The now-defunct Citroen C4 hatchback could make a return as an all-electric vehicle to rival Volkswagen's upcoming I.D. range, according to a new report out of the UK.
Speaking with Auto Express, Linda Jackson, Citroen's CEO, said a C-segment (small) hatchback is at the top of the company's priority list given the strong sales volume in that part of the market.
"We haven’t actually said when the C-segment hatchback is going to be, but given the strength of that segment, given the importance of it, clearly that’s going to be a priority for us," she said.
Currently, the toned-down C4 Cactus facelift (below) has taken the combined role of small hatchback and crossover in the company's line-up overseas, competing with everything from the Volkswagen Golf to the Subaru XV.
Previous reports have suggested the C4 and C4 Cactus will combine to become a single model line in the next generation, said to feature a version of the PSA Group's EMP2 modular architecture underpinning various offerings like the Citroen C5 Aircross, Peugeot 308, 3008 and 5008.
However, PSA's vice president of engineering, Gilles Le Borgne, told Auto Express the next-generation small car will be based on a longer version of the group's CMP platform for compact vehicles – including the DS3 Crossback, along with the next-generation Opel Corsa and Peugeot 208.
"We have a very important programme on C-segment that is based on CMP, the next-generation C4, for example," he told the British publication.
Le Borgne reportedly confirmed to Auto Express the new C4 will offer an all-electric version alongside the combustion-powered range, based on the same e-CMP electrified architecture as the DS3 Crossback E-Tense.
The C4 EV would serve as a rival to the likes of Volkswagen's upcoming I.D. hatchback, along with the Nissan Leaf, with Le Borgne hinting a battery pack of "up to 60kWh" could be on the cards offering around 217 miles (349km) per charge.
Stay tuned to CarAdvice for all the latest.
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