Citroen News

It’s been over five years now since COVID lockdowns started and in some way it feels like a lifetime ago. For a lot of people buying new cars during this period, however, there were long wait times. COVID lockdowns were a key reason for this, but another major reason for delays was the global shortage of semiconductors.

The first symptoms of serious market change are afoot. Not only did 2024 mark the end of a host of individual nameplates, it also saw the demand of one the oldest brands in Australia after decades of flagging sales. 

French brand Citroen came to Australia in 1923 but this year the brand has decided to quit Australia - and it's timing coudn't be worse.

Citroen has finally read the writing on the wall.

Meet the brands posting the biggest year-on-year declines as Australia's new car market permanently changes.

The obsession with ever-larger SUVs and dual-cab utes is not compatible with electric cars.

Peugeot and Citroen have announced huge price cuts on select models until July 31, 2024.Discounts include more than $25,000 off old stock of the Peugeot 508 plug-in hybrid sedan, $17,000 cut from the Citroen C5 X’s price, $15,000 for the C5 Aircross Sport and even up to $14,000 cut from MY24 Peugeot 3008s. These latest offers follow a massive $20,000 price cut on Peugeot's e-2008 electric car which cleared remaining stock within days – not weeks or months – ahead of the facelift’s introduction.The 508 can be had for $57,990 drive-away instead of the $76,990 before on-road costs price at release in 2022. The same car today with an unchanged 165kW PHEV that provides 55km of electric-only driving range lists at $81,610. Peugeot only has MY22 508 liftbacks on offer and none of the wagons. Peugeot sold 130 508s in 2022, 156 in 2023 and has registered 37 so far this year. The facelift is expected to arrive this year.  Citroen’s quirky C5 X Shine’s price has been slashed down to $45,990 drive-away, roughly a $17,000 saving over its $57,670 list price. It uses the same powertrain as petrol 508s, a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol with 133kW and 250Nm. In 2022 61 C5 X examples were registered, climbing to 68 in 2023 and sitting at 26 so far this year. A plug-in hybrid MY24 model is available via special order only.It is strange that Peugeot and Citroen have such dated floor stock in the country when companies like Toyota and Mazda are only just catching up with post-COVID demand. CarsGuide has contacted Peugeot Citroen Australia for comment.Citroen's more conventional mid-size SUV to rival the Toyota RAV4, the C5 Aircross, is on sale as well. MY23 examples are available from $44,990 drive-away, about a $15,000 saving on its $55,990 before on-road costs list price. Peugeot’s take on the same underpinnings is the 3008. It comes in three variants (unlike the sole-trim models above) with varying savings – in this case, they’re all on new MY24 models. The entry-level Allure can be had from $46,990 drive-away, that’s down about $7700 but it includes the $5990 Luxury pack (with Nappa leather, sunroof and more) for that price, bringing total savings to nearly $14,000.Other trims, including the GT ($50,990) and flagship GT Sport ($62,990, both drive-away), have more modest discounts of around $6000. The 3008 GT plug-in hybrid remains priced at full whack: $82,915 before on-road costs. Various discounts on vans – including more than $15,000 off the pre-facelift e-Partner electric van – are available. Even one of Peugeot’s freshest models, the 308 GT hatch, can be had for less than list with a circa $1000 saving thanks to a $46,990 drive-away price. 

Fiat has revealed its new pint-sized SUV in an attempt to fend off the advances of new affordable Chinese cars.Dubbed the Grande Panda, the little SUV will be available as a fully electric car or as a hybrid.It follows the same formula as the new Citroen C3, its twin under the skin.The Grande Panda’s bold design is sure to turn heads and win it a cadre of new fans.It brings the same digital, retro cool vibe as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, with pixel-effect headlights and front grille. Edgy 17-inch alloy wheels, 'Panda' embossed on the side panels and 'Fiat' on the rear hatch will help it stand out from the crowd.It will measure less than four metres long, which makes it shorter than nearly all cars on sale in Australia including the micro Mazda2 and Hyundai Venue SUV.Fiat hasn’t confirmed whether the vehicle will make it to Australia, but they have referred to the Grande Panda as the “first model of the new global line-up”.It will first be launched in Europe, Middle East and Africa but a further global expansion could be on the cards. The third generation Fiat Panda was briefly sold in Australia between 2013 and 2015.Fiat hasn’t provided details but expects the Grande Panda to use the same power sources as the Citroen C3.The electric version will use an 82kW motor fed by a 44kWh battery that provides a driving range of up to 320kkm.Hybrid examples use a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor.Carmakers are starting to bring cheaper electric cars on line to help drive up sagging demand.Currently only a handful of Chinese brands sell electric cars under $40,000, but big name legacy makers such as Volkswagen, Hyundai and Jeep have plans in the works for cheaper alternatives.VW has confirmed a ID.1, which will be the same size as the former VW Up micro hatchback. Hyundai has teased its new Inster SUV, which will be the brand’s cheapest electric vehicle. Kia will have a version of this car too in the future called the EV2.Jeep has confirmed it is resurrecting the Renegade as a sub $35,000 electric SUV. It is due to go on sale by 2027.

The Australian new-car market is facing a period of almost unprecedented change, say some legacy manufacturers, with the influx of new Chinese brands set to put out legacy manufacturers in what is already one of the world's most congested and competitive markets.

The revamped Citroen C3 range has been fully revealed, with the electric halo version now flanked by a hybrid hatch and rugged Aircross SUV variant.