Citroen – shaping up for a great autumn

With the clocks about to ‘fall’ back, Citroen is ‘springing’ forward with a series of upgrades across its range, including interior and exterior enhancements on most of its models, the fitting of a Diesel Particulate Filter System on the popular Xsara Picasso for the very first time, and the introduction of a whole host of Euro IV compliant engines.

Many of the upgrades just announced on the new C3 range are now mirrored on the C2 and C3 Pluriel, with both models receiving new dashboards and instrument displays. And with the redesigned, easier-to-use SensoDrive gearbox also being extended to these cars, Citroen’s revitalised supermini range is set to become even more appealing.

The C2’s restyled dashboard and display have an attractive and robust, high quality look and feel. The display includes a new ‘sport’ rev counter on most Furio, VTR and VTS models, a CD player is now fitted as standard across the range and the option of a Bluetooth hands-free telephone kit is also now available. The exterior benefits from attractive new rear light clusters with a clear central section.

Providing increased choice, the C2 range also welcomes a manual 1.4HDi Furio this autumn. This diesel powered Furio combines sporty exterior and interior looks with great value for money: low CO2 emissions of 113g/km and almost 66mpg fuel economy on the combined cycle come at a recommended retail price of just £10,295.

The C3 Pluriel also benefits from the restyled dashboard and integrated display. In addition, a new colour scheme enhances the trim in areas such as the roof and arches, whilst Bluetooth communication technology is also optionally available.

Despite being voted ‘MPV Maker of the Year’ by the authoritative "4x4 & MPV Driver" magazine, Citroen has not rested on its laurels but has further enhanced its award-winning people carriers, the Xsara Picasso, Berlingo Multispace and C8.

In a move aimed at helping to protect the environment, the Xsara Picasso compact MPV receives a Diesel Particulate Filter System for the very first time on the 110hp 1.6HDi engine. This particulate filter traps and burns previously unburned particles, reducing particulate emissions to barely measurable levels at just 2/1000th gram per kilometre.

The Xsara Picasso can also boast a range of four petrol and diesel Euro IV engines: 110hp 1.6i 16V and 137hp 2.0i 16V petrol units, as well as the highly economical 92hp 1.6i HDi and 110hp 1.6 HDi diesel powerplants.

A series of subtle exterior changes to the ever-popular Berlingo Multispace budget MPV sees the introduction of new side indicators, rear lights with a translucent central section, body coloured number plate mouldings, thicker side rubbing strips and 15" wheel trims.

Side airbags are now standard on all models, while rear parking sensors can also be specified. Possibly the most important changes see the introduction of two new, latest generation diesel engines – 75hp 1.6HDi and 92hp 1.6HDi – to replace the old units, offering up to 30% better fuel consumption and bringing the range bang up to date.

Moving up the scale, Citroen’s large MPV - the C8 - features new interior detailing alongside its own new 143hp 2.0i 16V Euro IV petrol engine. ESP and 16" wheels are now standard on all models, while C8 owners will also appreciate the rear seats, which have been modified to make them easier to remove and reconfigure.

In-cabin instrument visibility is improved with the introduction of a subtle colour change to amber on all the displays, making them easier to read. New steering wheel mounted controls are also included, while there is enhanced soundproofing for the petrol range.

Citroen’s new Euro IV emissions-compliant powerplants have been introduced to meet European targets for pollutant reduction. Compared to Euro III engines the new standards massively reduce the permitted emissions for the majority of pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), while virtually halving nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons (HC) and particulate matter (PM 10s).

Many of these latest generation engines may be smaller in capacity than their predecessors, but thanks to advances in technology they maintain the levels of power, whilst delivering more miles per gallon and lower CO2 emissions at the same time.

The Xsara Picasso, for example, adds a 92hp 1.6HDi Euro IV engine that exceeds the power of the 90hp 2.0HDi Euro III unit which it replaces, yet expels only 135g/km of CO2 and hits 55.4mpg, compared to 147g/km and 51.4mpg respectively for the 2.0HDi.