Posts Tagged → Citroen News
INTRODUCING THE MULTI-TALENTED NEW CITROEN DS4
Citro?n has released first details for the new DS4, a unique and attractive blend of creativity, dynamism, exclusivity and versatility. DS4 is the second model in Citro?n’s distinctively-styled DS line.
DS4 brings an alluring mixture of premium design codes and a bold approach to automotive styling, with an emphasis on driving pleasure and advanced vehicle architecture. DS4 is a model with a multitude of talents, effortlessly responding to a broad range of owner needs, while enhancing the appeal and vitality of the motoring experience.
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Popularity: 1% [?]
CITROEN DS3 R3: THE NEW STANDARD
In addition to its official participation in WRC, where it has won five FIA World Championship Constructors’ titles, Citro?n Racing has always offered products designed for customers. The French manufacturer has now furthered this rich tradition by designing Citro?n DS3 R3, which is set to make its rallying debut at the end of 2010. Versatile, high performance and yet affordably-priced, DS3 R3 aims to become the new leader in its category.
Based on the new Group R3T regulations drawn up by the FIA, DS3 R3 features the same structural design and appearance as the production model. The production steel body shell has been reinforced with a welded, multi-point roll cage, improving the resilience of the chassis and safety for the driver pairing.
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Popularity: 1% [?]
THE NEW CITROEN C4: FIRST DETAILS REVEALED
Citro?n has released first details of the brand new C4. Designed to exceed the highest expectations, the New Citro?n C4 boasts a real positive energy – with exceptional levels of quality, style, interior space and occupant comfort, as well as responsive handling and impressive environmental credentials.
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Popularity: 1% [?]
CITROEN DS3 DRESSED IN YVES SAINT LAURENT
An essential fashion accessory, the Citroen DS3 slipped into its finest outfit to welcome guests to the opening of the Yves Saint Laurent retrospective.
By linking the first model in the DS line to the designer who revolutionised the way women dress, Citroen is reasserting its Creative Technologie universe. A high-fashion version of the DS3, decked out in the colours of the Yves Saint Laurent retrospective, transported fashion and film stars to the show at the Petit Palais in Paris on Wednesday 10 March.
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Popularity: 1% [?]
CITROEN DS3 RACING: A STYLISH SPORTS MODEL
There exists not one but thousands of DS3s. And now, CitroEn Racing, the Marque’s competition department, has created its take of the new model and transformed it into its own image. With five World Rally Championship Constructors’ titles for CITROEN and six Drivers’ titles for S?bastien Loeb and Daniel Elena, there can be no doubts about the expertise of CitroEn Racing.
Presented at Geneva in special livery, the DS3 Racing stands apart with its special positioning focused on sports performance and driving pleasure. An outstanding concentrate of behind-the-wheel thrills featuring an artful blend of performance and efficiency, the newcomer will take up its place in the DS3 range with an appealing combination of verve and vitality.
The DS3 Racing embodies CITROEN’S “Cr?ative Technologie” with elegance, originality and sportiness. It is fitted with the 1.6-litre THP engine developing 200 bhp, specially tuned to bring drivers intense thrills and unrivalled on-road performance.
The DS3 Racing will be launched in a limited series of 1,000 units in second-half 2010.
Emotional design
The styling of the DS3 Racing inspires boldness, desire, vigour and ambition. The DS3 Racing is a pure expression of sportiness. At 3.94 m long, its eminently attractive, taut yet flowing lines evoke strength, energy, driving pleasure and safety.
The DS3 Racing features the same styling cues as the DS3 but adds full-blooded racing attributes suggesting a vigorous purebred character.
It boasts carbon finish on the semi-rigid front bumper, lower body trim and wing extensions, which emphasise the large 18-inch wheels with their original, high-tech racer design. The side mouldings on the doors are also finished in carbon.
The DS3 Racing benefits from aerodynamic research from the motor racing sector. It sports a carbon-trimmed spoiler to maintain stability at high speeds and a chrome-finished exhaust pipe that elegantly punctuates the car’s attractive lines.
All of this rally-based equipment strengthens the definitively sporty and athletic character of the DS Racing, which signals its exclusive character with a special signature on the tailgate.
The exclusive nature of the DS3 Racing is also illustrated by the original livery of the car on show at Geneva. The body is painted dark grey, while the roof, exterior rearview mirrors and brake callipers are in orange and the grille and wheels in chrome orange. The car’s singular nature is also expressed with decals on the roof, boot lid and fuel flap.
Sophisticated, individual atmosphere
The DS3-based interior gets the same special treatment as the exterior. Passengers are bathed in a refined and original top-end atmosphere. Carbon detailing is elegantly applied on the central console of the dashboard, the steering wheel embellisher, the door armrests and the hood of the instrument cluster.
The orange colour of the roof is echoed on the broad and elegant dashboard inserts, the gearstick handle and the lower party of the gearstick embellisher.
The exclusive personality of the DS3 Racing is once again clearly evidenced in the numbered plate on the roof lining, while the CitroEn Racing signature adorns the backs of the specially designed seats.
Engineered for more power
The DS3 racing is all about performance. Developed by CitroEn Racing, its engine benefits from all the expertise of the teams of the Marque, five-time WRC champion in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008 and 2009.
CitroEn engineers took the 1.6 THP 150 unit and boosted power from 156 bhp to 200 bhp for top-flight results. Torque has also been increased, by nearly 15% from 240 Nm to 275 Nm, and remains available over a wide operating range ensuring flexibility and driving pleasure.
The engineers achieved this by modifying and optimising powertrain components. The turbo was tuned to achieve a 30% increase in power, while the mapping of the engine control unit was tweaked to extract the quintessence of this punchy, muscular powerplant. Lastly, the exhaust gets a special tail pipe and muffler.
Running gear focused on driving pleasure
The chassis and running gear of the DS3 have been expertly modified by the engineers for the DS3 Racing to transcend the work already accomplished for the regular model. The objective was to focus on intense driving thrills and a permanent dialogue between driver and road. The DS3 Racing has what it takes to become a standard-setter in the segment on road behaviour.
To literally hug the road, front and rear track have been widened by 30 mm and vehicle attitude lowered by 15 mm. These changes bring the DS3 Racing radically different on-road performance.
The front and rear shock absorbers on the DS3 Racing have been adapted in line with the extra power and the car has been fitted with stiffer springs. These changes further improve the traction and stability of a car that is already gifted in this area, guaranteeing an excellent “reading” of the road and faster cornering in complete peace of mind.
The steering has been made even more precise, adapted to the sporting character of the car. The DS3 Racing features specific steering mapping and the control system has been modified and adapted to the new tyres. The DS3 Racing brings drivers excellent feel and a precise course.
The car’s extra power is perfectly controllable thanks to a braking system with Racing specifications, for more endurance and sharper performance. At the front, the DS3 Racing gets four-piston callipers and special discs. At the rear, again for more efficiency, performance and safety, the regular production discs have been drilled. The ESP system has been programmed for extra vitality, sportiness and driving pleasure. Drivers can disconnect the system whenever they like.
The changes made to the DS3 Racing give it a temperament that ensures driving thrills, vitality and gusto.
Finalised in a special workshop
The CITROEN DS3 Racing will be finalised in a special workshop. Based on the THP 150 Sport Chic version of the DS3, it will be equipped with a parts kit developed according to CitroEn Racing specifications.
Main characteristics
Dimensions (L x W x H) (mm) 3,948 x 1,737 x 1,451
Wheelbase (mm) 2,460
Engine THP 200
Type 4 cylinders / 16 valves petrol + turbo
Capacity (cm3) 1,598
Power (bhp) / (kW) at rpm 200 / 147 at 5,800
Max torque (Nm) at rpm 275 from 2,500 to 4,000
Tyres 205 / 40 R18
Popularity: 1% [?]
CITROEN DS HIGH RIDER CONCEPT: DYNAMIC, COMPACT AND EXCLUSIVE
Citroen has released first details of a striking new concept design that will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. DS HIGH RIDER is the second concept associated with Citroen’s innovative and distinctively styled DS line.
Without denying the appeal of conventional coup?s, DS HIGH RIDER represents a bold and radical vision of the future, combining compact dimensions with generous internal volumes, dynamic performance, sophisticated style and consummate quality.
Unlike traditional 4-seater coup?s, with their long, low design, the DS HIGH RIDER is compact and muscular.
Its character is expressed in its unique driving sensations, with a sleek flowing windscreen that soars over the heads of front occupants – hinting at a bright and spacious cabin environment. The apparently continuous glazed area of the side windows connects the A-pillars to the gently sloping roof line of the rear.
Planted firmly on stylish 19” alloy wheels and beautifully in proportion, DS HIGH RIDER’s confident profile is characterised by its high waistline. Its front end is purposeful with gaping air intakes, long incisive headlights and defined ridges along the bonnet.
DS HIGH RIDER is an expression of automotive luxury and elegance – exemplified by its glossy golden paintwork and brushed chrome trim that accentuate the car’s flowing lines. The roof is covered with a coated textile material – a tactile feature of quality.
Just 4.26m long, 1.82m wide & 1.48m high, DS HIGH RIDER combines a neat and nimble chassis, for responsive handling, with intelligent design architecture that provides occupants with a generous amount of internal space.
DS HIGH RIDER’s ability to rise above conventional design constraints is also reflected in its choice of power. Offering an enjoyable driving experience with dynamic on-road performance, DS HIGH RIDER is respectful of the environment with an advanced ‘Full Hybrid’ diesel drivetrain that combines a refined HDi DPFS* engine under the bonnet with an electric motor located on the rear axle. The hybrid platform enables DS HIGH RIDER to combine the fuel efficiency and power of an HDi diesel engine with the ecological benefits of a new generation electric ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle). Under certain conditions, both engines combine to deliver additional power with additional torque transmitted to the rear wheels.
Popularity: 1% [?]
CITROEN C-ZERO, A 100% ELECTRIC SOLUTION
Zero fuel consumption, zero CO2 emissions and zero noise: with the C-ZERO, CitroEn is broadening its compact vehicle range with a 100% electric solution. The new city car was designed to make urban mobility easier, with its compact dimensions, rapid charge, and sufficient range for day-to-day car journeys. And all this in a silence that makes occupants forget about the noise of the city. The C-ZERO is a real concentrate of technology and creativity that meets tomorrow’s challenges today!
Having already produced more than 5,500 electric vehicles, CitroEn has the experience vital to being a frontrunner in a market segment that is set to grow significantly in the coming years.
Set for launch in last-quarter 2010, the C-ZERO, developed in collaboration with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, is the brand’s second electric vehicle alongside Berlingo First Electric, developed with Venturi. In France, both these models qualify for the government bonus of 5,000 euros.
AN OFFERING CONSISTENT WITH CITROEN POLICY
Long committed to a policy of reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, CitroEn, a leading environmental carmaker, is adding the C-ZERO to a range that already features a wealth of environmentally-respectful products.
Current CitroEn achievements:
C3 and DS3 models emitting 99 g/km of CO2 will be available from launch
More than 30% of CitroEn vehicles sold emit less than 120 g/km of CO2
Upcoming technologies:
Widespread application of second-generation Stop & Start system in 2010
Launch of a full-hybrid vehicle, the DS5, in 2011
100% ELECTRIC VEHICLE
The CitroEn C-ZERO is a full-electric vehicle powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering 47 kW or 64 bhp EEC from 3,000 to 6,000 rpm. Maximum torque of 180 Nm is available from 2,000 rpm. Power is transmitted to the rear axle via a single-speed reduction gear.
The motor is powered by a latest-generation 330-volt lithium-ion battery system comprising 88 50-Ah cells (for onboard energy of 16 kWh) mounted in the centre of the vehicle.
Lithium-ion technology keeps battery weight down compared with conventional technology while offering equivalent performance. It is also resistant to partial charges, which have no incidence on battery longevity.
EASY TO CHARGE, EASY TO USE
Recharging the C-ZERO’s batteries is child’s play. Owners simply plug the supply cord into a 220-volt socket. A complete charge lasts six hours, while an 80% charge is possible in just 30 minutes using an external station with a single-phase current of 125 A at 400 V, for power of up to 50 kWh.
Using the car is equally simple. When the driver turns the ignition key a beep confirms that the car is running. CitroEn C-ZERO drives like a regular car with an automatic gearbox.
The traditional fuel gauge is replaced by a battery charge indicator.
PERFORMANCE AND FEATURES FOR PRESENT-DAY NEEDS
Driving today is characterised, in the week, by short journeys of less than 40 km on average, with a full 70% of trips under 30 km.
The CitroEn C-ZERO is perfectly adapted to the needs of all kinds of companies – including government, local authorities and company fleets – and also to those of private customers looking for a vehicle with exceptionally low running costs. With four real seats (thanks to a 2.55-m wheelbase) and a 166-litre boot, the C-ZERO is impressively quiet to drive and boasts a plethora of comfort and safety equipment. Original-fit features include power steering, ABS, TCS, ESP, power windows, six airbags, air conditioning and an autonomous telematics box for the emergency call system.
A CITY CAR AT EASE ON THE OPEN ROAD
The C-ZERO’s compact exterior dimensions, at 3.48 m long, and 9-m turning circle make it a cinch to nip in and out of city traffic. And with a top speed of 130 kph and acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 15 seconds and 60-90 km/h in six seconds, along with a range of around 130 km over a standard combined cycle, it is also fully at ease out on the open road. In France, 70% of daily car trips made in the week are under 30 km, for an overall average of 40 km.
Popularity: 1% [?]
CITROЕN CELEBRATES 90 YEARS OF ‘CREATIVE TECHNOLOGIE’ AT THE 2009 FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW
CITROЕN is celebrating its 90th birthday in 2009. Ninety years of innovation studded with outstanding models like the Traction, launched in 1934, the 2CV, in 1948, and the revolutionary DS, in 1955, that forged the Marque’s fantastic image. CITROЕN’S ‘CrEative Technologie’ is today behind the brand’s broadest ever range, adapted to the needs of its customers and constantly moving forward, as seen in the two world reveals at Frankfurt: the new C3 and the first car in the DS line, the DS3. Both newcomers are particularly adapted to current trends in the segment and to the diverse needs of customers.
On the concept car front, CITROЕN is presenting REVOLTE, a luxury city car mixing cheekiness with ecology and powered by a rechargeable hybrid drivetrain – the ideal solution for combined city/country driving.
CITROЕN is also presenting the Berlingo First Electrique, an all-electric model due out in early 2010 that perfectly matches the needs of fleets making urban and everyday trips. French postal operator La Poste has launched a call for tenders for the production of 500 units.
The brand’s strategy on carbon-efficient vehicles consists in the short term in releasing a full hybrid diesel in 2011, the DS5 and fitting second-generation Stop & Start technology on a broad range of diesel and petrol models.
Two new generations of HDi engines are on show at Frankfurt, the 3-litre V6 and the 2-litre unit. These efficient, economical and environmentally respectful engines combine bigger performance with reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emission cuts of between 4% and 15%. In related news, the C3 and DS3 ranges will both feature an HDi model emitting just 99 g/km of CO2.
CitroЕn is once again confirming its position as one of Europe’s leading carmakers on low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions:
25% of the vehicles sold in Europe emitting less than 110 g/km of CO2 are CITROЕNS,
30% of the cars sold by CitroЕn emit less than 120 g/km of CO2.
Alongside the world debuts of the C3 and DS3, CITROЕN is also presenting the C.Crosser SUV with upgraded interior design, for more appeal and refinement, and a new automated gearbox, for a transformed driving experience.
Two other concept cars will be joining REVOLTE on the stand: the C4 WRC HYbrid4, an ecological racing vehicle from CITROЕN Racing, and the head-turning GTbyCITROЕN, which CitroЕn is considering producing in small numbers.
Cutting-edge ‘CrEative Technologies’ on this year’s stand include Intelligent Traction Control, for trouble-free driving on difficult roads (rain, snow and black ice) in the C4 Picasso and C5, and Grip Control, which gives the Berlingo enhanced grip on a range of surfaces, including snow, sand and mud.
New product: two world debuts and a new gearbox
NEW CITROЕN C3 – THE ‘VISIODRIVE’
Beautiful. Young. Intelligent. CitroЕn is launching the new C3.
CITROЕN’S ambitious objective with the new C3 is to renew a best-selling car that has sold in more than 2 million units. FrEdEric Banzet, Managing Director of CITROЕN, said, “This is a major launch for the Marque and gives us the means to achieve our ambition of increasing market share, with both private and professional customers.”
To make this happen, CITROЕN has taken the best of the C3 and moved it up a notch. The brand’s new ‘Visiodrive’ has what it takes to succeed:
a unique, prestigious personality, with curvaceous yet taut styling and a cabin that sets a new standard in the segment on materials, design and finish quality,
intelligent architecture for outstanding roominess,
responsive and responsible road behaviour with controlled fuel consumption for all powertrains and an ambitious CO2 reduction programme.
But the new C3 does more than that. With its Zenith windscreen, it is unique. Boosting brightness and visibility, it brings Visiodrive passengers an all-new motoring experience.
CITROЕN DS3: THE CHARM OFFENSIVE
Already available to order, the DS3 gets the DS line off to a stylish start. The new line-up will feature a range of distinctive models with more radical design content, rounding out the Marque’s main range. As its name suggests, the new line is a further symbol of CITROЕN creativity and technology.
The DS3 is an assertive vehicle with radical good looks that customers can personalise with a broad range of styling components. A breath of fresh air and modernity, the newcomer’s dynamic on-road performance successfully blends efficiency and peace of mind, while the intelligence of its design makes for a modular car that adapts to all situations.
The DS3 forges a new path:
by placing desire at the heart of the automotive experience, with its sculptural styling, striking lines and singular onboard ambience,
by bringing customers a living, identity-shifting design. The DS3 is in fact not one but a multitude of vehicles, that each person can create in his or her fashion. Exterior personalisation components include the roof, body, rearview mirror housings and wheels,
by providing a thoroughly modern take on driving pleasure, through a blend of on-road vitality and control. Nimble and willing, the DS3 also sets a new standard on travelling comfort,
by making everyday life a charm. It gets the most out of its exterior dimensions (3.95 m long, 1.71 m wide and 1.45 high) through particularly intelligent architecture, with five real seats and a generous 285-litre boot.
CITROЕN C.CROSSER: A NEW GEARBOX AND STYLING UPGRADE
FOR ENHANCED APPEAL AND REFINEMENT
Equipped with the new Dual Clutch System (DCS) gearbox and enhanced with a cabin style upgrade (new trim, redesigned instrument cluster), the CITROЕN C.Crosser brings users a considerable advance in terms of driving pleasure and travelling comfort.
The new DCS gearbox, an automated manual unit with a dual clutch, is exceptionally smooth and comfortable in all circumstances. It is proposed as an alternative to the conventional gearbox on HDi 160 DPFS models.
The cabin receives new surfaces and a redesigned instrument cluster, significantly increasing perceived quality and bringing users more appeal and refinement.
Concept cars: from luxury urban model to outstanding racer
REVOLTE: LUXURY, CHEEKINESS AND ECOLOGY
CITROЕN is once more proving its credentials as a bold forward-looking brand with the concept car REVOLTE, an ultra-chic city car combining luxury with a touch of cheek.
A compact city car, REVOLTE sidesteps the difficulties of dense urban traffic with a totally new approach to small car design. This bold, chic car opts for luxury with a touch of cheek, technology and glamour, power and verve.
With its iridescent, glossy colours, silky smooth textiles, and subtle, sophisticated materials, REVOLTE places passengers in a feminine, cosmetic setting, of audacious and elegant design.
Spirited and lively, REVOLTE also has an eye on the future with its rechargeable hybrid drivetrain. This ecologically sound technology makes maximum use of electric mode and also contributes to the concept car’s agility.
Gloom, conformism and dullness are just not in Revolte’s vocabulary. Its personality and qualities lend colour to the city and to the world of luxury.
GTbyCITROЕN: TRANSCENDING THE BORDER BETWEEN THE REAL
AND VIRTUAL WORLDS
With the GTbyCITROЕN show car, CITROЕN is the first carmaker to transcend the border between the real and virtual Worlds. GTbyCITROЕN, an innovative take on the GT vehicle, is the result of a partnership between CITROЕN and Polyphony, creator of the Gran Turismo 5 driving simulation game available on Playstation3.
Given the impressive success of the car, CITROЕN is studying the production of a small number of GTbyCITROЕNs for private customers. The Marque will take its decision in a few months, after reviewing technical considerations and vehicle development factors.
C4 WRC HYbrid4: THE ECOLOGICAL SPORTS CONCEPT CAR FROM CITROЕN RACING
CitroЕn is presenting the C4 WRC HYbrid4 concept car, the first WRC racer equipped with a hybrid energy recovery system that increases performance and reduces emissions at the same time.
The HYbrid4 system recovers and stores part of the kinetic energy from the vehicle during braking. Transformed by a motor-generator, this energy is stored in the battery pack fitted in the rear part of the car. It can then be used to increase re-acceleration power or drive the car in full-electric mode, with no emissions, engine noise or exhaust gas. At constant speed in hybrid mode, range increases 40% and fuel economy decreases 30%.
With this gain in performance, optimised energy use has become a new factor in rally car driving.
New engines for more pleasure and economy
C5 & C6 V6 HDi 240 DPFS: A NEW ENGINE COMBINING UNRIVALLED
DRIVING PLEASURE WITH REDUCED FUEL CONSUMPTION AND CO2 EMISSIONS
With the arrival of the new V6 HDi 240 DPFS engine, the CITROЕN C5 and C6 bring customers the best of all worlds. The C5 and C6 HDi 240 DPFS models make motoring more agreeable than ever, offering superior driving pleasure, silent operation and enhanced performance hand in hand with a considerable reduction in fuel consumption and a 12% to 15% cut in CO2 emissions.
The Marque’s most powerful diesel unit ever further improves on the consummate driving experience for which the two executive saloons are unanimously recognised.
Power has been boosted 18% to 177 kW (240 bhp EEC) with maximum torque coming at 1,600 rpm. Combined-cycle fuel consumption for both vehicles, still mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, is just 7.4 l/100 km, for CO2 emissions of 195 g/km, down by 12% to 15%. The new powertrain obviously complies with the future Euro V emissions standard.
NEW 2-LITRE HDi ENGINE FOR THE C4 PICASSO, GRAND C4 PICASSO
AND C5: BENEFICIAL FOR CUSTOMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT ALIKE
Benefitting from the comprehensively upgraded new generation of 2-litre HDi engines, the CITROЕN C4 Picasso, Grand C4 Picasso and C5 bring owners considerably enhanced performance, driving pleasure and silence, together with a significant reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
On the C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso, power is up 10% to 110 kW (or 150 bhp EEC), with combined cycle fuel consumption of 5.8 l/100 km and a 5% cut in CO2 emissions to 152 g/km.
The C5 fitted with this engine delivers 120 kW (or 163 bhp EEC), an increase of 16%. Fuel consumption is 5.6 l/100 km and CO2 emissions, at 147 g/km, are down by nearly 4%.
This new engine generation once again demonstrates the Marque’s commitment to reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions while at the same time increasing on-road performance.
New technologies to meet a diverse range of needs
BERLINGO FIRST ELECTRIQUE: AN ENVIRONMENTAL VEHICLE FOR COMPANY FLEETS
The Berlingo First Electrique has a fully electric drivetrain, mounted under the front bonnet in the place of the conventional thermal combustion engine. This set-up maintains all of the Berlingo’s generous load capacity.
Powered by an asynchronous three-phase motor with maximum power of 53 kW and maximum torque of 180 Nm, the Berlingo First Electrique has a range of 100 km and reaches a top speed of 100 km/h. A complete battery recharge takes eight hours, while an 80% recharge takes just five hours. These characteristics address the needs of company fleets, for which these performances are particularly adapted.
Several vehicles are currently being tested in real mail distribution conditions as part of a call for tenders to supply French postal operator La Poste with 500 vehicles. The results will be announced before the end of the year.
C4 PICASSO, GRAND C4 PICASSO AND C5: INTELLIGENT TRACTION CONTROL AVAILABLE ON SEVERAL MODELS
After the C5, the C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso are now available with Intelligent Traction Control. The system is fitted with no extra cost for the customer on all models with a manual or automated manual gearbox. Intelligent Traction Control brings a significant improvement in grip in difficult road conditions (rain, snow and black ice). By pushing back the limits of conventional anti-skid systems, Intelligent Traction Control enables the vehicle to keep moving in the large majority of driving situations on slippery surfaces, ensuring safe and easy car trips.
GRIP CONTROL ON THE BERLINGO: AT EASE ON ALL SURFACES
The Berlingo offers Grip Control, a new generation of the advanced anti-skid system, as an option, perfectly suited to the model’s ‘go anywhere’ personality.
Grip Control is an advanced anti-skid system, incorporated into the ESP calculator. It manages skidding of the front driving wheels and has five modes enabling the vehicle to adjust to the surface. The driver selects the mode using the mode selector dial on the dashboard.
“Standard” mode: This is the mode for everyday on-road driving.
“Snow” mode: Similar to Intelligent Traction Control feature on the C5 and C4 Picasso, this mode assists the vehicle in pulling away and cruising on snow-covered roads
“All-road” mode: The mode for muddy road surfaces, dirt roads and wet grass.
“Sand” mode: This mode enables the vehicle to drive as easily as possible and reduces the risk of getting stuck
“ESP off” mode: Deactivates all the driving aids managed by the ESP control unit.
Popularity: 8% [?]
CITROЕN DS3: THE CHARM OFFENSIVE
CitroЕn is revealing the CITROЕN DS3!
A few months ahead of its showroom debut, the DS3 is inaugurating the DS line in style. The new DS line will feature a range of distinctive models with more radical design content, rounding out the Marque’s main range. As its name suggests, the new line is a further symbol of CITROЕN creativity and technology.
The DS3 is an assertive vehicle with radical good looks that customers can personalise with a broad range of styling components. A breath of fresh air and modernity, the newcomer’s dynamic on-road performance successfully blends efficiency and peace of mind, while the intelligence of its design makes for a modular car that adapts to all situations.
The DS3 forges a new path…
… by placing desire at the heart of the motoring experience:
With its sculptural styling and striking lines, the DS3 exudes enormous appeal. It is a truly distinctive vehicle with a strong personality built on original creations including a ‘floating’ roof, a ‘shark fin’ that lends vigour to the waistline, and recesses on the nose housing LED lights.
A concentrate of energy, the DS3 also features a unique onboard atmosphere where elegance and technology meet and marks of quality abound. The sophisticated instrumentation – with three conical dials on the cluster – driver-focused commands, low-set driving position and body-hugging seats lend a cockpit feel. Chrome trim further enhances the overall sense of vitality with luxury and distinction.
… through its vivacious, distinctive design:
The DS3 is in fact not one but a multitude of vehicles, that each person can create in his or her fashion. Exterior personalisation components include the roof, body, rearview mirror housings and wheels. Inside, customers get a choice of dashboard strip, gearstick knob and a host of other interior equipment with a panoply of colours, fabrics and materials. And for the ultimate in bespoke motoring, customers can select from seven innovative personalisation themes reflecting different trends and lifestyles. The DS3 is a highly personal and categorically singular vehicle.
… by providing a thoroughly modern take on driving pleasure:
The DS3 is also a stand-out on the road, combining driving pleasure and everyday ease of use. Nimble and energetic, the DS3 brings the driver “closer” to the road for effortless cornering. For Vincent Besson, Director of Products and Markets Strategy at PSA, “driving the DS3 is like having the wheels at your fingertips”. The DS3’s on-road assurance gives it crisp reactions and top-level control and safety. And travelling comfort sets a new standard in the segment.
The newcomer’s CO2 emissions are fully in line with CITROЕN’S environmental leadership, coming in as low as 99 g/km. It will ship with a choice of five carbon-efficient Euro V engines:
- 2 HDi DPFS units developing 110 bhp and 90 bhp,
- 3 petrol engines with the THP 150, VTi 120 and VTi 95.
CITROЕN also made remarkable efforts to keep the weight of the DS3 to a strict minimum, while using a new development plan to ensure robustness. Manufactured in France at the Poissy plant, it benefits from all of PSA’s production system approaches, for exemplary overall quality.
… by making owners’ everyday lives a charm:
Another innovative aspect of the DS3 is that its sleek body styling disguises an impressively versatile hatchback. It gets the most out of its exterior dimensions (3.95 m long, 1.71 m wide and 1.46 high) through particularly intelligent architecture. For example, the dashboard is set high up to increase leg room and the slim-back seats and estate car-style rear design free up room in the back. These design feats bring customers five real seats, extensive stowage space (including a 13-litre glove box) and a capacious boot (285 l) with a modular, 60:40 split-fold rear bench.
The DS3 also appeals to the senses with the HiFi System, worthy of latest-generation home systems. On top of these in-car features, CITROЕN has added a dedicated services offering for DS3 owners, CITROЕN FREEDRIVE, which, among other things, ensures that customers benefit from a replacement vehicle during DS3 servicing.
CITROЕN DS3: THE CHARM OFFENSIVE
Stirring desire
Unique personality that appeals with original styling
Distinctive atmosphere through extreme attention to detail, with premium materials
Broad and innovative personalisation range, with diverse components and seven original personalisation schemes
Feeling the road
Road manners mixing pleasure and control with classic CITROЕN ride comfort
Environmental credentials in line with CITROЕN’s leadership in the field: a 99 g/km version and remarkable work on weight control
Taming the road with ESP and six standard-fit airbags
Irreproachable reliability: robust design process and production in France at the Poissy site
Making everyday life a charm
The first supermini to do elegant and practical at the same time: 5 real seats, a huge boot (285 l) and a 60:40 split-fold bench
CITROЕN creativity ensuring a total sensory experience, with acoustic comfort worthy of superior segments
A range of DS line-dedicated services, CITROЕN FREEDRIVE, to satisfy the most demanding customers
STIRRING DESIRE
Unique personality that appeals with original styling
The CITROЕN DS3 styling team worked with three keywords in mind: surprise, appeal and vitality. The result of their labours is a muscular yet sensual body, compact, dynamic and nuanced by refined chrome trim. This is an expressive object that stirs the desire to travel.
Creativity inhabits each feature of the DS3, witnessed first of all in the floating roof and the B pillar “shark fin” effect. The pure lines of the DS3 exude pleasure and appeal: the dynamic front end suggests all-new driving sensations and the estate car-style rear promises a spacious cabin, while the exquisite finish of each part of the body brings a premium feel to the whole. The styling is radical, with LEDs nestled in the side recesses on the front end. Sitting squarely on its wheels, the DS3 also has a reassuring look.
This same singular impression of measured energy and elegance also applies inside, where each part is elegantly cut and integrated, and assembled with extreme attention to detail. The ‘aerial’ upper part of the flowing dashboard echoes the floating roof. The overall horizontal aspect is enhanced by a strip running the entire width of the dashboard, from front passenger to driver. The driving position is cockpit-inspired, with all displays and driving controls within easy reach of the driver. The instrument cluster, with three conical dials, together with the small-diameter wheel and low-slung, body-hugging seats together convey an emphatic sporty character.
[Gallery not found]Distinctive atmosphere
The premium atmosphere onboard the DS3 is enhanced by luxury materials worked in a harmonious whole.
Each piece of material charms the eye and feels good to the touch:
Thermo-coated components such as the dashboard top are finished in an organic, soft grain that contrasts with the smooth, lacquered effect of the dashboard strip.
The upholstery is equally prestigious, with finely overstitched leather available in three colours rounding out a range of refined, contemporary fabrics.
Some components are highlighted with generous chrome trim, including the DS badge on the steering wheel and button surrounds. Depending on trim level, some of the chrome work is satin-finished, combining the brilliance and richness of the material with the purity and elegance of the colour. These features embody a certain idea of French-style luxury.
Bespoke motoring
The aesthetics of the DS3 are available in a multitude of possibilities. The range of colours and materials and the variety of combinations bring a touch of modernity to the segment.
According to the customer’s wishes:
the roof can be painted in four colours that contrast with the rest of the body: Onyx black, Opale white, Botticelli blue and Carmen rouge;
rearview mirror housings and door sills can be clothed in colour or chrome;
wheels and wheel centres ship in a near-infinite range of colours.
Inside, the dashboard strip – encompassing air vents, instrument cluster surround and multifunction screens – is the largest design-scheme component and comes in a choice of 8 finishes.
The gearstick knob ships in seven different trims, blending satin-finish chrome with the brilliance of the colour and leather.
Customers can choose from all these different design-scheme components to make their own unique vehicle. And in a symbolic touch, the key plip features a disc in the same colour as the body paint, so that people always have a little piece of their DS3 on them!
To further emphasise the premium character of the DS3, CITROЕN will be proposing several personalisation themes, with design schemes corresponding to lifestyles and trends and consisting of exterior and interior styling touches. The following seven offers will be proposed, with the first four available on launch:
- Maori
- Zebra
- Wave
- Daisy
- Co-Design
- Map
- Plane
FEELING THE ROAD
Strong character for total peace of mind
The DS3 provides an all-new, resolutely modern driving experience combining verve and control. Responsive and assertive, the DS3 also sets new standards on ride comfort and behind-the-wheel pleasure.
Essentials behind this on-road performance:
The chassis and running gear, with MacPherson-type suspension at the front and a flexible traverse beam at the rear, are the result of high-precision development work.
Springing and damping have been developed to perfectly “read” the road, with excellent body roll control and impressive poise in corners, while remaining easy to handle.
Bi-density shims on the rear axle effectively filter out road disturbances while ensuring excellent cross-wise stability.
Steering is enhanced by a small-diameter wheel (363 mm) and a calibrated power setting to send back extremely precise information. This enables drivers to “place” the wheels exactly where they want, whatever the speed.
Development work, which also extended to seats and tyres, has ensured perfect course stability, bringing drivers a reassuring feel of control.
Because a good car needs a good engine, the DS3 comes with five Euro V powerplants that score high on refinement, flexibility and performance:
2 HDi DPFS engines developing 90 bhp and 110 bhp mated to a 5- or 6-speed manual gearbox,
3 petrol engines fitted with 5- and 6-speed manual gearboxes: the THP 150, VTi 120 – also available with an automatic gearbox – and VTi 95.
In line with CITROЕN’s environmental objectives
Because driving pleasure also has to be a responsible pleasure, the CITROЕN DS3 was designed to for increased environmental respect. Its CO2 emissions are fully in line with the environmental leadership and commitments of CITROЕN. Over a combined cycle, the HDi DPFS versions all emit less than 115 g/km of CO2 – with a model at 99 g/km – while the petrol-powered DS3s emit between 136 g/km and 160 g/km.
Looking beyond powerplant performance, these environmental results were achieved through a keen focus on keeping the DS3’s weight down, with designers looking at every possible source for mass reduction. This objective was factored in right from the start of the project:
The specifications for Styling included architectural constraints targeting weight loss and safety, for example, the choice of a rectilinear rather than angled dashboard cross-member.
This approach was supplemented by “part by part” analysis, with designers reducing the weight of parts with equivalent technological content.
In addition, digital calculations were used across the board to define and test these parts (for stiffness, acoustics, etc.), optimising not just the mass but the technical quality of each component. For example, the rear suspension on the DS3 weighs 7 kilos less than the previous generation.
Combined with impressive aerodynamics (Cd 0.31), this weight loss also makes the car easier to handle and more responsive.
Taming the road so that only driving pleasure remains
Because it makes no compromises on passenger safety, the CITROЕN DS3 is fitted with a particularly safe braking system, including a host of standard-fit features such as ESP, ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and emergency brake assist (EBA). This equipment helps drivers in the most difficult situations, including loss of grip. Passive safety is also top-level, with six airbags, three-point seat belts and Isofix anchor points in the rear side seats all fitted as standard.
From the first trim level, the DS3 gets a range of driving aids, such as a cruise control/speed limiter and a gear change indicator that recommends gear changes to save on fuel and cut emissions.
The CITROЕN DS3 also ships with MyWay navigation, a sophisticated audio and multimedia system with built-in colour navigation, an MP3- and WMA-compatible CD player and a Bluetooth® hands-free kit.
Irreproachable reliability
DS3 designers set out to develop an irreproachably reliable vehicle. To that end, the DS3 is the first CITROЕN project to fully benefit from a new development process that uses no prototype tooling, the idea being to create as early as possible a vehicle resembling the production model – rather than a prototype – along with the corresponding tooling. This approach results in significant gains in quality by involving at the earliest stage possible all the people working on the project, such as designers, suppliers and manufacturers. And it works so well that, for the DS3 project, the large majority of defects were processed well before the test drives, which will have covered some two million kilometres by launch.
In addition to this extremely robust design process, the new CITROЕN C3 will benefit from production at PSA’s Poissy site, which complies with the Marque’s requirements on quality across the board. An ISO 9001-certified production centre, it is equipped with the very latest in production tools and technology. It also benefits from the entire set of policies in PSA’s new production system and Lean Manufacturing, for optimised production quality and reduced customer lead times.
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