Citroen is slotting a new type of ultra-quick stop/start system into its medium-to-large model line-up from this month.
The micro-hybrid technology – badged e-HDi – has been teamed up with new Michelin energy-saver tyres to result in CO2 and mpg benefits of up to 15% and will debut on the C4 Picasso facelift from October. An e-HDI model will find its way on to the C5 by November and the new C4 five-door hatch from January 2011.
The first C4 model to get the e-HDi system – a 110hp 1.6 diesel offering 109g/km and 67.3mpg – is initially available only with Citroen’s clutchless six-speed manual gearbox called EGS. However, later in 2011 it will be joined by manual gearbox versions plus a 90hp 1.6 e-HDI model emitting just 99g/km.
The new C4 is expected to be a big fleet seller, with 70% of 2011’s predicted 7500 sales going to business. The e-HDi is set to play a major part in that success. Alongside the conventional 110hp 1.6 HDi it is slated to be the key UK fleet engine. Mid-range VTR+ will be the most important trim for business accounting for 65-70% of the mix and will include, as standard, six airbags and ESP alongside curiosities like customisable sound alerts and display colours plus higher quality materials in the interior (although the old model’s interchangeable fragrance dispenser has been cast aside).
Asked whether the new C4 represented a new strategy for the brand to move away from being price- and discount-led to being more quality-led, Citroen’s head of product and pricing, Melina Kacherou-Carage, told BusinessCar: “I think we’ve already started this approach with cars like the C5, C4 Picasso and DS3. I want people to look at the quality features and technology, not just think ‘I got a very nice discount'”.
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