Citroen's revival in New Zealand is slowly
gaining momentum. As reported previously, the plan from new distributor Sime
Darby was to grow the dealer network, rationalise the range and add value to
the products. So far, sales total just 138 units, though Citroen NZ is hoping
to have between 350 and 400 cars on the road by year's end. In 2012, the
previous distributor managed to move 253 cars.
The
Citroen C3 Exclusive lags behind the city-car class leaders, its cute French
styling and modern cabin offset by a dated drivetrain
That uptick in sales volume will come on
the back of the newly refreshed C3 light car. Though mechanical changes are
few, the look is recharged, with new front and rear styling and the interior
gets a tweak too. The range kicks off at $23,490 but few will be wanting this
entry-point Seduction model as it's manual only. It is powered by PSA's new
1.2-litre triple which we found to be quite a goer when we sampled it in the
Peugeot 208. However, as there's no auto option for this engine, the
self-shifting variant of the Seduction grade gets the old 1.6-litre four. This
88kW/160Nm unit comes rigged to a four-stage auto, so don't expect fireworks.
Citroen NZ says more than 60 per cent of autos in the light car category are
four-speeders so 'it's not really a problem'. Except if you have the similarly
priced Polo on your shopping list which, while it has a less powerful engine,
has a seven-speed twin-clutch auto helping things along.
Step
inside and the spacious, high quality interior of the C3 still impresses
Reasons to check out the C3 include its
slightly roomier interior, along with a 300L hatch. Though it's lacking the
usual interesting Citroen design quirks, the interior is brightened up with the
'Zenith' windscreen which extends back into the roof.
The C3's driver seat is comfy, and so too
the ride quality. As the 10.9sec 0-100km/h time suggests, performance is
leisurely on the open road but with reasonable torque town progress is ok.
The fit-out is decent and safety gear
includes six air bags and ESP. For those wanting more, there's the $28,990
Exclusive which adds a better looking dash fascia which includes an upgraded
audio system with integrated sat nav and a reversing camera. There's climate
air conditioning, auto wipers and lights and it gets larger alloy wheels too.
Altogether, it seems worth the $3,000 premium.
C3’s
boot is well shaped and reasonably deep, once you’re over the rear lip
Citroen is experiencing growth in markets
outside of Europe thanks to its new DS range. Here, they make up 40 per cent of
sales and two new models have been added. The DS3 cabriolet looks much like the
hatch in profile, but it has a canvas roof which concertinas back to let in the
light. It's available in the DStyle trim which has the same powertrain as the
C3 for $40,990 or a manual-only DSport with its 1.6-litre turbopetrol. That
costs $42,990 on indent. And the DS5 range gains a $62,990 diesel variant. The
2.0-litre, 120kW /340Nm HDi adds $3,000 to the price of the petrol but also 5kW
and 100Nm while dropping consumption from 7.3 to 6.1L/100km. Again, the $3,000
premium seems a worthwhile investment.
