1977 Citroen GS Reviews

Yet another reduced price offering from a European car maker - this time the iconic French marquee, Citroen, with one of its C4 variants. ENGINE Fuelled by the ever increasing car sales strength in Australia, the rise of our dollar and the moribund nature of the European auto market, Citroen is offering its C4 Seduction 1.6L e-HDi Diesel EGS (is that the most complicated car name you've ever come across…) from a mere $25,990 driveaway. This is a saving of $2000 on the previous recommended retail price. On-road costs had to be added to that old price, pushing it close to $30,000 in many areas. Citroen C4 Seduction 1.6L (etc) is powered by a direct injection turbo-diesel engine that features the company’s Stop & Start system. This puts the engine into idle mode as the driver decelerates and turns it off when the C4 comes to a stop. The moment the driver takes their foot off the brake, the engine restarts, doing so with a minimum of the irritating vibration that can be a pain in some four-cylinder cars with a stop-start setup. Citroen tells us its Stop & Start helps reduce CO2 emissions by about five grams per km. Even better, fuel consumption is pulled down by 15 per cent in heavy-duty city driving. The 1.6 turbo-diesel engine is mated to an Electronic Gearbox System (EGS) automated manual gearbox that provides either full automatic shifts, or manual changes via the steering wheel mounted paddles. STYLING The pretty little Citroen C4 hatch has the company’s distinctive front end with the interlocking gears that form the company’s logo. But it has to be said the rest of the vehicle doesn’t really create any excitement in its shape. Citroen C4 is a five-door hatch that has good interior space for four adults, five without a huge amount of rubbing together. It provides a comfortable ride. It is neatly balanced and will appeal to those wanting to get clear of the competent but boring Asian range of cars. SAFETY Even this low-cost Citroen comes as standard with driver assistance technologies that include ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Emergency Braking Assistance (EBA), intelligent traction control and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP). Should these primary safety items not save you from having a crash the C4 is fitted with six airbags (driver, front passenger, side and curtain). The drive-away offer for the Citroen C4 Seduction 1.6l e-HDi Diesel EGS is available until June 30, 2013. But only while stocks lasts, so it might be a good idea not to tarry overmuch if you’re interested in something different in the small car field.

Spied lapping the German circuit with disguised Chevrolet C7 Corvette, Camaro ZL1and Z/28 development mules, the right-hand-drive SS V Ute looks to be undergoing final evaluation ahead of its launch in June.Curiously, no VF Commodore Sedan or Sportswagon variants were sighted, despite Holden’s pledge to launch all body styles simultaneously.Holden, with parent company General Motors, has used the 20.8km Nordschleife circuit extensively for chassis tuning and evaluation since developing the VE/VF Commodore and fifth-generation Camaro’s shared Zeta platform in the early noughties.Several other manufacturers have taken advantage of the spring weather at the circuit in recent weeks, but this Holden/Chevrolet convoy was captured by Dale Lomas of Bridge to Gantry.

The two great looking new Citroens are under consideration as the French brand looks to win converts down under.The five-seater C4 Picasso has re-emerged as a likely starter for families while the DS Wild Rubis concept tops the wish list after its unveiling for the Shanghai motor show.The compact Picasso was originally dismissed in favour of the seven-seater Grand Picasso people mover that's already a long-term member of the Citroen family here, but has re-emerged as contender following a body update.The Wild Rubis is only a long shot because its development is focused on China, but Australia's plan for a DS-driven sales push means it would be a natural if it is available. "We want to build the brand and that means we're looking at everything," the head of Citroen Australia, John Startari, tells Carsguide.Citroen has just re-launched under a new distributor and plans to grow its sales by 35 per cent in the short term, with double-digit improvements over coming years, based on the strengths of the French cars. Startari says he was very impressed when he saw the C4 Picasso in Paris and has launched an investigation on its suitability for Australia. "It's not something we should discard, because there are significant changes."I saw it in France last week and it's on-brand," he says. "We don't have pricing yet, and that makes it harder, but it was a definite no and now it's a possible."We still haven't made a final decision, but I guess it's the inclusion of a lot of technology and the styling of the car that merits investigation."The Grand Picassos has already had an update with styling along similar lines."Included in the Picasso update are a 'loft-style' cabin with added space, twin touch-screen displays, park assist, active seat belts and even ultrasonic blind spot monitoring. Startari believes the Wild Rubis would have a surefire hit in Australia but is not confident it will be built with right-hand drive."I think it's a very exciting prospect. Coming out of China would mean that it's left-hand drive, so we'd need a business case for right-hand drive. And the largest right-hand drive market is the UK."The stylish SUV is clearly intended for DS production, although its 21-inch alloys and plug-in hybrid driveline might struggle for showroom approval. Citroen says it "points to a future DS SUV" and it's likely the concept will be transferred to the road within two years, with its basic 4.7-metre bodywork unchanged.Still, Startari is not getting over-excited. "We really have no information yet on the Wild Rubis. I cannot speculate because nothing has come through officially," he says.But he is looking forward to delivering an expanded Citroen range to Australian buyers. "It's great to be part of something that has this ability to do things differently. Cars are being traded as commodities now, regardless of the brand, and people are looking for something different."There is a relevant, visible point of difference at Citroen. And that's refreshing, as well as giving us the opportunity to do something different."This reporter is on Twitter @paulwardgover

Buying a small car doesn't mean you have to forsake some of the pleasures of motoring.NEWThe Citroen DS3 is a case in point. At the upper end of the small car market it's a fun-filled little device that looks good, performs well, has plenty of features, and sets you apart from the run-of-the-mill small car owning population.Most small cars are bought by people wanting economy of transport first and foremost, that's not what the little Citroen is about. It's for people who want to have fun at the wheel and are happy to have it in a small, city-sized package.The DS3 looks like a bundle of fun even standing still, with its zippy looks and sporty stance, large wheels that fill out the guards, and spoilers and blackout panels. It was offered in two versions, the stylish DStyle that put looks ahead of performance, and the DSport that cranked up the go-fast factor.The DStyle came with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with class average output that gave it acceptable performance on the road, while the DSport was powered by a turbocharged version of the same engine and injected it with the zippiness to match its looks.The transmission choices were limited to a four-speed auto if you chose the DStyle, and a six-speed manual if your choice was the DSport. Both were front-wheel drive.On the road the DS3 handled as you might expect with a wheel at each corner anchoring it to the road. It got along well enough on the open highway, but it really came into its own when pushed along a winding road where it hugged the tarmac like a long lost sibling.Small cars like the DS3 are often compromised when it comes to cabin space and the Citroen was no exception. It's best suited to singles or couples, is ok if your kids are small, but it struggles with a full complement of four adults aboard.Some small cars are also compromised when it comes to features, but not the DS3 in this case. It had air, cruise, six-speaker sound, alloy wheels and fog lamps. It was also on the money when it came to safety with ABS braking, ESP stability control, and front, head and side airbags standard, all of which added up to a five star tick from ANCAP.NOWAs we've written before buying a Citroen should be a considered decision, not one taken in haste driven by emotion.While it's an old and well respected brand in its home country, and loved by a few fanatics here, it's had a somewhat chequered history in this country. Over the years it has come and gone, differentdistributers have handled the brand, and dealers have changed. That said it's been relatively stable for some time now, which should give buyers some comfort.Before buying a car check out where you would get it serviced, dealers aren't on every street corner. Consider an independent specialist, hopefully a factory-trained mechanic who has struck out on his own after spending time learning the brand with a dealer.Consider having your potential choice checked by an expert in the brand, one who is familiar with the quirks. Thoroughly test drive it to make sure you're comfortable with the choice, driving it in as many varying situations as possible.Look for evidence of crash damage, making sure repairs are up to scratch. Also look for oil leaks around the engine, check the oil, get down and look at the tyres for even wear and signs of having been thrashed. Make the usual checks for a service record; it's vital for a long life that a car has been serviced as per the recommended service schedule.SMITHY SAYSWorth a look if you want to be different. It's solid, with decent performance and vice-like grip on the road.CITROEN DS3 - 2010-2011Price new: $32,990 to $35,990Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cylinder, 88 kW/160 Nm; 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbo, 115 kW/240 NmGearbox: 4-speed auto, 6-speed man, FWDThirst: 6.9 L/100 km (DStyle), 6.7 L/100 km (DSport)Body: 3-door hatchVariants: DStyle, DSportSafety: 5-star ANCAP

Now there's a new importer involved, Citroen could have a brighter future in Australia.Ateco Automotive, who previously handled the iconic French brand, tapped out at about 3000 units a few years ago - in a market of more than a million. They were possibly more focussed on Ferrari and Great Wall...Now Sime Darby has the Citroen (and Peugeot) franchise and first appearances suggest they are going to ramp it up.They should because there are many desirable cars in the Citreon lineup - arguably the best French car brand. But first of all they needed to do some "house cleaning" and re-launch a vehicle that was pretty much passed over under the Ateco umbrella - the C4 Aircross.This is a Citroen version of the Mitsubishi ASX and Peugeot 4007 small SUVs. All three are made in Japan by Mitsubishi which must cringe every time a Pug' or Cit' version of its vehicle rolls out the door.Why?The two Frenchies win the looks contest hands down with the Aircross taking the silverware as far as we are concerned.It gets more exterior chrome, the imposing chevron grille and other changes that make it look totally different to the other two cars.Added to that is roughly a $4000 price cut for the Aircross to a starting point of $31,990 drive away for the front wheel drive model. It was previously that price plus on roads and Sime Darby has added a smattering of extra kit.The all wheel drive model goes for $33,990 drive away.Both models (Exclusive grade only) get a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) auto as standard along with a rear view camera, Bluetooth with voice control, steering wheel controls for cruise and audio, paddle shift and high quality interior materials.Climate control and a pollen filter are included. They also get hill start assist and rear park assist, seven air bags and stability control. The ANCAP rating is five stars.Obviously a practical vehicle, Aircross has easy to fold rear seats and a decent size load space. They've fitted additional sound deadening material and a ski flap in the rear seat.Aircross is differentiated from the other two cars by frontal styling, tail lights and other minor exterior changes. The interior is also different though in our opinion, not up to the usual Citroen chic.The suspension is recalibrated compared to the other two cars and it has a wider track thanks to bigger tyres. The 4WD system has three modes; 2WD, 4WD and Lock that can be selected from the dash .The engine is out of Mitsubishi's Lancer small car and is a petrol 2.0-litre four pot with variable valve timing (MIVEC) and regenerative energy harvesting from the alternator during braking and deceleration.It's good for 110kW/199Nm and in this case, requires premium unleaded. The engine is a fairly old design and misses out on the more efficient direct injection system which, ironically, Mitsubishi developed for mainstream automotive use more than a decade ago.We like the look of it and the five seat interior is practical and roomy for such a compact vehicle. It has generous standard equipment and is good to drive in an unban environment.Hauling 1400kg dents engine performance a tad when you put the car under pressure with a full passenger load and the air conditioning on. But otherwise, it's acceptable - unobtrusive and relatively economical at around 8.0-litres/100km.The suspension is soft and could do with a little more local fettling to better handle rough roads. It handles OK, rides comfortably and is easy to drive thanks in part to the electric power stering and good turning circle.The CVT causes the engine to slur away unless you utilise the paddle shift..

The Citroen C4 Aircross is one of three compact SUVs produced from a joint venture between the French PSA Peugeot Citroen group and the Japanese giant Mitsubishi. It sells alongside the Peugeot 4008 and Mitsubishi ASX.The sales figures for the three vehicles make an interesting example of the value of brand marketing. All three are built in the same Mitsubishi factory albeit with some styling differences and, allowing for variations in equipment levels, are priced within the same ballpark.Despite this, during the nine-month period that all three have been on sale, nearly 90 per cent of total sales have been of the ASX. The Peugeot 4008 and Citroen Aircross each arrived in Australia in mid-2012, nearly two years after the ASX, and so were at a significant disadvantage.The Aircross was further hampered because its arrival coincided with the imminent switch in Citroen’s local importer/distributor which meant that it received virtually no marketing or advertising support.The new importer, Sime Darby Motors Group, has now re-launched the Aircross and we’ve now been able to spend a day with this cute-looking small SUV, Citroen’s first venture into this booming market.Prices are straightforward: $31,990 for the 2WD and $33,990 for the 4WD. While these prices are the same as when the Aircross was launched by the previous importer in June 2012 they are now national driveaway prices and include a reversing camera as standard and so making it significantly cheaper – Citroen claims nearly $4000 – than previously.Also standard are 18-inch alloy wheels, leather trimmed steering wheel, cruise control, Bluetooth phone and audio steaming, steering wheel mounted audio controls and voice activation.While the Aircross and the ASX share most of their mechanical components and underbody parts and have a similar styling theme, all external panels, with the exception of its doors and roof are different.The Aircross also takes a different approach to the all-important frontal styling. While its two siblings have gone for the trendy wide-mouthed grille Citroen has adopted a wide two-bar arrangement with the familiar Citroen double chevron built into the centre.Daytime running lights are growing in popularity and the Aircross again takes a different tack by having them on the extreme edges of the grille and vertically mounted rather than the normal horizontal line fringing the headlights.Beauty is of course in the eye of the beholder but we do prefer the look of the Allcross to that of the 4008 and ASX. Interior space is good at the front and acceptable for adults but fine for children in the rear. Boot space ranges from 442 litres with the rear seatbacks in place (384 litres below the parcel shelf) to 1193 litres with the seatbacks folded.The model range for the Citroen C4 Aircross is nice and simple. There’s one engine (2.0-litre petrol), one transmission (CVT automatic), one specification level (Exclusive) and two drive options (2WD and 4WD).The Aircross engine generates up to 110 kilowatts of power and 199 Newton metres of torque. It’s capable enough in normal city and motorway driving but does struggle a bit on hilly terrain although once we started using the paddle shift manual override feature we were able to enjoy the test drive a lot more.It’s not a sporty vehicle but neither are the majority of its competitors in what is very much a small family focussed market segment. Other engines, including diesel, are available but are not in Citroen’s Australian importers sights at this time of low local petrol prices.Fuel consumption on the combined urban/highway test is listed at 7.9 litre per 100 kilometres for the 2WD model and 8.1 L/100 km with 4WD.Safety equipment levels 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.Our 250 kilometre media test route included around 30 km of moderately rugged dirt roads to display the off-road credentials that Citroen saw as distinguishing the Aircross from its softer competitors.Although we were in the 4WD model during this stage we switched between modes and apart from the occasional rut that sent shudders through the car, it handled the conditions without any real problems. There’s also a 4WD Lock option for more demanding terrain.

French automaker PSA Peugeot Citroen revealed an air-hybrid drivetrain at a French tech day in January, and now it looks like the system is heading a step closer to the real world. The revolutionary technology, which is essentially a hybrid drive system that instead of using electric motors to support an internal combustion engine, uses compressed air, will be appearing at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show next month. It will feature in a Citroen C3 subcompact, which its makers claim is capable of returning a fuel economy of 3.4L/100km thanks to the technology. In addition to being much more fuel efficient than comparable gas-electric hybrids, and even some more advanced plug-in hybrids, the Citroen C3 Hybrid Air concept is said to be lighter and much cheaper to produce as there are no heavy and expensive batteries. It also operates at a constant level of efficiency, regardless of weather or driving conditions. The technology was developed by PSA Peugeot Citroen in cooperation with automotive supplier Bosch and draws from the Citroen brand’s historic expertise of hydraulic systems for cars. Citroen, of course, used pressurized air and hydraulic systems to manage the suspension, steering, braking and semi-automatic gearbox of the legendary DS as far back as 1955. The automaker also showcased one of its original 2CVs fitted with a hybrid setup that combined a gasoline engine and similar pressurized air and hydraulic system in 1958. Given the concerns about fuel costs and the environment, the French automaker is now investigating the use of the technology once again. The latest setup combines a gasoline engine with a compressed air storage unit, a hydraulic motor and an automatic transmission with an epicyclic design. An intelligent electronic management system manages input from the driver to optimize energy efficiency with three operating modes: Air Mode, Gasoline Mode, and Combined Mode. Optimising energy efficiency in this way cuts fuel consumption and allows the system to recharge the energy storage unit with compressed air, using regenerative forces to suck in air and compress it for later use. Air Mode is used for driving around town, at speeds of up to 69km/h. Here, the gasoline engine is not used.  The compressed air is transmitted to the wheels via the hydraulic motor and gearbox. Depending on traffic, this mode will be active between 60 and 80 percent of urban driving time. Maximum use of deceleration and braking energy will ensure efficient recharging of the compressed air unit. Gasoline Mode is used mostly on the highway or if there is no more compressed air. Again, the energy from deceleration and braking is recovered for use when in Air Mode or for the boost function in Combined Mode. Finally, in Combined Mode, the gasoline engine and hydraulic motor work together. This mode is used particularly during initial start and strong acceleration. If further tests prove successful, PSA Peugeot Citroen hopes to have the first production applications ready by as early as 2016. Note, its makers claim the technology is only suitable for cars in the subcompact and compact segments. www.motorauthority.com    

French car followers are being promised a new deal, including more chic DS models, as Citroen enters a new era in Australia. Value will also be boosted across a nine-model lineup that's withered down under since the global financial crisis. Citroen showrooms will become more like a new-car boutique, with a special emphasis on the DS models including the upcoming DS3 cabrio. "We want to make Citroen stand out. It's not just a commodity brand," says John Startari, who heads the French brand for newly-appointed distributor the Sime Darby Motors Group. "We also need Citroen to be more relevant. So we're rationalising the lineup and increasing the competitiveness." Only 1702 Citroens were sold in Australia last year and, although Startari point-blank refuses to talk numbers, the target from France is obviously more than 2000 cars in 2013. That should finally mean a C3 price leader instead of today's $23,990 starter car, priced more in line with rivals like the Toyota Corolla that start at $19,990. The DS5 is also set for a bigger role, playing in a size and price class where Citroen wants to stand out from a huge range of rivals including the Ford Mondeo, Hyundai i40, new Mazda6 and even the Peugeot 508. "Australians really don't know about DS. I think there is an untapped demand for those cars, which are like the Mini," says Startari. "All the DS cars are here now, but they haven't really been pushed. It's about telling people what they are and what they can do. And building up the package that goes with them. "Our halo car is the DS5. It is already here but has never had a proper Australian launch. "So we are starting virtually with a clean slate in June.  The price won't come down but there will be better value." He also confirms the DS3 cabrio without getting any more specific on timing than "later this year" for its showroom arrival. Citroen's decision to switch its agency from Ateco Automotive to Sime Darby is, says the ex-Proton chief, a major opportunity - for both the brand and its buyers.  "Citroen should be more of a premium brand. The cars are good but people haven't been told about them," Startari says. "There are too many variants. That will be reduced. I think we will be one of the success stories this year. We can make Citroen stand out."  

On a shiny black stage at the Paris motor show this week, start-up Exagon Motors displayed its baby: The Furtive eGT, France's most luxurious automobile.Exagon executives brag their E400,000 ($501,000) hybrid comes with customisable leather interior, rigid carbon-fibre frame and body, and two powerful electric engines. But, while rich on technical prowess, Exagon's vehicle is missing an element that traditionally surrounds luxury goods: a legacy.Despite France's long list of luxury brands, from Veuve Clicquot to Chanel to Falcon business jets, the country has struggled for more than a half century to break into the luxury car market that is now dominated by a quartet of German auto brands: BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Porsche.“In France, which is, after all, the country of luxury goods, there is a big hole in the automobile sector,” says Exagon chief executive Luc Marchetti, who owns auto racing team Exagon Engineering. The company has orders for 60 vehicles and hopes to begin deliveries early next year.Marchetti isn't alone. France's biggest carmakers Renault and Peugeot Citroen are eager to put an end to a prolonged absence from the luxury segment that has left them vulnerable to the region's slowdown. Their mid-range vehicles are under a two-pronged attack by premium brands such as Mercedes, which is moving downmarket, and by new Asian rivals aggressively expanding in Europe.The result is a squeeze on profits that is hitting mass-market suppliers the hardest. In the first half of this year, for instance, Porsche had an operating profit margin of 18.7 per cent. By contrast, Renault's automotive division was barely profitable and Peugeot Citroen's automotive division was deeply in the red. French carmakers are trying to find a way out with a new luxury recipe.“To be on premium car buyers' shopping list, your brand must be positioned high enough, and to elevate your brand you need to be selling high-end cars,” said Frederic Saint-Geours, head of brands at Peugeot and Citroen. “We're trying to jump-start such a virtuous cycle.”As part of their new push into luxury, Peugeot is upgrading dealerships with a more exclusive experience; Renault is digging into its portfolio to see what old brands might appeal to luxury-car buyers; and in some cases both companies have consulted with major fashion house designers for advice.The results of those efforts are on display this week at Paris's auto show. Last week, Peugeot showed a new, convertible version of its successful DS3 sub-compact, one of a new series of DS prestige cars that it hopes will pull its Citroen brand upmarket. The company has sold 250,000 DS cars since their 2010 launch. Renault, meanwhile, is close to a decision on reviving with a partner its Alpine sports car brand.