Citroen News

There are exciting new releases planned across the board; from budget hatches to practical SUVs, to exotic supercars. We’ve broken them down into segments and likely price categories to help you. We've based our price estimations on the current market, but some estimations could change in the future, and some model ranges span across price categories, so be sure to check our other stories...New cars for 2014 | less than $20,000New cars for 2014 | $40,000-$59,000New cars for 2014 | $59,000-$100,000New cars for 2014 | over $100,000 LIGHT CARSAlfa-Romeo MiTo: The Mini Cooper-rivalling MiTo hatch is due for a refresh in January. Tweaked styling is expected, along with updated features and sharpened pricing in line with other recent Fiat Chrysler Australia pricetag shuffles. (Approximately 25,000-30,000)Honda City and Jazz: Honda’s slow-selling City compact sedan is due to be replaced by an all-new model in the second quarter of 2014, leading the also-new third-generation Jazz compact hatch which is expected in around June. The new Jazz will benefit from a new dual-clutch auto transmission, and a new hybrid variant is expected to dip well below the current petrol-electric model’s 4.5L/100km combined figure. (Approximately $16,000-23,000)Kia Rio: Also due for a refresh in the third quarter is the Kia Rio light hatch and sedan range, with the stylish model likely to score visual tweaks and value gains to keep up with more recent competition. (Approximately $15,000-22,000)Mini Cooper: Mini will bring the all-new third-generation ‘new Mini’ Cooper to our shores from May, with the entry models using a new 1.5-litre three cylinder turbo petrol or diesel engine, and the hot Cooper S to step up to a new 2.0-litre turbo petrol from the same family The three-door hatch will be the only bodystyle to lob in 2014, with convertible and a new five-door hatch (at least) to follow later. (Approximately $31,000-$46,000)Volkswagen Polo: Volkswagen’s Polo light hatch range is also due for a mid-cycle refresh in the second half of the year, with revised styling, plus efficiency and technology trickle-down from the Mk7 Golf likely. Approximately $17,000-29,000)SMALL CARSAlfa Romeo Giulietta: Following on from its pricing shuffle in 2013, the small Giulietta hatch range also due for a mid-cycle refresh later in 2014. Approximately 24,000-40,000)Hyundai Elantra: Hyundai will revise its Elantra sedan in January, with freshened styling and a new local suspension tune expected to be the main changes. (Approximately $20,990-$30,190)Kia Pro_cee'd GT: Kia will bring the Pro_cee’d GT down under in March, with the new hot hatch set to go head to head with its mechanical sibling the Hyundai Veloster SR Turbo. (Approximately $30,000)Kia Soul: Also expected in March is a heavily revised version of the trendy Soul small hatch, with rejigged styling, upgraded underpinnings and petrol and diesel drivetrains. (Approximately $21,000-$30,000)Mazda3: Mazda will renew its assault on the Australian sales charts in January, with the arrival of the new third-generation 3 sedan and hatch models. The new 3 will be available with 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre versions of Mazda’s SkyActiv petrol engine from launch, with diesel versions set to follow later. (Approximately $20,000-35,000)Nissan Pulsar SSS sedan: In the third quarter, Nissan will break with Pulsar SSS tradition by adding a sedan version of the hot turbocharged model, with Mazda’s SP25 sedan its only logical rival. (Approximately $31,000)Peugeot 308: Peugeot’s headline act for 2014 will be the new 308 small hatch, with the lighter and more efficient model arriving before the end of the year to target Volkswagen’s Golf head-on. (Approximately $25,000-$40,000)Proton Suprima S: Proton will launch the Preve sedan-based Suprima S small hatch in January, in $21,790 (drive away) GX and $26,590 (drive away) GXR spec levels. Available with a CVT auto initially, both versions will use a 103kW/250Nm 1.6 litre petrol turbo. Cheaper $19,790 (GX) and $24,590 (GXR) six –speed manual versions will arrive later in the year. (Approximately $19,790-$24,590)Proton Preve: In the second quarter, ther Malaysian brand will add a five-speed manual version of the Preve GXR sedan, which is expected to undercut the existing CVT auto version by $2000 with a $20,990 drive away pricetag. A more upmarket Preve LE is expected at around the same time, and likely to be priced around the $25,000 mark.Renault Megane: Also due around June is a mid-cycle refresh for the Megane coupe, cabriolet, and wagon models. (Approximately $20,000-$50,000)Skoda Rapid Spaceback: Skoda will introduce the much anticipated Rapid Spaceback in the second quarter, with the new hatch to sit beneath the recently launched Octavia Liftback and wagon. (Approximately from $20,000)Toyota Corolla sedan: Toyota’s grasp on the Australian market is set to be strengthened by the arrival of a sedan version of the new Corolla in February. Both European and US versions of the new sedan have been unveiled, and the Australian model will most closely resemble the European model. (Approximately $20,000-$32,000)Volkswagen Golf wagon: Volkswagen will add a wagon bodystyle to its Mk7 Golf lineup early in 2014, mirroring the hatch with its range of petrol and diesel engines. (Approximately $27,000-37,000)FAMILY CARSFord Falcon: The once-mighty Falcon range is set to undergo its final facelift in the fourth quarter of 2014, ahead of it’s now certain doom in 2016. Minor styling revisions are expected, but the addition of Ford’s SYNC multimedia system and the return of the XR8 V8 model (as FPV is wound up) are likely to be the biggest changes. (Approximately 37,000-56,000)Kia Optima: Kia’s Optima will score a mid-cycle update in January, with revised styling inside and out, along with added features. (Approximately $30,990-$40,490)PEOPLE MOVERSCitroen C4 Grand Picasso: Citroen will replace the long-serving C4 Grand Picasso with an all-new version in the second quarter of 2014. The new model promises to continue as a stylish alternative to other seven-seat people movers with a choice of petrol or diesel drivetrains and will hopefully retain the current model’s sub-$40,000 pricing. (Approximately $37,000-$40,000)Honda Odyssey: An all-new Odyssey eight-seat people mover will follow in February, with fresh styling, improved features and safety and a more efficient drivetrain. (Approximately $35,000-$43,000)Kia Grand Carnival: Later in the year, Kia will replace the segment-champion but ageing Grand Carnival model. Improvements to safety, features, and efficiency are expected, and should be a winner if the smaller new Rondo is anything to go by. (Approximately $39,000-56,000)SUV/4WDFord EcoSport: The Blue Oval’s new EcoSport baby will complete its lineup in February, with the cheaper Trend and Ambiente spec levels joining the top-line Titanium that launched the model in December. (Approximately $20,790-27,790)Honda CR-V diesel: Honda will kick off 2014 by adding the first-ever diesel variant to the local CR-V SUV lineup in January. The 2.2 litre unit produces 110kW/350Nm, and will be available in six-speed manual or five-speed auto with all-wheel drive only. Official fuel consumption is as low as 5.8L/100km. (Approximately $35,000-$45,000)Jeep Cherokee: Jeep’s new more-civilised Cherokee SUV will arrive in the first half of 2014, with a choice of 2.4-litre petrol, 3.2-litre petrol V6, or 2.0-litre turbodiesel engines. (Approximately $28,000-$37,000)Kia Sportage: During the second quarter, Kia will grace its Sportage medium SUV with a more significant update than the minor revisions made in mid-2013 with the shift to European production. Like Optima, expect fresh interior and exterior styling and new features. (Approximately $25,000-$40,000)Kia Sorento: The final Kia model for 2014 is likely to be a significantly revamped Sorento seven-seat SUV, with a comprehensive design update inside and out to bring it in line with the fresher styling of its Hyundai Santa Fe mechanical twin. (Approximately $38,000-$51,000)Nissan X-Trail: Nissan will replace its hugely successful X-Trail medium SUV in about July, with the bigger design offering seating for seven for the first time, and improved refinement to go with its softened exterior design. (Approximately $30,000-$47,000)Nissan Qashqai: Nissan’s other significant SUV arrival for 2014 will be the Dualis-replacing Qashqai compact SUV, which will arrive in five-seat only guise in the third quarter. (Approximately $26,000-$36,000)Renault Captur: The Renault Captur will arrive mid-year, representing the French brand in the rapidly expanding compact SUV segement. The Clio-based crossover should start in the low $20,000s, and challenge the Trax, Juke, 2008, and EcoSport. (Approximately from $20,000)Skoda Yeti: Skoda’s best-selling Yeti compact SUV is also in line for a mid-cycle refresh in around June, with revised styling and features to bring it in line with the brand’s newer models. (Approximately $26,000-$38,000)Suzuki S-Cross: Suzuki’s SX4-replacing S-Cross will arrive in January, with reduced fuel consumption an increased interior space over the model it supercedes. Like the SX4, the S-Cross will continue with 2WD and AWD options, and will be priced between $22,990 and $34,990.COMMERCIAL VEHICLESFord Transit: Ford’s commercial lineup will receive a boost in January with the arrival of an all-new Transit van model, with the light-duty Transit Custom touching down ahead of the heavy-duty Transit Cargo range in April. (Approximately $36,000-$52,000)Renault Kangoo Maxi crew van: A passenger-carrying Kangoo Maxi crew van is also expected in the second quarter. (Approximately $27,000)

Sime-Darby is already the importer for Peugeot and Citroen, and made its first move into retail with a Porsche dealership in the west of Sydney. Its takeover of Brisbane BMW is worth an estimated $85 million for 70 per cent of the company and includes the buy-out of the silent partner in the business, trucking magnate Lindsay Fox. There is a longer-term plan to take full control.The deal involves Brisbane BMW's two retail outlets, one in the Fortitude Valley strip of motor traders, as well as a repair centre, a Mini outlet and the Lamborghini agency for Queensland. It's taken more than six months to put the deal together, with dealer principals Martin Roller and Marvin Burke to continue on a long-term deal that includes a minority shareholding.Sime Darby is already ranked in the top five of BMW Group businesses worldwide, selling around 40,000 vehicles a year for the German company. The Brisbane BMW takeover was announced from Kuala Lumpur and Roller has no comment on the deal. But Sime Darby Motors' managing director, Lawrence Lee, says it is a signficant move into Australia."As a major regional automotive group, we have been exploring expansion opportunities in new and existing markets," he says. "The acquisitions … will allow us to further consolidate our position in the luxury segment in Australia."This reporter is on Twitter: @paulwardgover 

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 

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

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

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