Geneva Motor Show 2014: Citroën

Without a doubt, one of the brands that presented the most novelties at this international event was the French marque Citroën, showcasing its major offensive with two world premieres: the Citroën C4 Cactus and the new Citroën C1.

Alongside these two new models we can also see the DS 5LS, with which the French brand consolidates the presence of the DS range, with more than 420,000 vehicles sold since its launch in 2010. Finally, the C5 CrossTourer is also on display.

C1

In the same way that Peugeot presented the 308, the other French brand in the group has done the same with the C1, which will also be available as a 3- and 5-door saloon, along with the Airscape convertible version. With a length of just 3.46 metres and a turning circle of 4.80 metres, the Citroën C1 offers manoeuvrability and practicality that are perfectly suited to urban driving.

Its interior design meets the needs of today’s driver and features a 7-inch touchscreen, or MirrorScreen technology, which lets you mirror and use the smartphone apps you carry on the touchscreen. Thanks to the latest generation of its engines and a weight of only 840 kg, it achieves a consumption of just 3.8 litres per 100 km.

C4 Cactus

With the Citroën C4 Cactus, the French brand offers a model with crossover styling that combines comfort and roominess. The exterior is characterised by Airbump technology, which includes personalised styling and extra body protection. However, when we move to the cabin interior, we miss better-quality finishes, and the level of fit could be improved.

Even so, there is a 7-inch touchscreen as standard, while the passenger airbag is located in the roof, providing more space for the passenger and for carrying objects. Improvements to the bodywork allow the C4 Cactus to weigh around 200 kg less than a conventional C4. Combined with optimised mechanics, this gives consumption of 3.2 l/100 km in the diesel version, with emissions of 82 g per kilometre.

DS 5LS

Luxury and exclusivity are the two defining characteristics of the new DS 5LS saloon. Its length of 4.70 metres, width of 1.84 metres and height of 1.50 metres provide very generous space and comfort for its passengers. Its front design debuts the new “DS Wings” identity, characterised by its sculpted grille. At the rear, its exclusive LED lights stand out, with a chrome ring that accentuates the 3D design of the optics.

Inside, you are greeted by numerous elements in metal, wood and leather, distributed across the dashboard and centre console. It also features front seats with massage function, and the rear seats are reclined by 29° to increase passenger comfort. The engines found in the DS 5LS are the THP 160 and THP 200, with direct sequential injection, fed by a high-pressure pump and a Twin Scroll turbocharger. Both engines are paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox. As for sales, it will be available in the Chinese market at the end of this month.

C5 CrossTourer

The last of the novelties on the French brand’s stand at the Geneva Motor Show is the

C5 CrossTourer. Its design is marked by several new elements, such as specific fins, longitudinal roof bars in matt grey, combined with specific matt grey 18” alloy wheels. It also adds chrome trim to the exterior mirrors and brushed aluminium-coloured protective trim on the front and rear bumpers.

In addition, models equipped with the Hydractive III suspension can raise the bodywork by up to 15 mm. This suspension adjusts its stiffness and damping according to the driver’s inputs and the condition of the road surface, providing optimal comfort and body stability in any circumstance. What Citroën intends to offer customers with the C5 CrossTourer is a saloon with greater practicality and a more rural look.