Citroen and Peugeot have been present in the Chinese market since 1992, and have a small range of cars to show for it. Starting with the Chinese Citroen C2 (a Peugeot 206 with Citroen badge), Fukang, Xsara Picasso, C-Triomphe and the Elysee while the remainder is imported from Europe (C4 Coupe, C5 saloon and C6).
Today Citroen unveiled a new model for China, the Citroen C-Elysee which is based on the Elysee but with 300 perceivable improvements in regards to styling, quality and technology. The Citroen C-Elysee will have its official show debut at the upcoming 2008 Auto China in Beijing. The new C-Elysee comes in three trim levels and five versions, all powered by the 1.6i 16V engine.
Citroen has graced the C-Elysee with its new front end design, aswell as new wheels and three-dimensional rear lights. Citroen has put as many gadgets into the budget car as possible, like ABS brakes, while a Bluetooth audio system, 6 CD hard-disk jukebox and USB socket are optional.
Citroën C-Elysée: a new model for the Chinese market
Citroën unveiled a new model, the C-Elysée, in Beijing on 8 April 2008. Based on the Elysée, the newcomer benefits from numerous upgrades in terms of styling, quality and technology.
The C-Elysée strengthens the range of models produced in China by Dong Feng Peugeot Citroën Automobiles (DPCA), consisting of the C2, Fukang, Xsara Picasso and C-Triomphe. The range is rounded out by the C4 Coupé, C5 saloon and C6, imported from Europe.
The C-Elysée is immediately recognisable as a new-generation Citroën with its expressive, modern-looking front end.
At the reveal press conference, Yves Moulin, Managing Director of Dongfeng Citroën, said that 300 improvements had been made to the C-Elysée, all of which can be perceived by the customer.
The new range features three trim levels and five versions, fitted with the 1.6i 16V engine. The C-Elysée will be launched following its public debut at the Beijing Motor Show on 24 April.
Generous, contemporary styling
The C-Elysée gains a new front end in line with the Marque’s most recent creations, together with new wheels and three-dimensional rear lights. The cabin gets new front seats and lighter colours.
Top quality
The C-Elysée is targeted at customers with modest budgets looking for a car with modern styling and top quality. The aim of all these upgrades is to ensure the highest levels of perceived quality and quality in use.
Citroën has equipped the C-Elysée with latest-generation anti-lock brakes. It also ships with a Bluetooth audio system, 6-CD hard-disk jukebox and USB socket as options, while the boot lid features an automatic opening function.
Customer-oriented technology
C-Elysée benefits from all of the Marque’s technological expertise, with a high-performance engine, low fuel consumption, and manual and automatic gearboxes. In addition, the suspension has been reworked to reduce noise levels.
More than 250 4S distributors are on the ground in China to sell and service the new C-Elysée. Customers have access to a 24/7 hotline and benefit from the considerable experience of Citroën, which has already sold more than 800,000 vehicles in China.
if I'm not mistaken this is a weird mash up hybrid- ZX based, Xsara dashboard and strange C5 style front and Chery style rear.... bizarre. Why do foreign companies make such strange cars for china- like that bizarre Nissan Note with bodycladding?
China needs cars that are proven and strong and simple to fix. You can't judge them buy the same standards as Western models, how would a new C4 or C5 be when something goes wrong with the sophisticated electronics and you're thousands of kilometres from a service centre? Actually the planet requires that they should also be able to run on hydrogen - but that's another story.
Yes, that is weird, but I guess there is hardly any cost as it will be using old tech with none of the newer safety stuff that adds to weight and price.
