Why was the C4 Sagitar discontinued?
2 Answers
The discontinuation of the Citroën C4 Sagitar can be attributed to two main reasons: 1. Powertrain and Fuel Consumption: The Citroën C4 Sagitar was equipped with a 1.6L engine, which is a high-revving engine with an idle speed as high as 800 RPM. The engine's performance is only fully realized between 2000-3000 RPM. However, this type of powertrain is not well-suited for domestic road conditions in China. Whether in urban or rural areas, Chinese roads are more complex compared to those abroad, with heavy traffic and numerous traffic signals, making it difficult to maintain higher speeds. Under these conditions, the drawbacks of a high-revving engine become apparent. Additionally, higher fuel consumption is a common issue with French cars and was a significant pain point for the C4 Sagitar. 2. Brand Issues: The domestic manufacturer of Citroën had poor quality control, and the lack of effective marketing strategies for French cars led to a rapid decline in brand reputation. This ultimately resulted in worsening brand reputation and sales, damaging both the Citroën brand and the C4 Sagitar model.
As an automotive enthusiast who has followed the car market for years, I believe the discontinuation of the C4 Sedan primarily stems from shifting consumer trends. Nowadays, SUVs and electric vehicles have become mainstream, with people preferring higher seating positions and spacious models over traditional sedans. Seeing declining sales, Citroën had to adjust its strategy, shifting focus to developing SUV lineups and new energy vehicles like their C5 Aircross. Coupled with intense competition—rivals such as the Honda Civic offering more features in the same segment—the C4 Sedan's appeal diminished. The brand also faced environmental pressures, as older models failed to meet new emission regulations, making updates costly. Discontinuation became a natural choice. Market research indicates consumer demand for compact sedans has dropped by over 30% in recent years, which may have been the final straw.
