Citroen C-Zero Shown Ahead Of 2010 Launching

Citroen's version of the Mitusibishi i-MiEV is previewed a year in advance. Heck how much time does the firm needs to replace Mitsubishi's badge with theirs. :) Powering the C-zero is a permanent magnetic synchronous motor, which produces 47kW (64bhp). It produces 133lb ft of torque between 0 and 2000rpm and power is sent to the rear axle by a single-speed reduction gear. A complete charge of the battery pack takes six hours through a conventional 220-volt socket while an 80 per cent charge is possible in about 30 minutes using an external station with a single-phase current of 125A at 400V, for power of up to 50kW.

The Citroen C-zero which is 3.48 meters long managed a century sprint in 15 seconds with a top speed of 80mph. It can travel about 80 miles before the battery pack run out of juice. A Citroen spokesman told Autocar that the C-zero is expected to be available in UK showrooms in the final quarter of 2010, although whether the car would be able to buy outright or be available for lease-only has yet to be determined. The source also said no pricing had been decided at this stage.

Source : Autocar

2010 Citroen C5 Updates

Citroen introduced two new greener engines into its C5 range to bring them into line with Euro V specifications. The 2.0HDi 16V 119kW diesel will replace the existing 2.0- and 2.2-litre diesels. Aussies get the new 340Nm engine in the Comfort and Exclusive models, meaning a 14 per cent power increase and around three per cent better fuel efficiency. This reduces the Combined figures for the sedan and wagon to 6.8 and 6.9 litres/100km respectively, while CO2 emissions are both down to 179g/km.

The second engine is a 1.6-litre 16V 115kW petrol engine co-developed with BMW to replace the old 2.0-litre. Ppwer is boosted by eight per cent with torque now peaking at 240Nm mated with a six-speed manual gearbox.Combined fuel use is down by a solid 18.5 per cent while CO2 has also been reduced by 16 per cent to 167g/km.

There are some minor tweaks done to the exterior while the entertainment system is updated with standard Bluetooth and USB connectivity on Exclusive models.

Source : Caradvice.au

AutoAlert : First look on the 2009 Citroen C3

The Supermini class just got hotter with the new Citroen C3 joining the Party soon to steal some attention the Fiesta & Polo is currently enjoying. The DS3 concept that debut earlier has shown off most of the design elements in the upcoming C3 as promised by Citroen officials. While the DS3 was created to rival the likes of the BMW Mini, the C3 caters to the masses who wants a stylish runabout that is cheaper to run.

The crowning jewel of the C3 would be the 'Zenith' panoramic glass with progressive tint to keep out those harmful UV rays. Customers will be happy to know that the C3 will be sharing most of the high-quality interior trim found in the DS3 coupled with an upgraded insulation system. Pictures reveal a dash that features a generous amount of brush aluminium across the dash with an integrated LCD display that might house the Navigation system (touch screen hopefully :). As sporty as the steering might look it seems to be void of any buttons as opposed to the Current C4's control panel lookalike wheel. Perhaps the designer's at Citroen decided that drivers should not be distracted by the array of controls beneath their fingers hence reduce risk of accidents on the road.

Anyway, customers getting the entry level variant does not need to pay road tax as it is equipped with Citroen's HDi engine emitting just 99g/km of CO2. Not resting on their laurels Citroen is going to push this green agenda further by introducing the start & stop technology to further reduce the C3's greenhouse gas emissions. Expect pricing to be around Polo & Fiesta with generous standard equipment if Citroen is serious in beating the 2 contenders.

Source: Autoexpress