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, the new C4 has a clean, minimalist approach to design that's supposed to be calming for occupants.

A large new head-up display, meanwhile, is said to cut driver distraction by keeping the driver's eyes focused on the road ahead.

Some of the Cactus' quirkiness has crept back in though. Citroen has developed a new iPad, tablet or phone holder that folds out in front of the passenger on the move to hold the device in place as you work, play games or watch movies.

Citroen claims there are a further 16 storage compartments hidden with the C4, adding an extra 39 litres of space.

The more conventional C4 will come powered by a 1.2-litre petrol three-cylinder engine that should push out 74kW, 96kW and 114kW.

Just one diesel will be available – a small 1.5-litre turbo-diesel that will produce around 75kW.

All will be combined with either a five-speed manual, six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.

An all-wheel drive has been ruled out, as well as a plug-in hybrid.

That's because instead of hybrid there's a full pure-electric version badged as the e-C4.

Lifting its powertrain from the battery-powered Peugeot 208 (that's also based on the same e-CMP architecture as the e-C4), the zero-emission Citroen is equipped with a 50kWh lithium-ion battery that provides for a 350km WLTP-verified range.

Driven by a single electric motor that musters 100kW and 260Nm, the e-C4 can sprint to 100km/h in 9.7 seconds in its sport mode, although top speed is limited to 150km/h.

Using a 100kW fast-charger, Citroen says a 10-minute top-up provides for 100km of range.

Like the previous C4 Cactus, the new C4 and e-C4 comes fitted with its Progressive Hydraulic bump stops for the smoothest possible ride -- not just in its class but at any price point, Citroen claims.

New driver assistance tech introduced with the C4 includes a new Highway Driver Assist semi-autonomous cruise control system that automatically steers, brakes and accelerates on your behalf at speed. There's also a new 360-degree camera and an auto park assist system.

On sale in Europe in the fourth quarter of 2020, both the C4 and e-C4 are still under evaluation for the Australian market but if approved could touch down here as early as 2021, when most deliveries begin in the rest of Europe.

Pricing will be announced later, but expect a premium over the smaller C4 Cactus it replaces, and the electric e-C4 to cost around $55,000.