Citroen C1
  3 or 5 Door Supermini Hatchback

On the road the C1 drives nicely, the slightly heavier diesel coping particularly well with rough surfaces. The buzzy three-cylinder petrol motor makes a fair bit of noise, but the sound is strangely satisfying, although probably not that easy to live with on longer journeys. Grip from the skinny tyre's is also good, set as they are at the very corners of the car. Gearchange is light and easy from the five-speed manual gearbox, its fifth ratio in particular being usefully long for relaxed cruising. Born of mixed parentage, the Citroën C1 has proven that diverse genes can produce something far more robust and exciting than many would imagine possible. Our C1 owners only complaints are the slightly hard ride, which a set of wider wheels and tyre's would sort out and considering its cheaper than its Toyota/Peugeot siblings, all makes for a better buy.


  Citroen C2
  3 Door Supermini Hatchback

Citroen has built a small/medium sized car to replace the Saxo with a build quality that matches its looks.If you own a Saxo and get into a C2, you will buy one, the difference is mind blowing. Immediately you notice the C2 looks a lot bigger but is in fact shorter than the VTS Saxo by 74mm. Our C2 we are testing is the VTR model in black as in the picture if I can get in it, as the wife's nicked it for the shopping run and the pose along the beach. Test drive if you can stop drooling over the curvaceous body lines and immediately see and feel the much improved build quality compared to a Saxo.The sensodrive gearbox is a little quirky at first but if you've got a PS2 or X-BOX the gearchange paddles are a doddle, I haven't so I stuck to the gear lever.You can always put it into full automatic at first if you are feeling a little wussy. The engine responds very well, slightly delayed due to the sensodrive system, but once on the move the C2 is as good as the Saxo VTR and maybe better. The seats are a little bit on the hard side and after covering 150 miles my back was starting to ache, maybe softer seats for me thank you.The C2 VTR has loads of gadgets ESP,EBD,EPA,ABS and a moveable ash tray. Please read the manual first as Citroen have cleverly put all controls for the cruise control,radio,computer etc on the stalks, so playing with the buttons while driving is not recommended as I found out hitting the cruise control button at 70 mph shall we say, panicked cos I thought the throttle had stuck, hit the brakes the EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution) unit thought I was emergency braking so it slowed the car down that fast I nearly lost two inches on my waistline. Citroen think of everything who needs a Fitness Video. Not a lot of boot space, but the seats do fold down, but this is not a family saloon. This is the only disadvantage compared to the Saxo. Overall this car is good, no very good and I think Citroen are on to a winner, priced at the same as the Saxo VTR when launched this car is fantastic value for money and I believe not only will the 17-21 year olds love it but the C2 will appeal to anyone. Well if my wife loves it better than her BMW, Citroen have surely struck gold.


  Citroen C3
  5 Door Supermini Hatchback / Cabriolet

The rush of new, upsized superminis continues with Citroen's new C3, which fits into the range between the Xsara and the diminutive and ageing Saxo. Clearly derived from the C3 Lumiere concept car seen four years ago, the C3 has echoes of the old 2CV in its tall, double-curved shape. You can also buy it with a large opening roof, but this time it's glass, not fabric. And, unlike the 2CV, the C3 is a tough, solid car with all the expected modern safety equipment.


  Citroen C4
  Compact Family Saloon/Coupe

The C4 has a selection of 1.4-, 1.6- and 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines. The 1.4 delivers 90bhp while the 2.0 petrol pumps out 141bhp, while the most powerful, the VTS, churns out 180bhp, although it never feels that strong. The 110bhp 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines will be enough for most buyers. Both are impressive. Three- and five-door models provide identical passenger space, but they’re not the roomiest small hatches. The sloping sides make the cabin narrow but space is sufficient for anyone under six feet tall. The boot is reasonably sized and shaped unless you order the premium sound system with its additional speakers. The C4 is a car almost of the French old school, with the emphasis on comfort, although it still handles well. It mops up bumps effortlessly, clings to the road and steers accurately, without feeling like a jelly on uneven surfaces. The sporty VTS firms everything up but still remains civilised. Citroen has tended to go for hard-wearing interiors in the past, but with the C4 it has made a conscious and successful effort to inject a bit of class. Everything looks and feels good, even in areas that are often overlooked, such as lower seat frames and beneath the rear seats. The C4 is the successor to the often underpraised Xsara range and hopefully wont end up with the same fate as its predesssor but saying that, there could be some tremendous bargains available.

 

 

 

 


  Citroen C4 Grand Picasso
  7 Seat MPV
One of the most striking things about the C4 Picasso is the classy feel of its interior. The upper dash is made from soft-touch plastics, there are tasteful chrome highlights and it's only in the third row that the materials start to get a bit brittle. Citroen buyers did report some interior glitches in our last JD Power customer satisfaction survey, but the brand has scored well in recent reliability surveys. The C4 Picasso can seat five in comfort and the three middle row seats slide back and forth individually. The third row is best left to children, but even with all the seats in place there's space for a couple of soft bags. All five rear seats can be quickly and easily folded into the floor to leave a long flat load area and there are lots of useful cubbies


  Citroen C4 Picasso
  5 Seat MPV


A direct replacement for Citroens ever popular versatile Xsara Picasso. The new C4 Picasso boast 12 different models, 6 petrol and 6 diesels. The petrol's are a 127bhp 1.8-litre and a 143bhp 2.0-litre, but the diesels make more sense, thanks to their superior economy and pulling power. The 110bhp 1.6 diesel is expected to be the biggest seller, and rightly so: it's smooth, flexible and feels perfectly suited to the car. The 138bhp 2.0 diesel doesn't feel significantly quicker. Step inside the C4 Picasso and you can't help but notice how classy the interior looks. Investigate further and you'll realize that everything feels well screwed together, too. Soft-touch plastics and chrome highlights add to the sophisticated look, a far cry from the Xsara Picasso. The C4 Picasso is stuffed with safety kit. Twin front, side and window airbags are standard, as is one to protect the driver's knees. There are also four ISOFIX child-seat mountings. Standard stability control helps avoid an accident in the first place. Deadlocks (which prevent the doors being opened if a window is smashed) will deter thieves, while optional laminated side windows further boost safety and security. To me Citroen have started to return back to their innovative design ways, so apparent in the 70's. Quirky yes!, but brilliant in design with a fixed steering wheel hub, centrally mounted instruments and air-con controls positioned at the edges of the dashboard. Most controls are easy to use and drivers of all shapes and sizes should be able to make themselves comfortable. A huge glass area and thin front pillars make for excellent visibility. I test drove the VTR model for a week and was amazed when the missus wanted to drive it, she was never a lover of the Xsara Picasso but she loves the new shape, driving position and she never even noticed it was a diesel. The C4 Picasso has got big boots to fill due to its predecessor and will only fill them once the Xsara Picasso is no longer available.


  Citroen C5
  Family 5 door Hatchback/Estate


With its long, sleek body, sculpted lines and high waist, the new C5’s striking styling gives it a true sense of status. The front end is characterised by the large air-intakes and long incisive headlamps that flank the prominent chrome chevrons and assert the C5’s identity. From the back, the distinctive concave window and two-part boomerang lights give it a purposeful, determined impression. Longer and wider than the model it replaces, the new C5 has real on-the-road presence, with an aerodynamic profile that alludes to the car’s dynamic qualities and accomplished road handling. Measuring 4.78m long (the estate is 5cm longer), 1.86m wide and 1.45m tall, the new C5 imposes itself at the top end of the large family car segment.To meet the full range of driver needs and preferences, the new C5 is available with a wide choice of engines. The petrol powerplants include 127bhp 1.8i 16V and 143bhp 2.0i 16V units,while there are four HDi diesel engines – HDi 110, HDi 138, HDi 173 and HDi V6 208 units – each fitted with a Diesel Particulate Filter System that virtually eliminates particle emissions. A selection of manual or automatic gearboxes is offered.

 

 

 

 

 


  Citroen C6
  4 Door Executive Saloon

Citroens flagship executive model aimed at tempting the German car buyer. Not quite an Audi but a very good attempt from a manufacturer who predominately produces affordable family cars. Choose from a 3.0-litre petrol V6 or two turbodiesels: a 2.2-litre four-cylinder or a 2.7-litre turbodiesel V6. The V6 diesel is quicker, more flexible and less thirsty. Both V6s come with auto gearboxes, and you can order one for the 2.2-litre turbodiesel, too. The C6’s active suspension uses gas spheres rather than steel springs and helps keep things level regardless of the load the car is carrying. The emphasis is on comfort and yet again Citroen has managed to bring a living room experience directly into its vehicle. A maximum five stars for occupant protection and four for pedestrian safety (a first anywhere) – the C6, complete with nine airbags, looks after those inside and out. Stability control is standard, while options include a lane departure warning system. With an array of standard and optional gadgets and surprisingly good build quality, its worth having a test drive, my only concern is the residual values of these vehicles which might fall quicker than your granny on ice.


  Citroen C8
  7 Seater MPV



  Citroen C-Crosser
  7 Seater 4x4 SUV

The Mitsubishi connection is easy to see in the C-Crosser's build. There's a bit of a functional, no-frills feeling to the cabin, but the materials are hardy and the assembly is solid throughout. We don't expect the C-Crosser to experience many mechanical problems. Citroen has upped its game it recent reliability surveys, and Mitsubishi's involvement should make it more robust. The C-Crosser's power comes from a variation of the 2.2-litre diesel engine found in the C5 and C6 models. Power has been reduced to 154bhp, but pulling power is pumped up to 280lb ft. There's a good amount of urge away from a standing start, but it's the C-Crosser's on-the-move flexibility that impresses more. Even Citroen admits that the C-Crosser isn't a proper off-roader. Instead, its engineers have concentrated on the car's road manners, and to good effect. The Citroen leans less than most compact 4x4s when you travel round a fast bend, and the steering is well weighted, if a bit short on feedback. The ride is firm, but it's well controlled and never uncomfortable. Whether you're accelerating hard or cruising gently down the motorway, the C-Crosser's diesel engine stays impressively smooth and quiet. Wind and road noise are a bit more audible at speed, but neither is bad enough to really test your patience on a long journey. The C-Crosser's part- or full-time four-wheel-drive system gives plenty of grip in all conditions, and stability control on every model gives extra confidence. All models have six airbags, too. An alarm, immobiliser and deadlocks are provided to keep your car safe from thieves. Even if you go for the entry-level C-Crosser, you won't be left wanting for much in the way of equipment. All cars have the two extra seats and the split tailgate, and other equipment includes climate control, alloy wheels, cruise control and automatic headlamps. Exclusive models add bigger alloy wheels, leather upholstery, an electric driver's seat and xenon headlamps with power washers. I love this vehicle but will it be enough to tempt buyers from choosing it over the Mitsubishi Outlander. On looks alone definitely, on Mitsubishi's long standing involvement with the 4x4 marque, maybe not. Personally I would buy the C-Crosser, well I am a little biased.

 

 

 

 


  Citroen Berlingo Multispace
  Versatile 5 Seater MPV



  Citroen Despatch
  Available as a Combi/Van



  Citroen Relay 3
  Available as a Combi/Van