What's the news?
With home advantage in hand Citroen has announced a strong line-up for its Paris Motor Show stand. Alongside the already revealed DS3 Cabrio will be an electric version of the supermini, a refreshed C3 Picasso and special editions of the DS4 and DS5.
Electric
Having already unveiled the cabriolet version of the DS3 we thought that would be it for Citroen's supermini but it seems the French manufacturer has a trick up its sleeve. While sales of the C-Zero electric car have slumped Citroen is hoping the DS3 Electrum can revitalise interest in alternative power sources.
The DS3 Electrum, Citroen promises, will deliver performance consistent with the current DS3 but in an environmentally considerate way. A 17.5kWh lithium-ion battery powering a pair of 65kW motors located on the front axle provides an estimated range of 75 miles and Citroen claims the Electrum can be charged to 80 per cent in 30 minutes.
Thanks to clever packaging the electric drivetrain does not impinge on cabin space and Citroen says that the technology makes it possible to 'electrify' platforms designed for use with internal combustion engines.
Fresh
With just minor tweaks applied it may be a bit of a stretch to call the C3 Picasso - which will be unveiled in Paris - 'new', but that is what Citroen has done. 'Facelift' we think is a better term and a mild one at that. The mini-MPV gains a revised front bumper and the latest Citroen chevrons, along with LED daytime running lights to give it a fresh look. Two new body colours - Pearlescent white and Ink blue - have also been added to the C3 Picasso palette.
Interior upholstery has been overhauled with a new cloth trim added as standard and Mistral Claudia leather available as an option. Also added to the options list is Citroen's eMyWay satellite navigation system that includes an audio jack plug, USB sockets and a Bluetooth hands-free kit. A reversing camera can be added to the eMyWay system at extra cost.
The 'new' C3 Picasso will go on sale in the UK early in 2013 with prices and specification announced closer to launch.
Limited
Not wanting to be left out of their home show the DS4 and DS5 have received 'sophisticated' limited edition models called Pure Pearl. Both are finished in pearlescent white body paint (hence the name) with gloss chrome detailing and 18-inch alloy wheels. Watchstrap leather upholstery with blue overstitching is included as standard, as too are the eMyWay satellite navigation, directional Xenon lamps, parking sensors front and rear and the Citroen eTouch system.
The DS4 Pure Pearl will also debut Citroen's new HDi 160 engine with an automatic gearbox.
Anything else?
Also on the Citroen stand in Paris will be the C4 L and C-Elysée, cars specifically designed for emerging markets like Central Europe, Africa and Turkey. At the other end of the scale will be the Numéro 9 concept car that was originally unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show.
Paul Healy - 17 Sep 2012
