Citroen has announced its line up for the Geneva Motor Show. There are new and updated models with revised versions of the DS4 and DS5 on show, new BlueHDi engines and the all-new C1. The C-Elysée WTCC racing car is also on show ahead of its World Touring Car Championship debut in April.
When we drove the DS5 we liked it but found the ride rather harsh. It seems Citroen has been listening as the suspension set-up has been changed to give a smoother ride. There are also new BlueHDi, low-emissions diesel engines and a new six-speed automatic gearbox. When fitted with the BlueHDi 180 engine and new transmission the official CO2 figure is 114g/km with combined cycle fuel eceonomy of 64.2mpg. If you want lower emissions the Hybrid4 version is now rated at 85g/km.
The DS4 receives new options for two-tone paint schemes; Perla Nera black; Whisper Purple (a deep black with shades of violet) and Virtual Blue. When specified the colours can be applied to the roof, spoiler and mirror shells.
Also new in Geneva is the Citroen DS3 Cabrio Racing; this combines the look and performance of the DS3 Racing, with its 207hp engine, and the open-top DS3 Cabrio body. A new colour is offered for this version; Moondark matt grey, which is combined with a black roof and gloss black alloys.
Citroen's new BlueHDi engines are available in several different versions across the range. All units meet new Euro6 emissions regulations by including a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) module to reduce NOx emissions by converting nitrogen oxides into water and nitrogen.
Anything else?
For the first time in its history Citroen is competing in an international circuit racing series, the WTCC. Drivers Sébastien Loeb, Yvan Muller and José-Maria López will use a racing version of the C-Elysée. The C-Elysée is Citroen's C-segment saloon for emerging markets. For the WTCC it uses the same 1.6-litre, direct injection turbocharged engine as the DS3 WRC car.