Citroen is preparing for a busy end to the year, with two new MPV twins due to be unveiled at the Paris motor show in September. The company is likely to reveal both five- and seven-seat versions of a new MPV designed to replace the successful but aging Picasso. Despite these new models, Citroen also plans to keep the current Picasso in production, placing it below the new models as a budget entry. “There’s a market for a proven value product,” said a company insider.
Citroen, along with sister brand Peugeot, is also first in line for the new 173PS 2.2-litre diesel that will eventually find its way into at least ten models across five brands.
Citroen’s C5 and its Peugeot 407 sibling are the first two to get the dual-turbocharged four cylinder unit, jointly developed by Ford and PSA Peugeot Citroen, with the executive Peugeot 607 and Citroen C6 following on before the end of the year, along with Land Rover’s Freelander – the first Ford Group application. The 407 Coupe, Mitsubishi Outlander, new Peugeot and Citroen off-roaders – restyled versions of the Outlander – and Ford’s next generation Mondeo will all get the engine next year, while the Ford S-max and Galaxy are also logical, though unconfirmed beneficiaries.
