Citroën re-launch in SA with 3 new models

I recently attended the local re-launch of the brand in SA and briefly experienced the new models on offer.

C3

Xavier Gobille the managing director of Peugeot South Africa is leading the way with the re-launch of Citroën in South Africa. According to Gobille, Citroën will be catering for young, spirited and funky drivers as the brand reflects those characteristics throughout the model range. Representing the brand in the B-segment hatch market is the new C3, available in two derivatives; Feel and Shine.

On both derivatives you will find a two-tone exterior incorporating a mixture of the available body colours; Polar White, Sand and Platinum Grey, with a red roof, red fog lamp surround, red wing mirrors, rear C pillar graphic and useful Airbumps® (on the Shine derivative). The Feel model receives a set of 16-inch alloy wheels while the Shine model is adorned with 17-inch options.

Up-front you will find automatic halogen headlamps situated just below LED daytime running lights. At the rear, you will find LED daytime running lights incorporated into the 3D taillamps. Moving to the interior you will find cruise control, automatic air conditioner and electric front windows as standard alongside the 7.0-inch touch screen, 6 speaker infotainment system which is Mirrorlink, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible. Citroën also fitted a lane departure warning system and driver attention alert system in addition to 6 airbags to keep vehicle occupants safe.

Under the bonnet, Citroën fitted a 1.2-litre PureTech petrol motor mated to a 5-speed manual transmission producing 60 kW and 118 N.m of torque to its Feel derivative while the Shine got a 1.2-litre PureTech turbocharged petrol motor mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox producing 81 kW and 205 N.m of torque.

C3 Aircross

The C3 Aircross is a brand new SUV from Citroën which competes in the B-segment. The promising offering from Citroën mirrors the personality of the C3 being quirky and funky in its design elements. The first elements to draw your attention to the exterior are the touches of colour on the roof bars and “Venetian blind” rear quarter lights. The C3 Aircross measure in at 4.15 m long, 1.76 m wide and 1.64 m tall and saw a 20mm increase in ground clearance when compared with the C3 hatch. The up-front the Aircross comes fitted with halogen headlamps while slightly higher up you will find the LED daytime running lights. The fog-lamps are fitted within the same space as the headlamps and are adorned with colour to match the exterior garnishing.

At the rear, you will find the 3D effect taillamps alongside the two-tone C3 Aircross badge and gloss black chevrons fitted on the tailgate. In addition to the protective skid plate fitted to the rear bumper, the stylish rear features polycarbonate quarter lights which comes with Venetian blind design layered onto them using coloured film. In all four corners, you will find 16-inch allow wheels on the Feel derivative while the Shine is adorned with diamond-cut 17-inch alloy options, both derivatives feature coloured roof rails.

Inside, as part of the Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme, sees broader seats fitted for the driver and front passenger while the rear also receives generous legroom and general spaciousness. The rear seats come in a 60/40 split configuration and both independent parts slide through 150 mm on the Shine variant. According to Citroën, it features the largest boot in the segment with the standard volume being 410-litres which can be increased to 520-litres by sliding the rear seats forward on the Shine variant or ultimately 1 289-litres with the seats folded down.

The Shine derivative sees the addition of keyless entry and start while both variants come fitted with lane departure warning. The compact SUV also features the 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system and the Shine variant will be compatible with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay™ and MirrorLink®. The C3 Aircross comes fitted with the same 1.2-litre PureTech and 1.2-litre PureTech Turbo powertrains found in the C3.

C5 Aircross

The C5 Aircross is the flagship model in the new Citroën line-up and also come in either the Feel and Shine derivatives. On the exterior of the C-segment SUV, you will find Airbump® inspired lower door and wheel arch protectors and roof bars. Up-front the C5 comes fitted with halogen headlamps and LED daytime running lights while the rear receives 3D like taillamps. The A-, B- and C-pillars are finished in black while the car is garnished with bright red accents. The 18-inch alloy wheels add to the 230mm ground clearance and kept in contact with the road surface and provide improved comfort via Citroën’s Progressive Hydraulic Cushions® suspension. The C5 Aircross is available in three body colours, Arctic Steel, Pearlescent White and Platinum Grey and one red colour pack option.

The interior follows suit with Citroën’s focus on spaciousness with large front seats and three full seats at the rear. Rear occupants can individually slide seats through 150mm and recline backrest for added comfort. Boot capacity starts with modest 520-litres and expands up to 1 630-litre once the rear seats are folded flat. The new SUV also comes with a variety tech including a 12.3-inch instrument cluster which allows for customized layout and an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Shine variants features Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Mirrorlink compatibility with Wireless Smartphone Charging and ConnectedCAM Citroën™.

Owners of the Shine derivative gain access to a variety of safety systems including; Park  Sensors, Coffee Break Alert, Keyless Entry and Starting, Electric Parking brake, Reversing camera with rear 180°camera, Fog lights with static corner function, Active Safety Brake, Active Lane Departure Warning System, Driver Attention Assist, Active Blind Spot Monitoring and Hill Start Assist. Under the bonnet, both the Feel and Shine derivatives of the C5 Aircross come fitted with a 1.6-litre THP turbocharged petrol motor coupled to a 6-speed automatic gearbox producing 121 kW and 240 N.m of torque.

Serenity

All new Citroën models will come standard with a five-year/100 000km warranty and service plan. While vehicle owners can enjoy peace of mind knowing that Citroën will stock a local parts basket for vehicles sold.

“Citroën Serenity will give prospective customers’ confidence in purchasing a Citroën and reinforces the commitment both Citroën South Africa and Group PSA have in the local market,” Xavier Gobille, Managing Director, Citroën South Africa. “It also underscores our confidence in the new generation of Citroën products we’re introducing,” Gobille concluded.

Verdict

After experiencing all three new models in the Citroën range I can confidently say that the French marque provides excellent value at their respective price points and the specification that comes with the vehicles. Although the powertrains feel subdued, they will provide for efficiency and the necessary power needed for daily commuting. The biggest challenge facing Citroën at the moment, other than the highly competitive vehicles launched recently by their counterparts, is securing customer confidence in the market and although the five-year/100 000km warranty and service plan and the features of Citroën Serenity does provide some peace of mind, I believe guaranteed buy-back price could further improve confidence in the brand.

Pricing

C3 Feel 1.2 PureTech Manual – R239 900

C3 Shine 1.2 PureTech Turbo Auto – R289 900

C3 Aircross Feel 1.2 PureTech Turbo Auto – R339 900

C3 Aircross Shine 1.2 PureTech Turbo Auto – R359 900

C5 Aircross Feel 1.6 THP Turbo Auto – R469 900

C5 Aircross Shine 1.6 THP Turbo Auto – R509 900