Skip advert
Advertisement

Next-generation Citroen C4 and C5 models could become SUVs

Citroen to take radical approach to design of next C4 and C5, could result in switch from regular body styles to SUVs

Citroen Aircross concept - nose

Citroen is promising to take a radical approach to the next generation of its C4 and C5 models - and that could mean dropping the regular body styles to build SUVs instead. 

The ultra-conservative C4 and C5 now look increasingly outdated by the rest of Citroen’s range, which has the refreshed C4 Picasso, the C4 Cactus and the new C3. Speaking at the launch event for the last of those models, Citroen product boss Xavier Peugeot revealed that while a new C4 is part of the French brand’s planned eight ‘silhouettes’ (body styles), it may not be a regular rival for the Ford Focus

Advertisement - Article continues below

• All-new Citroen C3 revealed

“There will be a new C4,” he said, “but it will not be conventional. It is possible to change the image of a model name and we can do that with that car. Perhaps we will change its silhouette.”

Citroen C4 Cactus Rip Curl Edition - front

Peugeot suggested the same switch could occur with the C5. “It’s clear that we want to be a mainstream player and to do that, we need to cover the various segments. So yes, we want a Citroen offering in the D segment where the C5 currently is. But would it be a direct successor to the C5? I’m not sure.”

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Citroen’s head of future product, Pierre Monferrini, backed up Peugeot’s view. “We will be present in the D segment [Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Insignia class],” he said, “but it won’t be conventional.”

• New Citroen C3 hot hatch could herald return of fast Citroens

The next Citroen launch is likely to be a new large SUV, based on the Hyundai Santa Fe-sized Aircross concept and built at the company’s factory in Rennes. It is possible that Citroen could give the car the ‘C5’ suffix, calling it C5 Aircross, making it an indirect successor and then dropping the regular saloon.

Citroen’s stated desire to produce a more compact line-up of vehicles is likely to result in other adjustments to existing names. The five- and seven-seat C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso models could be replaced by a single vehicle, and there’s no chance of the C2 name returning in the near future. Citroen has previously used this badge on a three-door supermini, but there are no plans for a successor. “The market has moved towards five-door vehicles,” said Monferrini. “We have to reflect that in our targets.”

What do you think of the Citroen C4 and C5 becoming SUVs? Let us know below...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Editor-at-large

John started journalism reporting on motorsport – specifically rallying, which he had followed avidly since he was a boy. After a stint as editor of weekly motorsport bible Autosport, he moved across to testing road cars. He’s now been reviewing cars and writing news stories about them for almost 20 years.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

What cars qualify for the electric car grant? Full list with our best (and worst) picks
Electric car charging mega test - Renault 5 front angled

What cars qualify for the electric car grant? Full list with our best (and worst) picks

More than 30 electric cars are now eligible for a Government-funded discount. Which should you go for from the ever growing list?
News
28 Aug 2025
Citroen recall expanded: More Stellantis car owners told to stop driving immediately
Citroen C3 Mk2 - front tracking

Citroen recall expanded: More Stellantis car owners told to stop driving immediately

Three more models have been added to the recall concerning dangerous Takata airbags
News
14 Aug 2025
Fire risk prompts 72,000-car Stellantis UK recall
Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 Turbo GS front cornering

Fire risk prompts 72,000-car Stellantis UK recall

28 models across Alfa Romeo, Citroen, DS, Fiat, Jeep, Lanica, Peugeot and Vauxhall are impacted by the recall
News
8 Aug 2025
Electric Car Grant shock! First six cars announced, but none get the full £3,750 saving
Citoren e-C3 - front static

Electric Car Grant shock! First six cars announced, but none get the full £3,750 saving

Citroen’s line-up of electric cars will receive a £1,500 discount, although all miss out on the top £3,750 saving
News
4 Aug 2025

Most Popular

MG Cyber X will morph into a mini-Mercedes within two years
MG Cyber X design render - front

MG Cyber X will morph into a mini-Mercedes within two years

Boxy small SUV is gearing up for production, and our exclusive images show how the model might look
News
30 Aug 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Ford Puma Gen-E granted ultra-low £132 monthly lease
Ford Puma Gen-E - front action

Car Deal of the Day: Ford Puma Gen-E granted ultra-low £132 monthly lease

The EV grant has made the Ford Puma Gen-E a lot cheaper, and lease customers can cash-in with today’s Deal of the Day
News
29 Aug 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Racy and retro Renault 5 for only £188 a month
Renault 5 - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: Racy and retro Renault 5 for only £188 a month

The Renault 5 is taking the market by storm – and at this price it’s easy to see why. It’s our Deal of the Day for August 30
News
30 Aug 2025