Three New Citroen Models Launched into SA [w/video]

Many people did not realise that Citroen ceased new vehicle sales in South Africa late in 2016. The announcement from the French manufacturer didn’t really surprise followers of the auto industry as the local arm faced dwindling sales. Now the brand returns to local shores, launching three new Citroen models this week.

Click here to read about two new models recently launched by Citroen’s sister brand, Peugeot, into the local market.

Citroen C3

The reintroduction of the brand locally is spearheaded by a small hatchback called the C3. This funky little car competes against the likes of top-sellers, VW’s Polo and the Toyota Yaris. The unique appearance is complemented by an equally interesting interior design. The new C3 comes with as array of useful assistance, safety and comfort technologies. These include mirror screen technology that duplicates the driver’s smartphone screen directly on the vehicle’s central screen. The driver can access multimedia content and monitor their smartphone from the screen.

Powering the new C3 range are two petrol engines that displace 1,2-litres. A naturally aspirated version produces 60 kW. This unit is fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox. A more powerful 81 kW turbocharged engine is fitted with a six-speed automated transmission. There are two derivatives, titled Feel and Shine. Feel is the entry-level version that is fitted with the 60 kW engine. Shine derivatives have the more powerful engine and add a few bespoke touches including larger alloys, Citroen’s unique Airbump side panels and foglamps.

Citroen C3 Feel                                R239 900

Citroen C3 Shine                             R289 900

Citroen C3 Aircross

A step up from the C3 is the Citroen C3 Aircross. It is billed as a compact SUV, and at a shade over four metres it is quite compact. Like the C3 the C3 Aircross is also distinctively styled, and has the raised ground clearance expected of an SUV. Citroen says that its little SUV has class-leading interior space thanks to a 2 600 mm wheelbase. Boot space is quoted as 410 litres expanding up to 520 on the Shine model with its sliding rear seat.

As you may have guessed, there are two derivatives in this range as well. However, all models in the C3 Aircross range are powered by a 1,2-litre 81 kW engine which is coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission. The differences between the two variants include a seven-inch touchscreen home to the air conditioning, radio, telephony and satnav controls, keyless entry and start, as well as the aforementioned sliding seat, to name a few.

Citroen C3 Aircross Feel                 R339 900

Citroen C3 Aircross Shine               R359 900

Citroen C5 Aircross

At the very top of the refreshed local Citroen line-up is the Citroen C5 Aircross. This flagship model is immediately recognisable as a Citroen, carrying over some of the design cues of its small stablemates. Two-piece headlamps and a split front grille are just some of the model’s unique traits. Black plastic lower side panels along with 230 mm of ground clearance really underline its SUV appearance. The C5 Aircross SUV has three individual sliding, folding and reclining rear seats, which makes for, according to Citroen, best-in-class boot space that starts at 520 litres and expands to 720. a 12,3-inch digital instrument panel behind the steering wheel and an 8-inch touchscreen on the dashboard covers the infotainment functions.

As with the other two ranges, C5 Aircross comes in two flavours Feel and Shine. Both are powered by the company’s 1,6 THP 121 kW petrol engine coupled to Citroen’s EAT6 automatic gearbox. Shine models feature wireless smartphone charging, active safety brake, active lane departure warning, driver attention assist and active blind-spot monitoring.

Citroen C5 Aircross Feel                 R469 900

Citroen C5 Aircross Shine              R509 900

Peace of mind

Three new Citroen models launched into SA will be covered by Citroen Serenity. The package includes a five-year /100 000 km warranty and service plan, a courtesy car, complimentary vehicle health check, 24-Hour customer care centre, licence renewal reminder and roadside assistance. Citroen vehicles can be serviced at any Peugeot accredited dealership nationwide.