Citroen Dispatch Reviews

Citroen runs two different ranges in its ‘3’ sized small cars. One consisting of practical vehicles, the other, the DS3 range, provided the stylish flair for which the French are famed.

The Aircross is one of a trio of small soft roaders that spin off the same Mitsubishi-based platform.

Let's face it Citroen is at best a bit player in the Australian motoring landscape.

If it's "cachet" you are after, something a little different -- a bit more stylish than the other medium prestige cars --then look no further than the new $51,990 Citroen DS5.DESIGNCitroen developed the new DS range as cars with panache, out of the ordinary. And in the DS5, they have surely succeeded because it's a strikingly handsome hatchback with bucket loads of street appeal. Those large sabre-shaped chrome flashes linking the headlights with the A pillars are just the start of it. Viewed from all angles, the DS5 is a glamour in the current Citroen idiom.FEATURESAnd it's just as startlingly different and appealing inside with no less than three glass sunroofs, an overhead console like an aircraft, beautifully styled seats and dash and a whole truckload of standard kit including head-up display, swivelling headlights, premium audio, comprehensive trip computer and dual zone climate control.Heck, there's even a massage function on the eight way electrically adjustable driver's seat. The passenger's seat is also electrically adjustable. Other standard kit includes a reverse camera, front and rear park sensors, button start leather, privacy glass, auto high beam, auto headlights and wipers, cruise with speed limiter and Bluetooth phone and audio.But there isn't much in the way of new-tech driver assistance such as blind spot warning, 360 degree camera, radar cruise with brake function, auto brake and all the other stuff coming in these days. Seats are provided for five but four is a better bet and the car can be set to carry a large load with folding rear seats.ENGINE AND TRANSMISSIONPower comes from a tried and true 2.0-litre turbo diesel four that sees duty elsewhere in the expansive Peugeot/ Citroen line-up. In this case it's good for 120kW/340Nm and 6.1-litres/100km economy. It passes EU5 emissions regulations and drives the front wheels through a conventional six-speed auto transmission with sequential (not paddle) shift.DRIVINGThat's plenty of kick for a car like this weighing in at 1615kg. It gets off the mark respectably and has prodigious roll-on like most diesels these days. Noise and vibration is negligible at any speed. Infact, you can't hear anything cruising on the highway.They've set-up the suspension in a sporty way and the big, 18-inch low profile tyres create a bit of a ruckus on rough roads but the upside is responsive handling and an engaging drive from what is essentially a medium prestige family car.The suspension is a strut front system with trailing arms at the rear. Steering is electric offering a reasonable amount of feel through the hugely flat bottomed steering wheel. We found actually operating the car in terms of switches and functions somewhat challenging. It took a while to sort out the Bluetooth. A rash of buttons and knobs all need to be mastered before you try and drive this car and they are all over the place around the driver's 'cockpit.'But once set, the rewards are there. It would make an excellent interstate cruiser, economical, quiet, a relaxing drive as long as you didn't venture too far off the hotmix.GENEROUSCitroen provides a generous warranty on this and all its models as well as fixed price servicing and other entitlements. The brand has been here for years now and has been making cars for a century so they have an idea of how to do it.VERDICTWe really like the DS5 - the look of it inside and out and the feel. It's economical, luxuriously equipped and can be an engaging drive. Definitely worth a look.Citroen DS5Price: from $51,990Warranty: 3 years roadside assist 100,000kmEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder diesel, 120kW/340NmTransmission: 6-speed auto, FWDThirst: 6.1L/100Km, CO2 158g/km

Here's a smooth newcomer with a spiky mission for Citroen. As the French maker uses a style-driven push in Australia with its DS line, its Cactus concept is unveiled this week to preview the thinking behind a revitalisation of its mainstream C-Line models.Citroen believes the design of the Cactus crossover is the look that will work for people who buy cars for transport, although it's not backing away from its aspiring-for-prestige position down under. It's not as outrageous as some recent sports car dream machines, but it's not just a boring box."The French are renowned for flair and cutting-edge design and that won't disappear. It's in the DNA," the head of Citroen Australia, John Startari, tells Carsguide. "The global strategy concentrates on product development and the C-Line range will be pitched as the more-affordable models."So Startari confirms that Citroen is working closely with Peugeot in Australia, dovetailing their lineups with the top end reserved for his DS models, as they work under the shared ownership of the Sime Darby group. "That's to stop cannibilisation in the PSA stable," he says.Looking closer at the Cactus, Startari sees potential for Australia even though the Frankfurt motor show car is revealed with left-hand drive. "Citroen has tended to go into production with the majority of its concepts, so . ," hints Startari."It's too early to determine if it will come to Australia. But we've a hot, dry country and there is a certain resonance." Among the design work on the Cactus is a 'driver's station' with controls in a fully-digital interface, sofa-style front seats, natural materials and what Citroen calls 'non-aggressive flowing surfaces' for the body.Technology work starts with lightweight body panels, 'airbumps' to protect the body, and a hybrid drivetrain - incorporating compressed air and hydraulics - that promises 2.5 litres/100km economy.This reporter is on Twitter: @paulwardgover

The Townsville dealership of China's Great Wall Motors is to have a new showroom. The Motoco Group, operated by Jason Collins and Alan Baxter, has confirmed its purchase of the former BP service station site at the corner of Bowen Rd and Balls Lane, Mundingburra, for $1 million.The firm will spend about another $500,000 converting the property into a showroom and car yard for the dealership, which it has operated for about four years. It will also sell Foton light trucks. Motoco dealer Jason Collins said the Great Wall team, which had traded almost opposite on Bowen Rd alongside its used car business, had earned its new location.“They should have their own stand-alone facility,” Mr Collins said. “We are consistently in the top 10 in Australia with Great Wall.” There are about 80 Great Wall dealerships around the country and the number is growing. It is one of the largest manufacturers in China, where the auto industry has exploded in recent years to become the world's largest vehicle maker.Work to fit out the new Townsville showroom has just began. “It will be gutted and turned into a showroom with a new glass facade and a modern awning,” Mr Collins said. He said they were confident about the prospects for business in Townsville despite a difficult market recently.“Townsville has been very good to this business,” Mr Collins said. “Talking to the Gold Coast dealers, they are still doing it tough and there's a general feeling that we have it far better in this area.” Peter Wheeler of Colliers International Townsville, who negotiated the sale of the 2233sq m property, said the purchase opposite Motoco's Audi Townsville Centre was a logical extension of their business.But with interest rates at their lowest levels for some 50 years, it was also a well-timed move. “Now really is the time to be buying. It's a good time to be getting into the market,” Mr Wheeler said. The Motoco Group which also operates in Cairns was formerly Honeycombes Cars. It has dealerships in Audi, Alfa Romeo, Citroen, Fiat, Great Wall, Peugeot, Winnebago and Millard. It is also involved in Rising Sun Marine and Townsville Suzuki Marine dealerships.tony.raggatt@news.com.au 

Keen to enhance its image as a marque that produces passionate cars, Citroen has added a cabriolet to its DS3 range – which is exactly what we need as spring gets closer by the day.VALUEPriced from $30,990 (plus on roads) for the D-Style 1.6-litre petrol three-door cabriolet and $2000 more for the 1.6-litre turbocharged version – both of which are automatic transmissions – the little droptop is more expensive than its only real competitor, the Fiat 500 cabriolet, which starts in the low twenties.However, the DS3 is larger, with more interior space and a good sized boot. John Startari, the new chief of Citroen in Australia sees the Mini convertible as another competitor. However, the British open-top car is closer to $40,000 and doesn’t offer the same versatility of roof operation as the French and Italian cabriolets. All of which means the Citroen is operating in a wide niche when it comes to pricing.DESIGNUnlike the Fiat and Mini, the Citroen doesn’t use retro styling as a major selling feature. Indeed, the company says its ‘anti-retro’ and wants it cars to be futuristic.The biggest styling feature of the Citroen DS3 is the kick-up in the bodywork at the B-pillar. Now the addition of a folding roof, combined with a big range of accessories let owners of the cabriolet challenge convention in their car’s appearance.A real advantage of a cabriolet – as opposed to a convertible – is the lack of windrush in the interior because the sides of the car remain as in the standard body. Should the weather turn nasty the roof can be closed while the DS3 Cabrio is travelling at any speed below 120 km/h.To enable buyers to let their imaginations soar, Citroen has established a special ‘D-Zone’ in showrooms where owners can ‘commission’ their new babies. This has a relaxed lounge-room like setting where a big range of options and accessories is displayed or viewable on screens.As personalised items are added on the computer the buyer is given an estimated delivery date for the car. Should they find the time is stretching too far into the future they can modify the choices to bring things under control. Even so, it’s unlikely delivery will stretch beyond four months.ENGINESTwo standard models are on offer; the DS3 Cabrio D-Style, which has a 1.6-litre 88 kW engine and four-speed automatic transmission, 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, audio with a full range of connections, interior mood lighting, and an aromatic air freshener as part of the climate-control system.The DS3 Cabrio D-Sport has a turbocharged 1.6 petrol engine, producing 115 kW of power and a wide-spread of torque, sitting at 240 Nm from 1400 to 4000 revs, driving through a six-speed manual gearbox. There are 17-inch black-alloy wheels, satellite navigation, a carbon-look dashboard, an upgraded sound system, chrome-tipped twin exhausts.SAFETYA full suite of safety gear is installed in the Citroen DS3 range, including six airbags, resulting in a five-star rating in crash testing.DRIVINGHeadroom in the front is good, but that in the rear is marginal for adults. There’s reasonable legroom in the back, though it’s probably best left for children. Similarly, though it’s set up as five-seater, seat width is limited and three adults would find it pretty cramped.Our brightly coloured Citroen convoy certainly attracted the attention of bystanders and other motorists, showing the stylists have got the shape right. With the roof open all the way we experienced no wind buffeting worth worrying about – see the previous remarks about hairdos not being damaged. With the roof closed the DS3 cabriolet was almost as quiet as the hatchback variant.Handling is very good for a front-drive car and remained pretty neutral until high cornering forces were generated. Then it scrubbed off speed in understeer to bring it back on line. Electronic stability is there should someone make a big mistake in cornering far too fast. Steering feedback is good and the DS cab is happy to change direction in a nimble fashion.While the seats have a sporty look the distance between the bolsters is pretty wild so they don’t offer a lot of support for people of average width.Engine performance from the non-turbo engine in the D-Style is nothing to get excited about, but the four-speed automatic transmission does a good job of changing down when required for added urge. The turbo engine in the D-Sport is much better and sings along nicely, being responsive and happy to rev.VERDICTWell priced and highly specified, the new Citroen DS3 cabriolet adds another option for buyers looking for a fun machine that can be highly personalised. We can see this bright and airy model having a bright future downunder. Citroen DS3 CabrioPrice: from $30,990 (D-Style) $32,990 (D-Sport)Engine: 1.6-litre petrol or turbo petrol, 88kW/160Nm, 115kW/240NmTransmission: four-speed auto (D-Style), six-speed manual (D-Sport)Thirst: 6.7L/100km (D-Style), 5.9L/100km (D-Sport)

The sharpest knife is wielded by Proton, whose Preve sedan is now the cheapest small car in the country. Proton marketing general manager Billy Falconer says the cut -- which amounts to a 15 per cent shave off the original price -- is a reaction to the aggressive discounting of rivals.The flip is the annual/15,000km servicing cost is now capped for the first five years or 75,000km, rather than the free servicing as previously. "In order to compete with all these offers, we have reduced the price for the Preve range, with the manual starting at just $15,990 driveaway and the CVT auto Preve from $17,990 driveaway for a limited time only," Falconer says.The Preve is the first Proton to earn a five-star ANCAP safety rating and comes with a five-year warranty. The Malaysian brand is relying on the improved safety and features -- all Preve models have 16-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, and controls for the sound system and phone mounted on the steering wheel -- to help boost sales.The company sold just 856 vehicles last year and is behind that number year-to-date with 353 sales to July. A new hatch and people-mover -- both built according to Proton's improved safety standards -- are imminent.Ford's Focus Ambiente is -- for now -- just $18,990 on the road, including free servicing for the first three annual/15,000km check-ups. Mazda's $19,990 deal on the Neo includes a four-year warranty and three years' roadside assistance. A Mitsubishi Lancer ES with a front and rear spoilers, side skirts and alloy wheels is available for $19,990 driveaway until the end the month.PRICE WARModel                                November 2012     NowCitroen C4                          $22,990                 $20,990Ford Focus                         $20,290                 $18,990*Holden Cruze                      $21,490                 $19,490Mazda3                              $20,330                 $19,990*Proton Preve                       $18,990*                $15,990*Mitsubishi Lancer                $19,990                 $19,990**denotes driveaway pricing

Promise, we won't use the word 'quirky' any more for Citroen. It is, after all, one of the biggest selling brands in Europe. Now they've come out with a drop top cabriolet version of the cute little DS3, Citroen's version of the Peugeot 208, and it's a throw-back to the "legendary'' Citroen 2CV in some ways.DESIGNThough touted as an anti-retro car, the roof of the DS3 cabriolet is straight out of the 2CV book except for the fact that it's power operated and three layers of vinyl instead of a greasy piece of canvas. Oh and there are some rather funky colours and designs including one with the DS monogram imprinted. Tres cool.The DS3 cabriolet roof peels back leaving the side roof structure around the doors and can be set in one of three positions, intermediate, horizontal and total with the roof tucked up onto the rear window like a spoiler.This is the true interpretation of a "cabriolet" whereas most other cabriolets are infact convertible roadsters with no remaining roof structure when the top is wound back. It's a cheap and effective way to get some sun and wind in the car when you're driving. And the DS3 version looks pretty cute in a puppy dog sort of way. The roof opens/closes fully in 16 seconds at speeds up to 120kmh.Unlike other drop tops, the DS3 gains minimal weight (25kg) and therefore offers the same performance, fuel economy and feel as the tin-top hatchback. Citroen re-invented the boot lid for this car which features a pivoting, parallelogram style boot opening up to a letter box aperture to 'post' you luggage through.Tricky styling features include 3D tail lights that disappear into infinity. Inside is specified to a luxury level with seats for five at a pinch. The interior is technical and funky with easy to operate switches and a look like no other car including a flat bottom wheel and broad sweep of mock carbon fibre fascia. The three layer roof is hand-made at a factory in France to be benchmark for fit and finish.RANGE AND PRICETwo models are offered; the D-Style four-speed auto only and the D-Sport six-speed manual only with the former going for $30,990 and the latter $32,990.There's a big difference between the two in that the Style has a 1.6-litre, naturally aspirated, four cylinder engine with 88kW/160Nm capable of 6.7-litres/100km while the Sport has a 1.6-litre turbo petrol four-pot achieving 115kW/240Nm and 5.9-litres/100km.Both are a premium of $3200 on the DS3 hatch. Like Peugeot, Citroen Australia offers capped price servicing at $360 a pop for three years. Desirable options such as satnav and leather hike the price by $4000.DRIVINGForget all that French style once you get going... it wouldn't pull the skin off a custard and the four-speed auto is hopelessly inadequate when put under even modest pressure such as accelerating from low speeds up a steepish hill. Kickdown also means a big ratio jump which translates into higher than expected engine revs. It falls short on the sport side, but would perhaps be better being restricted to a town runabout role.The manual on the other hand is a decent thing with strong, flexible power and a comfy, controlled ride. It gets a bit of steering backlash at speed on bumpy corners but that's about the only criticism of the car's dynamics. Pity you can't get a six-speed auto turbo....VERDICTCute styling, stylish interior and generous features plus the price make the DS3 Cabriolet a tempting proposition. It's the second cheapest cabrio on the market to the awful Fiat 500 Cabriolet.Citroen DS3 CabrioPrice: from $30,990 (D-Style) $32,990 (D-Sport)Engine: 1.6-litre petrol or turbo petrol, 88kW/160Nm, 115kW/240NmTransmission: four-speed auto (D-Style), six-speed manual (D-Sport)Thirst: 6.7L/100km  (D-Style), 5.9L/100km (D-Sport) 

The new Citroen C4 Aircross is based on the Mitsubishi ASX and shares many of its mechanical components and underbody parts with that successful Japanese car.A solid restyle gives the Aircross a nice dose of French chic and it’s a real looker. All the external panels, with the exception of its doors and roof have been designed by Citroen.Citroen’s designers have penned a two-segment grille with the company’s ‘interlocking gears’ chevron in its centre. Daytime running lights sit vertically at the outer edges of the grille. To be quite honest we are getting somewhat tired of the currently fashionable, and often aggressive looking, large grilles and it’s good to see Citroen going in its own direction.Interior space is good at the front and acceptable for adults in the back seats. The front seats are well-shaped and generally comfortable, but don’t offer a lot of side support. Which probably makes sense as few are likely to drive hard and fast in a vehicle like the Aircross. Handling is safe enough but the steering is on the dead side in the straight ahead position and doesn’t provide as much feedback as we like.Boot volume ranges from 442 litres with the rear seatbacks upright (though this reduces to a safer 384 litres if all the cargo is kept below the parcel shelf) to 1193 litres with the seatbacks folded.At this stage the Citroen C4 Aircross only comes with a 2.0-litre petrol engine that drives thorough an efficient CVT automatic transmission. The engine produces a maximum of 110 kilowatts of power and a strong 199 Newton metres of torque.The CVT auto has six preset forward ratios to give the driver a degree of manual control. Engine performance is nothing to get excited about, but the auto does a good job of keeping it in the middle of the torque band and there weren’t many occasions when we felt the need to manually shift the gears.Mitsubishi has recently introduced a turbo-diesel engine on its ASX and Citroen is considering it for importation to Australia. In these early days on the Australian market there’s just one specification level for the new Citroen SUV, tagged as the C4 Aircross Exclusive. Standard are 18-inch alloy wheels, a leather trimmed steering wheel, cruise control, Bluetooth phone and audio steaming, steering wheel mounted audio controls as well as voice activation.Citroen Aircross Exclusive is priced at $31,990 for the 2WD and $33,990 for the 4WD. Both are driveway prices. Citroen’s prices are only marginally above those of the Mitsubishi ASX on which it is based and this gives potential buyers a chance to shop around. Believe it or not, there’s another French entrant in the mix - the Peugeot 4008 shares the same underpinnings.Our test vehicle was the Citroen C4 Aircross with front-wheel-drive, likely to be the bigger seller as almost all buyers in this class want a people mover rather than a vehicle to be used on unsealed roads.However, may we suggest that the all-wheel-drive model opens up new horizons for families who like to explore the great Aussie bush? We did a fair bit of driving on dirt roads during the launch of the Aircross and found it competent and comfortable. There’s a 4WD Lock setting for more demanding terrain, but we can’t see many people tackling anything more than mild off the bitumen running.Fuel consumption on sealed roads was typically in the seven to eight litres per hundred kilometres range in highway driving, increasing to a reasonably good nine to eleven litres around town.Safety equipment levels on this new French SUV are good with seven airbags, ABS brakes with emergency brakeforce distribution and brake assist, ESP, hill-start assist, reversing camera with rear mirror display, rear park assist and auto hazard light activation under rapid deceleration.