Citroen is not just the cars we drive on a daily basis and pass on experiences about - they are also among the finest vintage cars, classics and youngtimers.
DS Automobiles states that it will launch new models towards the end of the year, including a larger electric model with a long range. So far, they have not succeeded very well in highlighting their advantages in Stellantis, either in terms of design or technology. They need a model to highlight their own brand identity. Can SM Tribute contribute to that?
DS is one of Stellantis' prestige brands - a car brand that will compete with, among other things, BMW and Audi. The brand name DS is, as you know, linked to Citroen - and the French pronunciation "déesse" means goddess. The European automotive press has speculated whether DS will present a car that can revitalize the legendary DS model from Citroen. The head of DS Automobiles, Olivier Francois, however, has denied these rumours. But the retro rumors were still not completely groundless, because on Chantilly Arts & Élégance earlier this month they showed off their SM Tribute – a tribute to SM – another Citroen legend.
A sneak peek of the DS SM Tribute seen through the windshield of an early SM.Citroen SM
The Citroen SM was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 1970. The model was developed while Citroen owned Maserati. It was equipped with a completely new Maserati engine which, among other things, was also used in the Maserati Quattroporte. Maserati's family ties placed SM in the top tier. It was ideal for riches in Paris to drive Road N7 to the Côte d'Azur. Outside the casinos, the SMs were often parked alongside Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Maseratis.
Could the SM Tribute be a prestige boost for the DS as well?
In my eyes, it is difficult to find a place for DS in the Norwegian car market. One can draw comparisons with Audi. Both DS and Audi appear as premium car brands based on another model in the group. I don't think DS has succeeded as well as Audi in highlighting its advantages either in terms of design or technology. It now seems clear that DS plans to launch a new large, electric model with the same technology and shape as another model in the same group, probably the sister model Peugeot e-408. DS has not yet developed an independent model from scratch. In light of this, DS needs a model that SM Tribute to create their own brand identity.
DS SM Tribute
Electric drive
The new SM Tribute is presented today only as a design study. Well, it is also demonstrated in motion - at walking speed on the surrounding gravel Chantilly Castle - but then it also became clear that the car lacked suspension. DS has not disclosed what type of powertrain will be offered, but it will probably be one of the electric powertrains from Stellantis. It might be interesting to see if the DS offers electronic 4-wheel drive.
An interior in the same spirit as the classic SM with a new steering wheel?
HyperSquare steering wheel?
Inside, the main features are designed to follow the same lines as in the original SM model. The seats are also similar to the original model. However, there is one detail that is particularly interesting: the rectangular steering wheel. Peugeot has recently launched a new steering wheel, called HyperSquare. A rectangular steering wheel with 4 grip holes - one in each corner. The steering is operated electronically without the need for a steering column. Peugeot intends to put the steering wheel into production on selected models as early as 2026. If DS Automobiles does not choose the HyperSquare steering wheel on its new SM, perhaps there will be a similar concept.
DS SM Tribute
Original SM color
The displayed SM Tribute is painted in one of Citroen SM's original colors "Gold leaf". The color is similar to something that an earlier SM might have had, but it's hard to pinpoint which one. In the picture below you can see several colours. From what I can see, the color of car no. 2 fits best.
The Citroen C15 is a super-French car with heritage and history dating back to early vans based on the 2CV. Few cars have been more loved by French wine merchants, butchers, florists, plumbers and farmers.
Over the years, France has had its own "people's cars". Cheap and simple lightweights that most people can afford to buy and maintain. Small vans like Citroen 2CV AK400, followed by Acadiane og C15 is a type of car that the French have pressed to their chest. The Citroen C15 is one of the most popular of all time. During 22 years, almost 1,2 million were produced and the vast majority were sold in the countries around the Mediterranean. Today they are virtually extinct everywhere, but still roll around on the roads in France. Most are unrestored cars with several hundred thousand kilometers on the odometer.
Citroen C15 Family glass window
If a Citroen C15 had appeared in Oslo, many people would have noticed it. If someone had asked to take a picture of the car, I'm sure the owner would have understood why. In the south of France, you don't have to go far to find a C15. But no one here would understand why someone would take a picture of you. They are not rare, nor special and certainly not beautiful. Most are white or faded red with dents and dusty interiors – often with seats where the upholstery has crumbled. Asking a foreign car owner to take a picture can therefore be perceived as an insult.
Has turned 40 years old
The Citroen C15 is based on the Citroen Visa II with rear suspension taken from the Peugeot 305 station wagon. The look brings to mind 40 years back, and this year it is actually marked that the model is 40 years old. While the Citroen Visa went out of production as early as 1988, the C15 van was produced right up until 2005 – in the last few years in parallel with the successor Berlingo.
2001 Citroen c15 (source: Citroen)
Citroen C15 (source: Citroen)
Tax-advantaged in France
It is obvious that the C15 was designed as a practical, inexpensive and affordable means of transport. Perhaps that is why so many cars are still in daily use. The diesel engines have proven to last a long time and should you need to fix something, there are countless workshops that can accept France's most up-to-date van. The success in France can be explained by the fact that the cars could be registered within a tax-friendly weight class of 1500 kg – hence the name C15.
Three series
The first series was made between 1984 and 1989. They have the front indicators positioned vertically on the outside of the headlights. From 1989, the grill got fewer ribs with the citroen logo placed above on the right side and the turn signals placed in the bumper. Further changes were made in 1992 when the cars received thick rubber strips on the sides and the logo placed centrally in the grill. The special 1-spoke steering wheel was replaced with a normal 2-spoke steering wheel. The first cars got PSA's 1,1 liter petrol engines of 55 hp or 1,8 diesel engines of 60 hp. Later, the petrol option became a 1,4-litre 75 hp or a 1,9 diesel with 60 hp. You could also get cars with four-wheel drive rebuilt at angel.
More variants
The standard version of the C15 is a van with 2 seats, with one, two or no side windows. Cars were also made completely clad with windows and a fold-down rear seat, called "Familiale", "Mixta" and other names, depending on the market. In France, a variant "Rallongé" with an extended box was sold. A variant with a cold room was also offered for the food industry. A variant that may be of interest to take care of for posterity is the pickup variant with or without tip. A very practical vehicle.
Citroen C15 with tip Six-wheeler – Citroen C15.6 Leotard & Chausson
A variant with 6 wheels signed was also made Léotard & Chausson - the former designer and the latter body builder. The model is referred to as C15.6. Technically speaking, the 6-wheeler is not particularly advanced. The front-wheel drive has been retained, and the bogie solution and the length of the cargo box provide room for more cargo. Although these cars were hardly chosen for their practicality. Perhaps they were acquired to create attention? Of approximately 100 cars produced, only a handful will remain today.
motorhome
Several motorhome variants of the C15 have been made. Popular conversions are Autostar by Mascot, Teilhol and British RomaHome with retractable roof solution. The interior solutions are impressive considering that the C15 is a light small car. Technical total weight is 1710 kg (diesel). With 60 hp, it pays to take it easy along the road, but once you're there, it must be fun to settle in for the night in real French surroundings.
Citroen C15 with a camping superstructure from Teilhol
Peugeot 205F
The Peugeot 205 F (Fourgonnette) shares several similarities with the Citroen C15 and could well have become a worthy successor. Unfortunately, the van of the 205 never achieved the same popularity as the passenger cars. People preferred the Citroen C15. The Peugeot 205 F was produced for only 2 years - from 1994 to 1996.
Is the C15 a cool car? In Spain, something called Dust Race where the cars first cross through Spain and then drive through the whole of Morocco over the dunes. The only models allowed to participate are the Peugeot 205 and Citroen C15. The car in the picture took part in this race in 2023. It looks pretty cool, doesn't it? Special Citroen C15D which, among other things, has taken part in the Dust Race 2023.
This year's Citronnades was the 10th in a row where classic Citroen cars from far and wide gather in Sainte-Marie-la-Mer in Occitanie, France.
Citronnade - or "lemonade" - is a lemonade made from lemons. But here it is used for a collection of fine classic cars from the Citroen brand. Citronnades includes, among others, Traction Avant, 2CV, DS and ID, Ami, Méhari, Dyane, GS and GSA, CX, SM, XM and LN/LNA. The former car brand Panhard are today also considered Citroen after they were incorporated under the same brand a long time ago. The sports car manufacturer Burton must also be taken into account, since they build sports cars based on 2CV donor cars.
Join us on a tour among beautiful Citronnades at this year's exhibition!
2CVs in all colours
Citroen ID 20F in the foreground
The Citroen C6 has always been considered more classic.
Two classicsCitroen 11CV Commerciale – rare edition of the Traction Avant.
Citroën 11C Commerciale. Transport of wine barrels. What about weight and safety?
Citroen Commerciale
The pre-war 11CV Commerciale is an extended version of Tracton Avant with top-hinged rear door. I don't know if it is the first - but it must be a very early edition of the combi-coupé. Advertisements of the time showed a wine merchant rolling two wine barrels into the trunk. There was impressively plenty of space, but you should think twice before braking suddenly with 2 rolling wine barrels behind the seat!
"Empty barrels fall the most"
Six-wheeler – Citroen C15.6 Leotard & Chausson
Citroën GSA
Here are 2 Burton sports cars based on 2CV technology.
Burton is technically a vintage car, but can be delivered factory new. It is a sports car based on the 2CV. Building a Burton starts with an existing 2CV. You need to have a donor vehicle to register it, although everything can be replaced, including the frame. Burton Cars provides everything you need to build a new car from scratch. The only thing you need is the chassis number from a 2CV, which Burton can of course also provide. So if you don't already have a 2CV, you can buy a ready-built car, or a used Burton from the manufacturer. In the picture above, there are two great Burton cars.
Citroen Ami 8
Citroen Ami Break
Citroen CX BreakCitroen DS
Citroen Dyna lineup
Citroen IDStylish Citroen DS on the beachSporty 2CV, widened and lowered with presumed Burton drivetrain.
See
A short CitroënadeBurton - the roadster you can affordCitroën Traction Avant – way ahead of its time
Technically a vintage car that can be delivered factory new, or you can build it yourself. It will attract attention everywhere and costs a pittance compared to what a real classic costs.
A sports car based on the Citroen 2CV
"Sports car" is not the first thing that comes to mind when you see a Citroen 2CV. If you remove the bowl-shaped body, you are left with a chassis that is well suited to a roadster like Burton. Low center of gravity and extremely low weight over a simple and well-constructed wheel suspension. As you know, it takes a lot for the wheels of a 2CV to lose contact with the road.
Building a Burton starts with "You take a 2CV...". You need to have a donor vehicle to register it, although everything can be replaced, including the frame. Burton Cars provides everything you need to build a new car from scratch. The only thing you need is the chassis number from a 2CV, which Burton can of course also provide. So if you don't have a 2CV, you can buy a pre-built car, or a used Burton on Dutch plates.
Vintage steering wheel
The interior - note the umbrella gear which has been moved down to floor level
Vintage look with a low windscreen
Link Venture Kapital
The company behind this project is based in Zutphen in the Netherlands. They started in the early 1990s, among other things, as a dealer for Lomax – another sports car kit for the 2CV. It was only in 2002 that they started offering their own cars. Each body is numbered, and today they have reached 1400-something-or-other.
Basic motoring
The donor cars should be from the 1980s or later of the 2CV6 type with a 602cc engine and disc brakes. Several of the rebuilt cars have the slightly beefier 602cc engine from Dyane/Ami or 652cc engines from the first Citroen Visa model and Peugeot 104/Citroen LNA.
Recommended engines:
Citroen 2CV6/Méhari, 602cc, 29hp
Citroen Dyane 6/Ami 8, 602cc, 32hp
Citroen Visa/LNA, 652 cc, 34hp
With the fiberglass body from Burton placed on a drivable Citroen 2CV6 chassis, the total weight is only 480 kg, 80 kg less than a 2CV6. It's the kind of thing that helps you get usable performance from the small air-cooled 2-cylinder Citroen engines. In addition, when sitting in a roadster with low doors, the speed will be experienced differently than in a closed, modern car. 0-100 can be completed in approximately 13 seconds and the top speed is approximately 140 km/h. But let it be said, this is no motorway cruiser – it's suitable for the roads you had in the old days – and considering the chassis of these cars, there are few cars that have better passability on bad roads.
2CV and Burton? Which do you prefer?
Individual adaptations
By choosing equipment, you can adapt the car to a style you want. You can turn it into a real vintage car, hot rod, or a more modern sports car. It's also all a matter of price. How much money should one spend on a car based on the Citroen 2CV?
Prices
A body costs 4 euros. Do you have a usable chassis, maybe you can manage with it? If you put the original body parts up for sale, you can get a grant for the Burton project. If you buy a completely "new" car, you get a car with new or newly overhauled parts, based on a donor car at Burton Cars. It will cost you an estimated 499 euros +/- for a relatively basic car, although that price can be doubled if you choose top-shelf equipment. 15 euros is about what you have to pay today for an overhauled Citroen 000CV or Méhari. If you don't have a donor car, it might be a good idea to buy a used Burton. After all, almost all Burtons are based on an older car. Buying used requires the same investigations as for an ordinary 15CV.
Body No. 910 for sale at Burton Cars NL
Classical instrumentation
Facts Burton – body number 910
Donor car from year: 1989
Rebuilt in year: 2009
Mileage: 24099
Color: Wine Red
Windshield: High Model
Roof solution: Softtop with tonneau cover
Price: €12.000 (NL)
Net weight without driver: 480 kg
Engine: 602 cc with "Powertube" which sends airflow from the fan into the air filter. Can provide 15% better performance according to the manufacturer.
Gearbox: From 2CV6 with "umbrella" transmission through the torpedo wall.
Brakes: Front discs
Top speed: approx. 140 km/h
0-100: about 13 seconds
The white car has been photographed several times at car meets in Perpignan – a good-weather area in France. The red car is for sale as a used car at Burton Cars in the Netherlands. The pictures of the green car with a vintage steering wheel and low windscreen are taken from Burton Cars. The lime colored 2CV is photographed in Céret, France.
Citroen 2CV – too great to be a donor car?
Lines inspired by 1930s cars
See
2CV – electric car in 20 hoursCitroen 2CVCitroen DyaneCitroën Visa
"A comeback for Citroen's compact sedan", says the advertisement with a hint that PSA has given us back the good old Citroen characteristics. We have driven a new Citroen C4 with a petrol engine so that we can compare with previous models.
Crossover coupe
The new C4 falls into the "crossover coupé" category. I don't recall Citroen making anything like this before. We have to go all the way back to models like the GSA and BX to find coupé-like combi-coupes, although they weren't tall like the new C4. Tall cars are not only in vogue at the moment – they are also well prepared for electric drivetrains, such as the ë-C4. For most French people, it is C4 on fossil fuel that applies, partly because of price and partly because of poorly developed infrastructure for charging.
I am back in the part of France that lies on the Mediterranean towards Spain. Here it is complicated to use cars like the ë-C4 if you do not have the opportunity to charge at home. Across the border with Spain, the Repsol and Cepsa petrol stations are building charging facilities on a large scale. It looks promising. But for now we are driving the C4 with the 1,2 liter PureTech engine. Citroen's new combi-coupe is very popular down here. I actually feel somewhat privileged.
Valmuer
More French than before
When I drove the previous generation off Citroen C4, I expressed how similar the C4 was to other cars in the Golf class – comfortable without being too soft in the suspension. When I later drove C4 Cactus, I took note of the long suspension travel, and that the car floated over the road like a flying carpet at the same time as it lay steady in the bends without tipping over. The C4 Cactus was equipped with Citroens Progressive Hydraulic Cushions - which the new C4 also has. The concept calms down the damping towards the extremes to avoid shocks and jerks. The new C4 has the feeling of a flying carpet as soon as you drive off, but unlike the C4 Cactus, the car leans over significantly in the bends, like previous French cars. It's about taste and comfort - about comfort versus driving pleasure. I don't shout "oh là là" at the way the car rolls. It makes me take it extra easy in the turns, although many French people probably think this is charming. What is not at all charming is the absence of steering feel. External forces on the car, such as side winds, - or changes that can affect the road surface - are not conveyed through the steering. This is the car's biggest weakness.
The Citroen C4 looks good in profile
The back seat
The trunk has a flat compartment under the cover.
The drive train
We have driven the same drivetrain in other cars from Stellantis, including the new Citroen C3 aircross with automatic transmission. Our car has a 6-speed manual gearbox. The PureTech engine provides good bottom traction, so you don't have to shift gears often - but the 130 horse doesn't feel very responsive from the start. If you want to exit a junction quickly, you must therefore make sure that the engine has enough revs.
A special characteristic of this drivetrain is that when driving at motorway speed, a screeching sound occurs which probably originates from the gearbox, similar to the sound you get when reversing quickly. We have experienced the same in other cars with similar drivetrains – most recently in the Opel Mokka PureTech. The sound is easily audible, without being annoying. You could almost say that it is charming and nostalgic. I first experienced sounds from the gears in the gearbox in the 1970s in a Renault 4 as an accompaniment to the buzzing engine sound.
Place
Not only does the crossover design make the model suitable as an electric car - it also provides plenty of space and a good sense of space in the compartment. The luggage compartment holds 380 liters under the hat shelf. It is actually the same volume as the ë-C4 has. It is easy to load luggage, but the sloping rear door steals space in height. We still have room for our dachshund's dog cage without folding down the seats, but suitcases must be transported lying down. It's the same space ratio in other crossover cars with coupé shape we've driven. "Good looks" have their price.
High and rather massive front
Life with C4
We drive the Citroen C4 as a rental car for a few weeks in France. I have just driven our daughter and her fiance to the airport in Perpignan. There are direct flights between Perpignan and Stansted, London. On the way home, the car's navigation system shows that there has been a queue in the morning rush hour due to an accident. The Citroen C4 is a good everyday car. I sit well, little noise and a good radio, there are many places to put things down, the reversing camera shows the location from all angles and from above when I have to pry the car into parking pockets that are built for 2CVs.
About the trip and the photos
On Sunday morning we drove to a place where we could walk along the vineyards to the village of Maureillas-las-Illas. This Sunday there was sardan dancing and spontaneous horn music in the town square. The walk took 1 hour each way. You can of course drive all the way if you want, but many French people choose to use their Sundays to cycle or go for walks to enjoy their Sunday lunch at a restaurant or picnic under shady trees.
Sardan dance on a quiet Sunday morning
Facts about the Citroen C4 PureTech 130
Weights and Measures
External dimensions - L, W, H: 436 x 180 x 153 cm
Wheelbase: 267 cm
Net weight: 1287 kg (without driver)
Payload: 393 kg
Number of seats: 5
Luggage compartment: 380 litres
Trailer with brakes: 1200 kg
without brakes: 670 kg
Roof load: 80 kg
About the car
Place of production: Villaverde, Spain
Owner: sixt.es
Model: 2023
Mileage: New car
Km driven: Long-term rental
Source: citroen.es, vegvesen.no
See
Citroen C3 Aircross has become more grown upCitroën C4 CactusCitroen C4
Céret is one of many villages in the Catalan part of France where cobbled streets with picturesque stone houses still exist. At the beginning of the 1900th century, the city was a meeting place for artists. From our shepherd's hut, we can see into the old garden where Pablo Picasso and George Braque held merry parties 100 years ago - where Salvador Dali was also present.
Céret is located in a very rural setting at the foot of the Pyrenees - very close to the border with Spain. The nearest big city is Barcelona. The city is very far from Paris and the Côte d'Azur - in a positive way. It is not expensive to visit the restaurants, everyone speaks French and there are cars here that you cannot find in the Côte d'Azur. Now there is no longer a 2CV or Renault 4 on it each street corner in Céret. But since we are in an area where cars do not rust, there are still many cars such as Renault 5, Express, Citroen C15, Renault Twingo mk 1 and Peugeot 205 on the roads. These are cars that are almost extinct in other parts of Europe, but here they are common. In 5 years they may be gone for good.
Citroen
Citroen BX Millesime TD
The car in the main picture above belongs in Céret. It is a Millesime edition that appeared in recent years in production with a nice equipment package. The equipment level with, among other things, a rear spoiler is supplemented by yellow lights, integrated fog lights, black signs and a sunroof. The sunroof gives the car character. According to the owner, the panoramic roof is taken from a Twingo. The car has recently been fixed up after an injury and is often on the move in the city with the owner behind the wheel. If you are on Instagram, you can follow him under his username pali_kao.
Citroen Ami 9A and 2CV
I don't think the new electric Ami is sold in Norway. It is also not a big sales hit in our part of France. The car pictured is actually the only one I've seen in town. I think it's a shame that it is only made as moped car. If it had been built as a 4-wheel motorcycle (quadricycle lourd), it could be registered in vehicle class L7e. If the car could go faster than 45 km/h, you could follow normal traffic flow. Then I think it would be better received in the market. The reason I took a picture of it is because of the nice 2CV patina it has - just like the great 2CV on the right.
Lemon Xantia
Lemon Xantia
I forgot to mention that the Citroen Xantia is one of the car models that is still current and drivable here. The car in the picture above belongs to the first series of Xantia. I have passed it several times and have noticed how great it is. For being BX's successor, Xantia seems less distinctive - more "mainstream". But if you get hold of a Xantia with Active Suspension, you have a wolf in sheep's clothing on the road.
Many Citroen 2CVs have been in continuous operation since they were new.
Renault 4 GTL
Renault
Renault Espace
Let's forget the 2CV and the R4s for a while. Although there are fewer of them, they still exist. I am particularly impressed by the 2CV and R4 that are still in daily use, like the one parked in front of us at one of the city's supermarkets. I would rather focus on the image of Espace from the first series. This is a model that was designed by Matra – a name that arouses enthusiasm in many. The straight, square lines with large glass surfaces were typical of 80s models. The Espace was not just a minibus, but an MPV with the possibility of converting the compartment into a saloon. I don't know the technology in the Espace 1, but I think the design is really tough - something that belongs among 80s icons like the Aston Martin Lagonda and the DeLorean DMC-12.
Renault 5 Express with the passenger car's front
Renault 5 on the loading platform of a Saviem Renault SG2 (3,5 ton truck from around 1980). I hope the Super 5 is headed for renovation and not the car scrap.
Renault 5 and Express
At the moment there are far too many Renault Expresses for me to take pictures of them all. I liked this one because it is clean (renovated) in the bodywork, got nice rims and equipped with the passenger car front from "Supercinq". Most Renault Express in the city are pure used cars with signs of use all over. À propos Super 5, I thought the motif of the Renault 5 on the loading platform of a Saviem Renault SG2 (3,5 tonnes) was really French and nostalgic. I hope the Super 5 is on its way renovation and not the scrap car.
Peugeot
Peugeot 304
I have the impression that few people take the time to restore a Peugeot 304 Berline. The ones I have seen have been in original good condition - probably also the car in the pictures. I have not seen it in the city before, but discovered it on a Sunday visit to the city close to where we live. I had time to admire the stylish Italian lines. They give associations to the Alfa Romeo Super Giulia. I wish Peugeot would find a way back to previous alignments instead of today's crisscrossing lines.
Peugeot 304 Sedan.
Peugeot 504 Pickup
Peugeot 504 Pickup
The pickup model was put into production a few years before the production of the passenger car was phased out, and continued until the early 90s. If you see a 504 pickup, it doesn't have to be very old. I think most pick-up cars you see on the road today have undergone some form of renovation - like the car in the picture. I have seen it in several places in the city, including recently at the city's Peugeot workshop. Considering how solid the 504 Break was, there is reason to believe that this pickup will be able to serve for many years to come.
See
Join us for a short tour of the city on the undersigned's bicycle. Céret is surrounded by fine cycle paths, whether you cycle to the beach or in the mountains. My road bike is only suitable on the road, but there are also off-road trails for those who dare.
The Citroen C1 and Peugeot 108 are discontinued, while the Toyota Aygo X comes in a brand new, trendy, high-built crossover version. We take a closer look at the discontinued models that will be found in the used car market in the future.
Cleans the model program
The decision to sacrifice the two PSA models is a consequence of the merger between PSA and Fiat-Chrysler. Stellantis wants to secure the Fiat Panda and Fiat 500's positions in the market. These models are more important for Fiat than what the Citroen C1 and Peugeot 108 are to PSA. This leaves PSA without any model in the A segment. Citroen fills the gap with the following two models: The new all-electric AMI, which is a moped car with a battery capacity of 5,5 kWh, a range of 75 km and a top speed of 45 km/h. In addition, Citroen has launched a toned-down version of the C3, called the C3 You, with a PureTech 82 HP engine and manual transmission. It has simpler decor, simpler seat covers and a scaled-down infotainment system, but the same level of safety as the other C3 variants.
Toyota's factory
The collaboration between PSA and Toyota has included the models Citroen C1, Peugeot 107/108 and Toyota Aygo. They are manufactured in the same factory with identical technical components. If you look closely at the seams of the cars, it says "Toyota" on several of the parts. There is a lot of Toyota in them, and a year ago Toyota took over ownership of the factory in Kolin, Czech Republic. There they will produce the new Aygo X and Yaris.
New Toyota Aygo X "Ginger"
New Toyota Aygo X "Ginger"
New Toyota Aygo X "Ginger"
Aygo X as a crossover
The new Aygo X - "X" stands for cross - is built on the same platform as the Yaris. With a total length of 370 cm, width of 174 cm and 18-inch wheels, it is large for its class. The engine is basically the same as in the Aygo, but now adapted to new European environmental requirements. The new Aygo X is no boring Toyota. It has sharp, modern lines and app solutions aimed at young, café latte-drinking, urban people. It is offered in 4 different spice colors – Cardamom, Chili, Ginger and Juniper. The signature model is made in a limited edition - made in "Cardamom" with decorative elements in "Matte Mandarina".
Toyota largest of the three
In the last 3-4 years, new car sales of Citroen C1, Peugeot 108 and Toyota Aygo have been very modest in Norway. In the rest of Europe, on the other hand, Aygo has had good sales figures with almost 100 cars sold in 000. Of the three models, Aygo has accounted for 2019% of sales, while Citroen C50 and Peugeot 1 have each accounted for 108%. The same relationship was present in Norway.
Used cars
At the moment there are 178 used cars of the mini trio from the Czech Republic for sale on Finn.no. As a used car, you can get a simple, reliable car with low mileage for around NOK 30. The Toyota Aygo is generally more expensive than the other two models for no real reason. All three models are produced on the same assembly line. According to TÜV reports from 000 to 2015, the three models come out better than average. Almost all the cars for sale have the same 2019-litre engine with 1,0 cylinders and timing chain. Newer cars could be delivered with 3 VTi engines - also those with 1,0 cylinders and a timing chain. They provide 3 HP instead of 72 HP. In Europe, cars were sold with a 69 diesel engine producing 1,4 HP. These have a timing belt - not a chain. Some cars have an automatic transmission, which is an unsophisticated, robotic, manual 54-speed transmission solution. It shifts hard and erratically and is not suitable for driving on icy and snowy roads. Is not recommended.
Known error
Faults that reoccur more often than other cars are a worn clutch and water penetrating the passenger compartment. Some owners experience water coming in from the roof, others from the boot. There has also been a warranty repair due to poorly glued rear windows.
2012 Peugeot 107 (Photo: FavCars.com)
Model history
Citroen C1Peugeot 107/108Toyota Aygo
The models were produced from 2005 to 2022. In that time, 3 upgrades were made. The first for model year 2009, then 2012 and a major change for 2014. Peugeot went by the model name 107 until 2014, when it changed its name to 108. The changes consisted of visual changes, interior controls and seat upholstery. The changes in 2014 included improvements to the rear suspension and the option of a hill start holder.
On the road
Although the 1-litre engine does not perform all the world's best on paper, it is experienced as responsive and nimble with good traction at low revs so that you rarely need to push the engine. The gearbox is suitable for quick shifting, the steering is light, and with a hill start holder - both easy to drive and fun to drive. It is well suited for training new drivers. In terms of space, it is a 2+2, not a 4-seater. The driver's seat with fixed headrest is surprisingly comfortable even for tall people. The sound level is higher than in the classes above, without being particularly annoying.
Facts about the 2014 Citroen C1
Length, width, height: 347 x 162 x 146 cm
Wheelbase: 234 cm
Own weight: 855 kg
Net weight: 310 kg
Engine: 1KR-FE, 998 ccm, 3 cyl, 12V
Power: 69 HP at 6000 rpm
Torque: 95 Nm at 4800 revolutions
Power transmission: 5-speed, front-wheel drive
Front suspension: MacPherson, independent suspension
— rear: semi-independent
Front brakes: Ventilated discs
— behind: Drums
Top speed: 157 km/h
0-100: 14,3 seconds
The interior is in "zebra red"
2013 Citroën C1
The Citroen AMI is an electric car registered as a moped car. Maximum speed is 45 km/h and the range is 75 km. The special appearance means that you cannot always determine which side is in front and which is behind 🙂
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Forget smaller battery packs! If you want to replace your work car with an electric van, you must have at least 75 kwh. I have driven around with a critical eye to assess whether the Stellantis group's large battery pack is sufficient - also outside suburban areas.
Large battery
It's winter, 0 degrees and sour outside. Imagine you are in the countryside. You drive - you work - you warm up in the car - have a cup of coffee while reading the news - work more - drive and work even more. The last thing you want is to have to wait for one of the village's 2 chargers to become available, so that you can get home for dinner. Hence the large battery.
"Citroën ë-Jumpy - 100% electric is the perfect utility vehicle for those who work mostly in cities and suburban areas" - Bertel O. Steen
It seems that Citroen itself tones down the electric vans a thought. A bit like saying «don't use it, if you don't mean it» - as a warning. Last year I was out driving the same van with a 50 Kwh battery. Even in the city and suburban areas, the range was at its narrowest. The cars with the small battery packs no longer appear in the price lists. That's why we took the ë-Jumpy with a 75 Kwh battery out on the road to see how much power it draws.
Citroen ë-JumpyNothing about the exterior that signals an electric car
Steals payload
The electric car version of Jumpy differs little from the diesel version. Different dashboard and gear lever. Silent and vibration-free motor is a clear plus. The hot air comes straight up onto the windows. At the first speed bump, the car seemed loaded - even though it was empty. Compared to the diesel version, the electric van weighs 460 kg more. Although it has gained an increased total weight, the useful weight is 275 kg lower. However, the luggage compartment should remain unchanged as it has been possible to pack the batteries in the undercarriage.
Consumption and range
On winter driving at around 0 degrees - after a driving route mainly along country roads at 80-90 km/h and a few stops along the way, I got an average consumption of 24,9 Kwh/100 km with a light load and starting from a warm garage. It is in line with the WLTP measurements. At 80-85 km/h on flat ground, the consumption is around 30 Kwh/100 km. Above 90 km/h, consumption rises a lot, which is common for all electric cars - and especially vans that have to push more air away. Based on our driving, we can conclude the following figures:
Estimated range in continuous, mixed driving: 306 km.
Estimated range when driving continuously at 80 km/h: 266 km.
The range measured according to the WLTP "combined" is 330 km. As is well known, it must be done to achieve equally good results in daily traffic.
Range is not an exact science. The calculated ranges are based on consumption with a warm car. That is, in more or less continuous use with only short breaks. If the car is left in such a way that it has time to cool down without preheating, the consumption is increased with each start - preferably to 35-40 kwh/100 km. It can greatly reduce the range during a winter day.
Simple operation - scattered around on buttons and touch screen..
Cargo
According to the manufacturer, the charging figures are as follows:
0-100% with 11 Kw takes 7,5 hours
0-100% with 7,4 Kw takes 11,3 hours
0-80% with fast charger 100 Kw takes 48 minutes
This is on par with other electric cars. I haven't tested the charging time, but when I connected the car to a wall charger when returning it to the garage, a message came up saying that a full charge would not be possible until after 6,5 minutes. I'm used to it taking a while for the car to take power from the wall charger, but I thought 6,5 minutes was a long time - even though it was 0 degrees outside. Obviously a need for preheating here, which can certainly be carried out from the owner's app – perhaps also via the settings on the infotainment screen.
Misleading mileage calculation
Like other electric cars, ë-Jumpy has a km counter that calculates how many km you have left on the battery. If you stand in a queue or wait with the engine "running", you may experience seeing the expected km ticking down even if you have a lot of power left in the battery. The calculation uses the driving pattern of the last few minutes to calculate the number of km. It would have been more logical to know how many km you have left, given that you start driving right now - not based on the fact that the car will be stationary for the rest of the day. It is the battery meter you have to keep an eye on, not the odometer.
Controls most things from here. Gear selector in the middle and separate buttons for Park and Brake (regenerative).
Behind the wheel
It is difficult to find a good sitting position for tall people. Nor is it ideal to drive with shoe size 46 with wide winter soles. Then the sole would often get stuck under something or other when I was going to move my foot from gas to brake. I have the same problem in the diesel version. On the road, the winter tires sound quite good, without being bothersome. I liked the bottom pull - as if the torque was higher than stated. This makes it easy to maintain a constant speed with a load and on uphill slopes. You can choose between three driving modes, "Normal", "Eco" and "Power". "Normal" provides similar power as in Jumpy with a diesel engine. In my eyes, "Eco" and "Power" have no practical use, although it is about taste and comfort. The car also provides a weak regenerative braking when you let off the gas, so that the batteries are supplied with electricity. In normal traffic it worked very well. There is also a "B" button on the gear selector which increases the regenerative braking.
Conclusion
If you buy a Citroen ë-Jumpy Proff+ as a business owner, you will get NOK 34 refunded in Enova support. The dealer arranges the paperwork for you and the money should be in your account after a week. Remember that you can park for free with an electric van in Oslo. But what about those who do not live in Oslo? Are cars like ë-Jumpy suitable for pig-ridden areas? It probably depends on what kind of job it will be used for. Long-distance driving is hardly a problem - even in winter. It is possible to anticipate range problems if one cannot plan either travel rod or how long the car is parked between trips, so that you drive with a cold car. Motorways are also "range-killers", especially for vans. The need to tow a heavy trailer does not speak in favor of an electric vehicle either. On the plus side, you get less noise and vibrations, lower costs for fuel and maintenance - and perhaps more on the day the car is to be traded in?
Facts Citroen ë-Jumpy 75 kwh
Weights and Measures
External dimensions - L, W, H: 496 x 192 x 190 cm
Wheelbase: 328 cm
Cargo space: 5,8 cubic metres
Net weight: 2113 kg (without driver)
Payload: 837 kg
Number of seats: 3
Max trailer weight w/brake: 1000 kg
- without brake: 750 kg
Drivetrain
Battery pack: 75 Kwh located under the load compartment
Engine: Electric, located at the front
Power: 136 HP
Torque: 260 Nm
Gearbox: Stepless.
Front wheel drive.
Performances
Top speed: 130 km/h
0-100: 11,9 – 13,3 seconds
Range and consumption
WLTP: 330 km (combined)
Calculated based on our trip in 0-3 degrees: 306 km
Stated consumption: 24,4 – 27,3 Kwh/100 km
Measured consumption (0-3 degrees): 24,9 Kwh/100 km
Cargo
Contacts: Type 2 and CSS
Stated charging times (0-100%)
… 7,4 Kw – 11h 20min
… 11 Kw – 7h
Stated charging time (0-80%)
… 100 Kw – 48 min
Tires
Dimensjon: 215/65R16C 109/107R
Type: Spikeless winter
Brand: Nokian Hakkapelitta
Price
PROFF+ L2: NOK 489 (incl. covered v-room and h-mount)
– ENOVA support: NOK 34
About the car
Place of manufacture: Valenciennes, France
Owner: Rent
Rented via hyre.no
Model: 2021
Mileage: 13
Km driven: 89
Source: van.citroen.no og vegvesen.no
Clad load compartment (Lafinto) and proper LED lighting in the roof.
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Reworked front, new rims and new graphics on the rear side window
The front has become tougher, more masculine, more aggressive and more mainstream. The C3 Aircross still appears as a practical and unpretentious car – a high-built small car with family car characteristics.
SUV and lifestyle
Let me quote what I wrote about the predecessor:
- Citroen has built something that looks like a large toy car, - without a trace of elegance and prestige. It's a car you buy because you need a high-built small car - and want it to look like just that.
It was meant positively. Many want a practical and unsnobbish car - a vehicle that exudes lifestyle. Today's model no longer has any toy car character. Citroen has created a more mature SUV design. Thus, the car appeals to a larger group of buyers. There are still options to specify the color of the roof, and contrasting color of the mirror housing, graphics on the rear side window and parts of the front spoiler.
With the dog on a walk
The news in a nutshell
The biggest changes are in the front. Otherwise, there are few changes to report. I notice new decoration on the rear side window and new rims - probably depending on the level of equipment. Inside, the cool handbrake from the predecessor has been replaced with a normal handbrake lever. The infotainment screen is larger than before. Parts of the driver assistance systems have also been improved. They are on par with what you find in "all" new family cars today. Engines and gearboxes are the same as before. I note that the 1,2 PureTech 110 engine is no longer offered with an automatic transmission. It can now only be combined with the 130 horse.
The facelift has resulted in an upgraded infotainment system and conventional handbrake lever
Engines
The car belongs to my brother-in-law, Henrich. It is equipped with the 130 HP PureTech engine and automatic transmission (EAT6). Equipment level is the Shine Pack with, among other things, a panoramic sunroof and the best seats. The PSA group's 3-cylinder engine emits a rather distinct 3-cylinder sound when pushed, but that is rarely needed with the 130 horse. The automatic transmission keeps the revs down in the high-torque rev range. The engine feels powerful and you only hear a pleasant, faint hum. Drives like this do not invite high revs and sporty driving - not even when the gearbox is in sport mode. But the C3 Aircross is far from a slouch when you need to get up to speed quickly, such as accelerating onto a motorway.
Retrofitted extra equipment
Modern drivetrain
Almost all car manufacturers now offer the same type of petrol-based drivetrain as in Henrich's car. Powerful engine, small displacement, turbo and automatic transmission. A typical characteristic of 3-cylinder engines is vibrations at low revs and at idle. The start & stop system means that the engine fades out when standing still. There is no noticeable turbo lag normal commissioning. The drivetrain works amazingly smoothly as long as the car follows programmed driving patterns, but it can easily get out of order. Imagine you are entering a roundabout - hesitate for a brief moment before choosing to accelerate directly in front of a crossing vehicle. The drive unit will then be able to easily hang back - take a few seconds to decide - before it gets up to steam. Annoying – but typical for drivetrains of this type.
Outside KFC in Perpignan
Lots of SUV feeling
Citroen calls the C3 Aircross an SUV – not a crossover. I agree. On the road, the car feels like a proper SUV – bigger than it really is. I sit high, have a good sense of space and a chassis that elegantly captures all unevenness. I'm generally skeptical of the stability of tall, light cars like this, but the C3 AIrcross feels perfectly safe. The steering is not super sharp. It feels like you are sitting some distance from the wheels (increased SUV feeling), but I still have alright steering feel. Like many of the SUVs I've driven recently, it's important to be able to drive a bit actively on winding and hilly roads, - not to enter the bends too fast - so that you can give gas on the way out. If not, the car can easily start rolling. On country roads and Spanish motorways at 120 km/h, the comfort is fantastically good. A mile-eater of class!
Colonel Sanders never disappoints!
Family package
Last time When I wrote about the C3 Aircross, I emphasized the car's characteristics as a family car. It is the versatility and the use of space that I am thinking of. The rear seats can be pushed forward to get more luggage. The passenger seat has fold-down backrests. The luggage compartment with the seats folded down is not huge - but 410 liters is very good for a car that is only 4,15 meters long. By pushing the rear seats forward, the luggage compartment can be increased to 520 under the hat shelf. However, with a maximum roof load of 40 kg, it is not suitable for all types of roof boxes.
Lake Raho
Conclusion
Citroen C3 Aircross has 2 competitors from the same car group – Opel Crossland and Peugeot 2008. All are affordable and safe purchases. The choice will perhaps fall on look-and-feel - and which car do you want to be seen in? The apple-looking Peugeot? Or the side-drummed Opel? Then I would like to repeat what I have previously written about the Citroen C3 Aircross: It's a car you buy because you need a high-built small car - and want it to look like just that.
Practical and unfussy SUV with family car characteristics.
About the pictures
The photos were taken on a small excursion to Lac-de-la-Raho in the Pyrenees-Orientales, France. The lake is artificially dammed and is surrounded by a walkway measuring 6150 metres. We covered it in 1 hour and 20 minutes in 25 degrees Celsius and quite a bit of headwind. After the trip we stopped by KFC in Perpignan for a bucket of crispy fried chicken nuggets. Colonel Sanders never disappoints!
Facts about the Citroen C3 Aircross PureTech 130
Weights and Measures
Length, width, height: 416 / 177 / 164 cm
Wheelbase: 260 cm
Net weight: 1205 kg (without driver)
Max payload: 555 kg
Max trailer weight with brakes: 840 kg
– without brakes: 600 kg
Luggage compartment: 410-520 litres
Max roof load: 40 kg
Drivetrain
Engine: 1,2 PureTech 130 Start & Stop
Number of cylinders: 3
Displacement: 1199 ccm
Power: 130 HP at 5500 revs
Torque: Max 230 Nm at 1750 revolutions.
Gearbox: 6-speed automatic (EAT6)
Front wheel drive.
Performances
Top speed: 195 km/h
0-100: 9,2 seconds
consumption
City: 0,59 litres/mile
Country road: 0,45 litres/mile
Combined: 0,50 litres/mile
Own measurement: 0,50-0,55 litres/mile
Price and equipment
C3 Aircross Shine Pack 1,2 PureTech 130 EAT6: 349
Paint supplement (Black Perla Nera): NOK 5
Grip Control and Hill Descent Assist: NOK 3 (recommended)
About the car
Place of manufacture: Zaragoza, Spain
Owner: Private
Model: 2021
Mileage: New
Km driven: 210
Source: Citroen.no
