Citroën ë-C4 for €199 per month with no down payment. Is there a catch?

Pioneering in the electric segment at Citroën, the ë-C4 unfortunately suffers from a lack of appeal. But has it really sunk this low?

And voilà, a little Citroën ad pops up on social media and our attitude is captured. Well played, Citroën, and cursed social media! The Citroën ë-C4 is not exactly common on the streets. Perhaps it’s because of its divisive look? It is certainly unconventional, but it has the merit of being very unique and, above all, aging well since its presentation in January 2021.

To continue selling a car that is already nearly 4 years old, one must find the right arguments. Forget about outdated technology or design that is no longer in vogue. Most importantly, it doesn’t align with the new stylistic directions the brand has taken. The only thing left to drive the purchase is price, and this long-term rental of a new ë-C4 YOU electric 136 hp is perfect on paper. Two striking arguments that hit the mark immediately: 199 euros per month and no down payment!

Citroën pulls out the old tricks…

But as usual, it’s important to read the terms before signing. First of all, it’s not really without down payment because the financing mentions a first payment of 7,000 euros. This amount is reduced to 0 euros after deducting the ecological bonus of 4,000 euros and a 3,000 euro increase. If you don’t meet the criteria for low incomes that allows you to get this increase, you will need to provide a down payment of 3,000 euros. Let’s be serious for a moment. Do you really think a low-income household’s only priority is to buy an electric car? And does this household’s application have any chance of passing the funding body’s assessment? Sorry to say, but if the message isn’t misleading, it’s at the very least very dishonest. Citroën is not the only manufacturer in this position, and it really needs to stop because being treated like a fool is never pleasant.

Let’s continue reading, after paying the down payment that you weren’t supposed to pay, you will still have… 47 monthly payments of 199 euros! Yes, you now have around your neck for 4 years a car that is already 4 years old. Oh, what a great deal! In 2028, the Citroën ë-C4 will be an antique, a symbol of the beginnings of electric mobility. In our opinion, the car is worth no more than 199 euros per month, with no down payment (for real!!!) over 24 months. So congratulations to Citroën for this great PR operation, but stop doing this to your customers who don’t deserve it. Instead, sell them an ë-C3, which is a fantastic car.

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