Autoblog Citroën http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Citroën http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff RossThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Ariel Atom V8 pitted against Citroën DS3 racer and BMW HP4 superbike]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/ariel-atom-v8-pitted-against-citroen-ds3-racer-and-bmw-hp4-super/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/ariel-atom-v8-pitted-against-citroen-ds3-racer-and-bmw-hp4-super/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/ariel-atom-v8-pitted-against-citroen-ds3-racer-and-bmw-hp4-super/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



Autocar took an Ariel Atom V8, BMW HP4 superbike and X-Games gold medalist Liam Doren's Citroën DS3 rallycross ride to an airstrip for a drag race. Sadly for all the drivers and for us, the clouds took to the sky and poured more and more rain on the track before the big race.

It's still a fun theoretical battle. The 550-kilogram Ariel Atom brings a 3.3-liter V8 with 475 horsepower, 268 pound-feet of torque and a 748-hp-per-ton ratio. The engine-restricted, 1,300-kg DS3 Rallycross rocks a 2.0-liter four-cylinder set for the day to about 560 hp, 600 lb-ft and - because of its variable boost - anywhere from 454-577 hp-per-ton. The HP4, naturally, does the most with the least, its 169 kg hauling a 1.0-liter engine with 163 hp, 83 lb-ft and a screaming 757 hp-per-ton.

It's a shame the weather didn't allow the entrants to show all they could do, especially the two-wheel-drive Atom. Nevertheless, it does demonstrate how critical the amount of available traction is to get the most from high-performance machinery, and there's lots of launch-controlled action and a winner crowned in the video below.

Continue reading Ariel Atom V8 pitted against Citroën DS3 racer and BMW HP4 superbike

Ariel Atom V8 pitted against Citroën DS3 racer and BMW HP4 superbike originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ariel atomariel atom v8autocarbmw hp4citroen ds3liam dorenrallycrosssteve sutcliffevideoyoutube Thu, 16 May 2013 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20569468/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20569468/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/ariel-atom-v8-pitted-against-citroen-ds3-racer-and-bmw-hp4-super/20569468/article-detail.xml 20569468 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/screen-shot-2013-05-16-at-5.05.46-pm-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/screen-shot-2013-05-16-at-5.05.46-pm-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Citroën Wild Rubis helps the DS cross over]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/citroen-wild-rubis-shanghai-2013/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/citroen-wild-rubis-shanghai-2013/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/citroen-wild-rubis-shanghai-2013/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Citroën Wild Rubis concept - live at 2013 Shanghai Motor Show

What we have here is an urban crossover from Citroën that is the newest member of its well-received DS lineup, and we're told it will soon lead to a production machine with similar styling and intent. We'd love to tell you more, but the quirky French manufacturer hasn't actually revealed many details about the machine.

We do know that the Wild Rubis boasts a full plug-in hybrid drivetrain, but we have no idea what that all includes, what kind of power it produces or, well... anything else, really. Come to think of it, we don't even know if it can move under its own power. It's painted a wild ruby color, hence its name, and we think it's pretty.

If you're hankering for more detail than that, we're afraid you'll have to fly out to Shanghai and corral a few French executives for yourself. Or you could just sit back and stare at our high-res image gallery, live from the show floor, and read through the brief and uninformative press release below. It's up to you, but choose wisely. Oh, did we mention that it's pretty?

Continue reading Citroën Wild Rubis helps the DS cross over

Citroën Wild Rubis helps the DS cross over originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 shanghai motor showcitroencitroen wild rubisshanghaishanghai motor showwild rubis concept Sat, 20 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20546135/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20546135/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/20/citroen-wild-rubis-shanghai-2013/20546135/article-detail.xml 20546135 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/628-citroen-wild-rubis-shanghai_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/628-citroen-wild-rubis-shanghai.jpg <![CDATA[Citroën bringing Wild Rubis concept to Shanghai]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/11/citroen-bringing-wild-rubis-concept-to-shanghai/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/11/citroen-bringing-wild-rubis-concept-to-shanghai/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/11/citroen-bringing-wild-rubis-concept-to-shanghai/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



Citroën announced that it will be bringing the "latest expression" of its DS lineup to the Shanghai Motor Show next week, with this aubergine-hued concept called Wild Rubis. For the record, "Rubis" is French for "Ruby" and alludes to that purple/red paint, as far as we can make out.

The French automaker tells us that the Wild Rubis foreshadows an upcoming DS SUV. The concept is going to be "full-hybrid, plug-in technology," beyond that, however, details are quite sparse. We expect that we'll receive a lot more in the way of detail about the Wild Rubis when Citroën rolls it out on the stage in China.

What the press release lacks in detail, however, Citroën has certainly made up for in imagery. It seems that before shipping the concept to Shanghai, the Wild Rubis was photographed extensively at the Cheval Blanc wine-growing estate in the Saint-Emilion area of France. The result is a massive image gallery for you to explore and enjoy.

Continue reading Citroën bringing Wild Rubis concept to Shanghai

Citroën bringing Wild Rubis concept to Shanghai originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Apr 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> citroencitroen dscitroen wild rubis conceptshanghai motor show Thu, 11 Apr 2013 19:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20537674/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20537674/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/11/citroen-bringing-wild-rubis-concept-to-shanghai/20537674/article-detail.xml 20537674 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/citroen-wild-rubis-concept-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/citroen-wild-rubis-concept-628.jpg <![CDATA[Citroën C4 Picasso arrives lighter, roomier and Euro 6-approved [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/citroen-c4-picasso-arrives-lighter-roomier-and-euro-6-approved/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/citroen-c4-picasso-arrives-lighter-roomier-and-euro-6-approved/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/citroen-c4-picasso-arrives-lighter-roomier-and-euro-6-approved/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

2014 Citroen C4 Picasso - front three-quarter view

The 2013 Citroën C4 Picasso brings some unexpected company to the new 2014 Jeep Cherokee and its novel headlight arrangement. And since two such designs are rarely an accident in vehicle design, we'll say this could be a trend. More traditionally, the C4 Picasso brings smaller dimensions outside, more space inside, lighter weight and more technology to Europe's small people-mover game.

Built on PSA-Peugeot/Citroën's Efficient Modular Platform 2, it's lost 140 kilograms (308 pounds) so it weighs as much - or as little - as the Citroën C3 Picasso and its new design has an air drag index that's better than the Audi R8 and Ford GT. The wheelbase is stretched, the front overhang is reduced by 70 millimeters, and the lower position of the engine and floor drop the center of gravity and the wider track makes for a more aggressive stance and delivers better handling.

Inside, the do-it-all center stack is topped by a 12-inch high-definition screen augmented by a seven-inch touchscreen. The dividers in the two-tone instrument panel are black on the driver's side and Champagne or Ardoise on the passenger side. The info display on the larger screen is reconfigurable, while the smaller, seven-inch screen controls functions like the air conditioning, navigation and Multicity Connect apps. The first row of seats is patterned to look like a one-piece bench, the second row can move fore and aft, standard trunk space is a around 19 cubic feet and the tailgate made of composites opens and closes electronically. Airiness is ensured by the panoramic windscreen and glass roof.

Among its engines are the brand's first BlueHDi diesel engines to meet Euro 6 standards. They can be paired with a six-speed manual, a six-speed clutchless gearbox and, coming in early 2014, a six-speed automatic. Safety and convenience comes with surround cameras in a package called 360 Vision*, Park Assist, adaptive cruise control, active seatbelts, automatic high beam, blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning systems.

It will go on sale in France in June of this year. For more on this funky four-wheeled Technospace, check out the press release and video below for more details.

Continue reading Citroën C4 Picasso arrives lighter, roomier and Euro 6-approved [w/video]

Citroën C4 Picasso arrives lighter, roomier and Euro 6-approved [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 citroen c4 picassocitroën c4 picassocitroencitroen c4citroen c4 picassompvtechnospacevideo Fri, 05 Apr 2013 17:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20527269/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20527269/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/05/citroen-c4-picasso-arrives-lighter-roomier-and-euro-6-approved/20527269/article-detail.xml 20527269 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2013-citroen-c4-picasso-04-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2013-citroen-c4-picasso-04-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Tesla Model S pitted against... Citroën DS-19?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/tesla-model-s-pitted-against-citroen-ds-19/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/tesla-model-s-pitted-against-citroen-ds-19/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/tesla-model-s-pitted-against-citroen-ds-19/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

Citroen DS vs Tesla - Motor Trend Head 2 Head series screencap with Jonny Lieberman

Motor Trend has taken it upon itself to pit the lauded 2013 Tesla Model S against the venerable 1956 Citroën DS-19 in the magazine's latest Head 2 Head video. In what realm do these two machines cross tracks? Host Jonny Lieberman makes a strong case for the fact that both cars represent the pinnacle of automotive innovation from their respective eras, but we're guessing he was really just looking for an excuse to spend a few days whirring around in a DS. Lieberman is an unabashed fan of all things Citroën, and the DS understandably sits at the top of that list.

Still, he would appear to give both cars a fair shake, lauding the Model S for its many innovations over its automotive peers while criticizing the DS for its lackluster powerplant. In the end, the victor of this particular Head 2 Head is no surprise. You can check it out in the video below for yourself.

Continue reading Tesla Model S pitted against... Citroën DS-19?

Tesla Model S pitted against... Citroën DS-19? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 tesla model scitroëncitroën dscitroën ds-19citroenjonny liebermanmotor trendtesla model svideo Fri, 29 Mar 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20523134/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20523134/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/29/tesla-model-s-pitted-against-citroen-ds-19/20523134/article-detail.xml 20523134 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/citroen-vs-tesla-motor-trend-video-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/citroen-vs-tesla-motor-trend-video-628.jpg <![CDATA[Citroën helped speed up the Pope selection process a bit]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/14/citroen-helped-speed-up-the-pope-selection-process-a-bit/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/14/citroen-helped-speed-up-the-pope-selection-process-a-bit/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/14/citroen-helped-speed-up-the-pope-selection-process-a-bit/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Citroen Ad

Citroën took advantage of this week's election of a new Pope to promote its clean diesel initiatives. The advertisement in the video below shows one determined Citroën engineer as he climbs atop the Vatican to take care of a pesky black smoke problem. After he works his magic, the famous chimney starts puffing out white smoke instead. We would think a clean diesel would yield no smoke at all, but hey, that's just us. We will say the opportunistic commercial is at least good for a chuckle. You can check it out in the ad below.

The French automaker unveiled a number of vehicles at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month, including the updated 2013 C3 shown below. The five door can be had with a spate of engine options, including at least four clean diesel options with power ranging from 70 to 115 ponies.

Continue reading Citroën helped speed up the Pope selection process a bit

Citroën helped speed up the Pope selection process a bit originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Mar 2013 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 citroen c3adadvertisingc3citroëncitroencitroen commercialcommercialpopepope selectionvideo Thu, 14 Mar 2013 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20502243/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20502243/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/14/citroen-helped-speed-up-the-pope-selection-process-a-bit/20502243/article-detail.xml 20502243 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/citroen-ad-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/citroen-ad-628.jpg <![CDATA[This is Citroën's amazing diorama tribute to celebrate its WRC winnings]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/08/this-is-citroens-amazing-diorama-tribute-to-celebrate-its-wrc-w/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/08/this-is-citroens-amazing-diorama-tribute-to-celebrate-its-wrc-w/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/08/this-is-citroens-amazing-diorama-tribute-to-celebrate-its-wrc-w/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Citroen DS3 Diorama

Citroen has taken a unique stab at commemorating Sebastien Loeb and Daniel Elena's nine World Rally Championship wins. Rather than work up yet another tired video of the champions expounding on the virtues, trials and and tribulations that come with being the very best for nearly a decade straight, the company whipped up a diorama atop Citroen DS3. The scale model covers nine separate rally terrains, including bits from Rally Finland and the Acropolis Rally. Each one of the nine sections features a 1:43 scale version of the duo's rally car from each year of victorious competition.

The model took Kieron Barter of Funky Lemon Design and his team some two months to complete. Initially displayed at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, the diorama is set to start a tour of various dealers beginning today. Check out the full press release below for more information.

Continue reading This is Citroën's amazing diorama tribute to celebrate its WRC winnings

This is Citroën's amazing diorama tribute to celebrate its WRC winnings originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Mar 2013 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> citroencitroen ds3citroen ds3 dioramadioramads3modelsebastien loebtoysworld rally championshipwrc Fri, 08 Mar 2013 08:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20484491/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20484491/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/08/this-is-citroens-amazing-diorama-tribute-to-celebrate-its-wrc-w/20484491/article-detail.xml 20484491 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/citroen-ds3-diorama-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/citroen-ds3-diorama-628.jpg <![CDATA[Citroën C3 is updated for hatchback battling in 2013 [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/07/2013-citroen-c3-geneva-2013/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/07/2013-citroen-c3-geneva-2013/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/07/2013-citroen-c3-geneva-2013/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2013 Citroën C3

As promised, Citroën has brought along its new C3 to Geneva this year, with high hopes that the hatchback will be a strong competitor versus the hegemony of Golf in the European compact market. (And a worsening market, at that.)

The C3's gigantic windshield is still in place for the 2013 model year, though revisions to the grille, LED running lamps, taillights and front/rear fascias can be seen. Engine choices now include two three-cylinder gasoline engines, in 68- and 82-horsepower flavors, as well as a 120-hp, 1.6-liter four-cylinder. A very Gallic selection of four diesel motors is also on tap, with outputs ranging from 70 to 115 horsepower. UK buyers will see the new C3 in dealerships starting this summer.

Citroën's full press release for the updated C3 can be found below, and our live images from Geneva are in the attached gallery. You'll also find the official C3 debut video, just below.

Continue reading Citroën C3 is updated for hatchback battling in 2013 [w/video]

Citroën C3 is updated for hatchback battling in 2013 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 citroen c3c3citroengenevageneva 2013geneva motor show Thu, 07 Mar 2013 08:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20489603/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20489603/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/07/2013-citroen-c3-geneva-2013/20489603/article-detail.xml 20489603 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/citroen-c3-geneva_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/citroen-c3-geneva.jpg <![CDATA[Citroën Technospace Concept has fewer glowsticks than we would have thought]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/citroen-technospace-concept-has-fewer-glowsticks-than-we-would-h/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/citroen-technospace-concept-has-fewer-glowsticks-than-we-would-h/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/citroen-technospace-concept-has-fewer-glowsticks-than-we-would-h/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Citroën Technospace Concept

If you want to know where the design of the Citroen C4 Picaso is headed, look no further than the Technospace Concept. Citroen displayed the people mover at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, saying it represents a forthcoming shift in the company's MPV strategy. The next-generation C4 Picaso promises buyers substantially lower emissions with a compact design that offers more space indoors. That's thanks in part to the use of the company's new Efficient Modular Platform, which should allow the five-door to yield up to 19 cubic feet of cargo volume.

While no details are available on the production C4 Picaso interior, the Technospace Concept offers up touch-sensitive controls indoors with a massive 12-inch high-definition screen mounted in the upper dash. It also offers a "Relax" seat for the front passenger. No, we don't know what that means any more than you do. Hit the press release below for more details.

Continue reading Citroën Technospace Concept has fewer glowsticks than we would have thought

Citroën Technospace Concept has fewer glowsticks than we would have thought originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Mar 2013 20:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> c4 picasocitroencitroen c4 picasocitroen technospace conceptconceptgenevageneva 2013geneva motor showtechnospacetechnospace concept Wed, 06 Mar 2013 20:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20490667/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20490667/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/06/citroen-technospace-concept-has-fewer-glowsticks-than-we-would-h/20490667/article-detail.xml 20490667 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/citroen-technospace-concept-geneva_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/citroen-technospace-concept-geneva.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Citroën DS3 Cabrio puts its canvas back]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/2013-citroen-ds3-cabrio-geneva-2013/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/2013-citroen-ds3-cabrio-geneva-2013/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/2013-citroen-ds3-cabrio-geneva-2013/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2013 Citroën DS3 Cabrio

The Citroen DS3 Cabrio bowed at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. The drophead version of the French hatch retains its five-seat configuration and offers one of the largest cargo areas of any cars in the segment. The convertible uses a folding top akin to that of the diminutive Fiat 500C, wherein the roof rails remain in place while the canvas peels back in neat folds. As a result, the car looks just like its hardtop sibling with top up, and Citroen says buyers will be able to open the roof at speeds of up to 75 miles per hour.

The DS3 Cabrio will be available with three engine options, including an 82-horsepower, 1.2-liter three-cylinder, a 120-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder and a 155-horsepower 1.6-liter four pot. Customers in the UK can expect to shell out 15,045 pounds for the base engine, though prices stretch all the way to 19,675 pounds for the 155-horse variant with no options.

Continue reading 2013 Citroën DS3 Cabrio puts its canvas back

2013 Citroën DS3 Cabrio puts its canvas back originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Mar 2013 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> citroencitroen ds3citroen ds3 cabriods3ds3 cabriogenevageneva 2013geneva motor show Wed, 06 Mar 2013 14:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20489605/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20489605/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/06/2013-citroen-ds3-cabrio-geneva-2013/20489605/article-detail.xml 20489605 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/citroen-ds3-cabrio-geneva_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/citroen-ds3-cabrio-geneva.jpg <![CDATA[Citroën prepping updated C3 for Geneva]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/citroen-prepping-updated-c3-for-geneva/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/citroen-prepping-updated-c3-for-geneva/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/citroen-prepping-updated-c3-for-geneva/#comments Filed under: , ,



The Citroën C3 gets a facelift and a premiere at the Geneva Motor Show next month. Visually, the little hatch with the mammoth "Zenith" windscreen has been reworked with a grille sporting less chrome, LED running lights and sleeker chevron logos. At the rear are new taillight clusters, reflectors under the rear bumpers and the option of a reversing camera. Ink Blue gets added to the exterior color palette.

The cabin gets three colors of optional dashboard strips to match the new upholstery, an optional integrated air freshener and white backlighting in the dash cluster.

Engines choices get an overhaul, too, a pair of three-cylinder PureTech gasoline engines providing more power for less fuel consumption. The 1.0-liter VTi produces 68 horsepower, the 1.2-liter VTi outputs 82 hp and a four-cylinder, 1.6-liter VTi makes 120 hp. Four diesels remain on the menu, the HDi 70 and HDi 90 alongside the diesel hybrid e-HDi 70 and e-HDi 115.

The new Citroën C3 will go on sale this summer in the UK. There's a press release below with more information to get you geared up.

Continue reading Citroën prepping updated C3 for Geneva

Citroën prepping updated C3 for Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> c3citroengenevageneva 2013geneva motor show Mon, 25 Feb 2013 10:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20474223/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20474223/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/25/citroen-prepping-updated-c3-for-geneva/20474223/article-detail.xml 20474223 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/citroenc3geneva_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/citroenc3geneva.jpg <![CDATA[Citroën set to dance into Geneva with Technospace concept]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/10/citroen-set-to-dance-into-geneva-with-technospace-concept/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/10/citroen-set-to-dance-into-geneva-with-technospace-concept/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/10/citroen-set-to-dance-into-geneva-with-technospace-concept/#comments Filed under: , , ,



You might not know it, Yank, but French automaker Citroën has paid its bills for years by building and selling a slew of popular, smallish MPVs (what you and I call Minivans). The company has belted out a four-model strong range of the things bearing the Picasso moniker, each ranging slightly in size, layout and function. Citroën reports selling nearly three million Picassos since the model's launch in 1999.

Starting down the path of what would seem to be either a new Picasso or a replacement for it, is this Technospace Concept, which is slated to make a grand entrance at the Geneva Motor Show. The Technospace will be loaded to the gills with MPV goodness, including a massive 12-inch panoramic high-definition screen. It will also be efficient, lightweight and clean, at least according to Citroën's claims in the press release below.

Take a gander at the French familymobile in the attached gallery, and expect a few more bits and bites about the Technospace Concept, when we land in Geneva next month.

Continue reading Citroën set to dance into Geneva with Technospace concept

Citroën set to dance into Geneva with Technospace concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Feb 2013 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> citoren picassocitroen technospace conceptconcept cargeneva motor showtechnospace Sun, 10 Feb 2013 09:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20454758/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20454758/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/10/citroen-set-to-dance-into-geneva-with-technospace-concept/20454758/article-detail.xml 20454758 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/000-citroen-technospace-concept-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/000-citroen-technospace-concept-628.jpg <![CDATA[Citroën DS3 tears the roof off]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/09/citroen-ds3-tears-the-roof-off/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/09/citroen-ds3-tears-the-roof-off/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/09/citroen-ds3-tears-the-roof-off/#comments Filed under: , ,



The Citroën DS3 Cabrio we first saw at the 2012 Paris Motor Show has launched in the UK, putting more Gallic-tinged, canvas-roofed convertible goodness on the automotive menu. Competing directly against cars like the Mini Cooper Convertible and Fiat 500C, Citroën believes it's got a winner because on top of the DS3's already popular chops the Cabrio maintains the five-seater space and the largest cargo area in the segment.

You can open and close the roof at up to 75 miles per hour - the Citroën release doesn't say whether that means all the way or to the intermediate, horizontal position. Buyers get seven exterior colors to select from, a roof in either black, Infinite Blue or Moondust Grey DS Monogramme, six interior decor styles, and nine wheel options.

There are three trims, the DSign with the 82-horsepower VTi engine is the backstop of the line at 15,045 pounds ($23,747 US) on-the-road, the DStyle with the 120-hp VTi for 17,425 pounds ($27,507 US) and the DSport with its 155-hp THP motor for 19,675 pounds ($31,201 US). The press release below will be happy to tell you more.

Continue reading Citroën DS3 tears the roof off

Citroën DS3 tears the roof off originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Feb 2013 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> citroends3ds3 cabrio Sat, 09 Feb 2013 11:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20453767/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20453767/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/09/citroen-ds3-tears-the-roof-off/20453767/article-detail.xml 20453767 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/citroends3convertible_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/citroends3convertible.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat and PSA predicted to be Europe's biggest losers in 2013]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/fiat-and-psa-predicted-to-be-europes-biggest-losers-in-2013/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/fiat-and-psa-predicted-to-be-europes-biggest-losers-in-2013/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/fiat-and-psa-predicted-to-be-europes-biggest-losers-in-2013/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Industry observers are expecting Europe's new vehicle sales to fall to lows not seen in decades, with Fiat and PSA/Peugeot-Citroën sitting in the lead car of the plummeting coaster. Both of those automakers traditionally count on the southern part of the continent for sales, yet consumers in that region have slowed spending due to the financial crisis.

Compounding the problem for Fiat is a lack of new product, as CEO Sergio Marchionne has stalled development to conserve cash during the downturn. PSA has invested in new vehicles, but aggressive price wars have forced it to sell its product with steep discounts. Making matters even more difficult, both companies may have their credit ratings cut this year. That would raise borrowing costs and only deepen the wounds.

The news isn't just bad for Fiat and PSA. Analysts are predicting that volume automakers in Europe lost 8 billion euros (about $10.68 billion in today's rates) overall in 2012, and they won't break even until mid-decade.

Fiat and PSA predicted to be Europe's biggest losers in 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> europefiatpsapsa peugeot citroensergio marchionne Thu, 17 Jan 2013 10:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20426489/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20426489/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/17/fiat-and-psa-predicted-to-be-europes-biggest-losers-in-2013/20426489/article-detail.xml 20426489 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/marchionne-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/marchionne-628.jpg <![CDATA[EU formally questions French government assistance of Peugeot's finance arm]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/28/eu-formally-questions-french-government-assistance-of-peugeots/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/28/eu-formally-questions-french-government-assistance-of-peugeots/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/28/eu-formally-questions-french-government-assistance-of-peugeots/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



Recently, the finance arm of PSA/Peugeot-Citroën was in such debt trouble that it was pricing itself out of the car loan market. The rates it was paying to service its debt, which was rated one step above junk, were so high that it was forced to charge car-buying customers higher rates than they could find elsewhere. This was adding to Peugeot's already impressive woes by sending revenue out the door to competitors.

Two months ago a deal was worked out with the French government whereby the state would provide 7 billion euro ($9 billion USD) in bonds to guarantee the finance arm's loans. The French government could nominate someone to join the Peugeot board, Peugeot would guarantee more French jobs, and on top of that deal, other banks would provide non-guaranteed loans. The government would take no equity stake in the car company.

Although not yet finalized, the arrangement is meant to create some breathing room for Peugeot Finance to lower its interest rates for customers, and a government-nominated board member, Louis Gallois, was recently named to Peugeot's supervisory board. The arrangement was also openly questioned by at least three competitors: Ford, Renault - which is 15-percent owned by the French government after it received state aid - and the German state of Lower Saxony, itself a 15-percent shareholder in Volkswagen.

Now the European Union, responding to "an unidentified Peugeot competitor," has challenged the terms of the deal, calling it state aid, which is a no-no. There was a lot of parsing-of-words at the time the potential deal was announced: Peugeot said it wasn't state aid, it was state support; Ford of Europe said it didn't think government support of companies was sustainable, making no mention that Ford Credit did receive federal aid at the beginning of our own economic crisis; and the irony of Renault and the German state's complaints was apparently lost in their outrage.

The EU has requested official notification of the deal, which is the prelude before Brussels begins a full investigation into the matter, and that could raise the cost of the deal. The government doesn't think an investigation is warranted since the funds only go to the finance arm and the loan is being made at market rates. Peugeot, on the other hand, has apparently been prepared for such an eventuality and is working with Brussels on the matter. The deal, if it closes, should be concluded early next year.

EU formally questions French government assistance of Peugeot's finance arm originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Dec 2012 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> citroneueuropean unionEuropean Union Competition Commissionfordfrancepeugeotpsa peugeot citroenrenaultvolkswagen Fri, 28 Dec 2012 07:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20410398/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20410398/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/28/eu-formally-questions-french-government-assistance-of-peugeots/20410398/article-detail.xml 20410398 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/peugeoteuchallenge_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/peugeoteuchallenge.jpg <![CDATA[UK auto magazine says this is the best car commercial of all time [w/videos]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/20/uk-auto-magazine-says-this-is-the-best-car-commercial-of-all-tim/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/20/uk-auto-magazine-says-this-is-the-best-car-commercial-of-all-tim/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/20/uk-auto-magazine-says-this-is-the-best-car-commercial-of-all-tim/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Honda Accord

There have been many great car commercials over the years, but is it possible to define the best? Well, Ad Week recently took a crack at it by rating the top commercials of the year by looking at their view counts on YouTube, but Auto Express took a more democratic approach by putting the decision to a vote. Just after Thanksgiving, Auto Express came up with a list of the 20 popular commercials, and it tasked its readers with choosing the winner for the best car ad of all time. The winner? Honda's 2003 commercial for its then-new European Accord titled "The Cog."

While the ad never aired in the US, most car people have surely seen the impressive Rube Goldberg-style spot. In fact, the only commercial on this list that we saw on US television was the Volkswagen ad "The Force," but many of the others have become viral videos, including transforming and dancing Citroën C4. Of the 19 other commercials that vied for the title of best ad of all time, only the Ford Puma "Steve McQueen" commercial gave Honda a run for its advertising money.

Scroll down to watch Auto Express' top five commercial in order and to check out a press release, then let us know some of your favorite car commercials in Comments.

Continue reading UK auto magazine says this is the best car commercial of all time [w/videos]

UK auto magazine says this is the best car commercial of all time [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Dec 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> advertisingbest commercialscar commercialcar commercialscitroëncitroencommercialsfordhondahonda cogpeugeotsteve mcqueenvideovolkswagen Thu, 20 Dec 2012 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20406655/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20406655/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/20/uk-auto-magazine-says-this-is-the-best-car-commercial-of-all-tim/20406655/article-detail.xml 20406655 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/honda-cog-commercial_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/honda-cog-commercial.jpg <![CDATA[End of the road for French flagship sedans as Citroën C6 production winding down]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/end-of-the-road-for-french-flagship-sedans-as-citroen-c6-product/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/end-of-the-road-for-french-flagship-sedans-as-citroen-c6-product/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/end-of-the-road-for-french-flagship-sedans-as-citroen-c6-product/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2012 Citroën C6 - front three-quarter view

Even if their avant-garde styling has historically meant that they would never enjoy the sales success of their more staid German counterparts, it was always somehow comforting to know that the French were building large sedans. With a history of nontraditional looks and peerless ride quality (a legacy built on the hydropneumatic suspension of the original Citroën DS), big French cars have always been an acquired taste.

And now it appears buyers with that specific palette won't have a clear place to go, at least for a while. According to Automotive News, production of the Citroën C6 shown above (click to enlarge) is scheduled to cease this month, leaving French buyers (and Francophiles) without a true-bleu option. As the article points out, Renault will still offer its Latitude - effectively a badge-engineered rework of the Korean-built Samsung SM5 - but patriotic consumers have apparently been staying away because it isn't French enough (Renault has sold under 3,800 examples this year).

Renault may yet provide an answer for its displaced countrymen in the form of a new Initiale Paris-branded flagship offering that would be developed on Mercedes-Benz E-Class britches, but it has not yet decided whether it will move forward with the car. The alternative, to follow Citroën and Peugeot in leaving the segment, is probably looking quite appealing now, especially with Europe's continued economic malaise.

Citroën, for its part, is still experimenting with large cars, as evidenced by its stunning Numero Nine concept revealed at this year's Beijing Motor Show. Whether the marque that kicked off the genre with "The Goddess" plans to revisit the large sedan remains to be seen, but it could be a good strategy if it wants to increase its presence in large-sedan-happy China.

End of the road for French flagship sedans as Citroën C6 production winding down originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Dec 2012 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 citroën c6c6citroëncitroenfrench carsfrench sedanpeugeotrenault Fri, 14 Dec 2012 08:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20401040/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20401040/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/14/end-of-the-road-for-french-flagship-sedans-as-citroen-c6-product/20401040/article-detail.xml 20401040 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2012-citroen-c6-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2012-citroen-c6-628.jpg <![CDATA[PSA and Renault both hit by autoworker strikes]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/01/psa-and-renault-both-hit-by-autoworker-strikes/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/01/psa-and-renault-both-hit-by-autoworker-strikes/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/01/psa-and-renault-both-hit-by-autoworker-strikes/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Peugeot-Citroën (PSA) and Renault were both the targets of autoworker strikes on Thursday, the result of ongoing tensions between labor and management in the wake of planned facility closings in 2014.

3,000 French jobs stand to be lost in less than two years when the PSA's Aulnay plant executes a planned closure of a production line. The line in question currently builds Citroën's C3 subcompact model.

Negotiations are reportedly still underway, with PSA pledging to offer jobs elsewhere to about half of the Aulnay workers that stand to be laid off.

Meanwhile, blood-rival Renualt has faced two work stoppages as well. Workers of at that company walked out in protest of cost-cutting measures that would seek to bring French production costs inline with those of similar operations in Spain. Tough times all around for France's two primary automakers.

PSA and Renault both hit by autoworker strikes originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 Dec 2012 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> citroëncitroenpeugeotpsarenaultstrikework stoppage Sat, 01 Dec 2012 10:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20391746/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20391746/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/01/psa-and-renault-both-hit-by-autoworker-strikes/20391746/article-detail.xml 20391746 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/peugeot-citroen-renault-strikes-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/peugeot-citroen-renault-strikes-628.jpg <![CDATA[GM, Peugeot cease tie-up talks over French bailout issue]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/14/gm-peugeot-cease-tie-up-talks-over-french-bailout-issue/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/14/gm-peugeot-cease-tie-up-talks-over-french-bailout-issue/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/14/gm-peugeot-cease-tie-up-talks-over-french-bailout-issue/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,



The partnership General Motors (via Opel) and PSA Peugeot/Citroën began in February has produced more declarations and revisions than easily identifiable positive movement. A deeper collaboration between Opel and Peugeot has been mentioned a few times, perhaps even a sale of one to the other, and a report in October laid out joint plans like a small MPV for Opel/Vauxhall, a small car for both Opel and Citroën and two new platforms for small and midsize cars.

What observers can't glean from the proclamations is how all this can happen with Peugeot in constant, and worsening, financial trouble. The French company just accepted a bailout from the French government, the cash position at its lending arm so bad that the interest rates it had to charge were pricing it out of the car-loan market, and a new report in Reuters says that Peugeot is losing $200 million per month.

That cash-burn rate is better than a few months ago, but the Reuters report explains that the French government loan is "sabotaging" any chance of a closer tie-up between the two companies, said to include the possibility of "a full combination of Peugeot with GM's European unit Opel." That particular option, with a $5-billion buy-in from GM, could have allowed GM to get Opel off its books by making it part of a separate entity. The French government's terms for the loan, however, mean that Peugeot can't shed workers and factories as it would need to in order to make the new entity, and any deeper ties with Opel, viable.

Beyond that, the plan to jointly develop a small car for Peugeot in Brazil has been shelved, Peugeot has left Iran, it's second largest global market, and has given up ties on other technology projects with Ford and BMW. GM has no interest in other Peugeot initiatives like a push into India and rechargeable hybrids. It's said that more cooperation between the two will have to wait for a turnaround in the European market, expected in 2014.

GM, Peugeot cease tie-up talks over French bailout issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Nov 2012 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> citroenfrancegmgm peugeotopelpeugeotpsa peugeot citroenvauxhall Wed, 14 Nov 2012 10:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20378903/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20378903/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/14/gm-peugeot-cease-tie-up-talks-over-french-bailout-issue/20378903/article-detail.xml 20378903 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/gmpugworse_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/gmpugworse.jpg <![CDATA[Ford, Renault, VW shareholder oppose French aid for PSA/Peugeot-Citroën]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/29/ford-renault-vw-shareholder-oppose-french-aid-for-psa-peugeot/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/29/ford-renault-vw-shareholder-oppose-french-aid-for-psa-peugeot/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/29/ford-renault-vw-shareholder-oppose-french-aid-for-psa-peugeot/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Peugeot lion emblem on sheetmetal

Pots and kettles, glass houses and stones - that's a little of what we appear to have going on in the European car market. New reports say that that three European automakers have registered their opposition to a loan deal that PSA/Peugeot-Citroën is working on with the French government. Peugeot's finance arm, Banque PSA Finance, is struggling with its debts and has been downgraded by Moody's to its lowest investment-grade classification, one step above junk. This makes it more expensive for a potential buyer to finance a car through Peugeot. The last thing Peugeot needs is more difficulty selling cars in the tough European market, and the situation will only worsen if the bank's credit worthiness takes another hit.

A deal being worked on would have the French government offer €7 billion ($9B U.S.) in bonds to guarantee the bank's loans, which would give the institution some breathing room to manage its debts and lower its interest rates. Outside of that, a group of banks would provide other, non-guaranteed loans to the bank to further help its position. In exchange for state help, though, the government wants seats on Peugeot's board for worker representatives and a government liaison, along with factory and worker guarantees. The Peugeot family would maintain control of the company.

So what we have is government assistance being provided to a car company's finance arm, akin to the way General Motors' GMAC (now Ally Financial) and Chrysler Financial got help in their time of need. What we also have is Ford and Renault, and Germany's State of Lower Saxony, the second-largest shareholder in Volkswagen, voicing their concern about the proposal, because they say it could create an unfair competitive advantage for Peugeot. Everyone in Europe's down market is fighting for every sale, and if Peugeot gets help to keep its auto loan costs down, it figures to help buyers choose Peugeot or Citroën.

Still, after four years of corporations openly begging for funds from governments, it seems disingenuous for Ford of Europe's CEO Stephen Odell to say "I don't think it's sustainable for support from governments to keep competitive companies going forward, particularly in a protracted downsized economy." Industry watchers will remember that during the US auto industry crisis, Ford didn't receive federal TARP funds, but it did receive low-interest technology loans from the US government and it endorsed TARP support for GM and Chrysler.

For its part, Renault says it is keeping an eye on the situation, and a rep from Lower Saxony said he might refer the issue to the European Union for review. In reply, a Peugeot executive said "It's not state aid, it's state support," which is the kind of slicing-things-thin that's perhaps better used for carpaccio than for dealing with the European car market situation.

Ford, Renault, VW shareholder oppose French aid for PSA/Peugeot-Citroën originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Oct 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> banque psa financecar salescitroëncitroeneueuropean car salesfordfrancelower saxonypsapsa peugeot citroenrenault Mon, 29 Oct 2012 14:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20363061/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20363061/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/29/ford-renault-vw-shareholder-oppose-french-aid-for-psa-peugeot/20363061/article-detail.xml 20363061 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/pugfrenchloans_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/pugfrenchloans.jpg -1 2