Remembering the Xantia....

Xantia V6 at the Alps

 

This car seems to be an instant classic but not forgotten by many French car enthusiast. This is the Citroen Xantia, some say that this is somewhat a French executive sports saloon from the 1990's but for me, this isn't more of a French executive sports saloon. This is just something else...

The Xantia, when it was launched in 1993, was designed by Bertone, the same chaps who did the Lamborghini Miura and the Lancia Stratos. Unlike those, the Xantia isn't seems to be a bit sporty. In French fashion, the Xantia is just a 5-door liftback just like the Citroen BX it replaced.

Some say, the ace of its sleeve on the Xantia was its suspension and what's observed is an enhanced version of the XM's Hydractive, Hydractive II or H2, computer-controlled version of the hydropneumatic self-leveling suspension. With the Hydractive II suspension, the Xantia provides an unique ride quality and the body always stays flat even on various road conditions.

Most Xantia models have different sorts of engines such as the 1.6L, 1.8L, 1.9L, or even HDi engines offered but the one I have on Gran Turismo 5 is something else; a 3.0 i V6 engine, serving as the flagship model. Xantia V6....hmmmm....If you were the sort of patient and if you hear everyone saying XANTIA V6, your pulse keeps on going and going and going. Anyway, the 3.0L V6 engine, this produces about 140 kW (190 PS; 188 hp) @ 5500 rpm of power and 267 N·m (197 lb·ft) @ 4000 rpm of torque.

The Citroen Xantia became the final Citroen to come a common hydraulic circuit for suspension, brakes and steering like the pioneering Citroën DS. Not only that, Iit was also the last Citroën to use the green LHM hydraulic fluid.

There is a known reference that a 4WD turbo version of the Xantia was used for rallying at the Championnat de France and it won five times in 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998 and 1999 with driver Jean-Luc Pailler. Never heard of it?

Anyway, the Xantia with the Hydractive suspension, does it really work even though in Gran Turismo 5? Sadly for me, it doesn't.... It kinda feels like I'm getting a bit struggling at handling through the Swiss Alps or even the corners of the Top Gear Test Track. It may be a French executive sports saloon but feels like it doesn't. This is a bit more harsh to drive, has the harshest engine for an old French car, and more importantly...what can I say? Terribly ugly. Well, whatever, at least the Xantia is dead now and it was replaced by the C5, which the first generation is getting a bit oblong but the second-generation gets it right, really right.

Citroen C4 Aircross

Some say this is the Mitsubishi RVR but it isn't. Its the Mitsubishi RVR's French cousins; the Peugeot 4008 and the Citroen C4 Aircross. This isn't the first time the French carmakers using underpinnings from Mitsubishi. Back in 2007, PSA Peugeot-Citroen collaborated with Mitsubishi Motors for their own versions of the Mitsubishi Outlander crossover known as the Peugeot 4007 and the Citroen C-Crosser. In 2010, they did it again by turning the all-electric Mitsubishi i MiEV into a Peugeot iOn and the Citroen C-Zero. The Citroen C4 Aircross and the Peugeot 4008 are somewhat to be the third difficult album about a partnership between PSA Peugeot-Citroen and Mitsubishi Motors.

2013 Citroen C4 Aircross

2013 Citroen C4 Aircross

The Citroen C4 Aircross is just rather a spin-off of the Citroen C4. Remember, despite the naming, it doesn't share some of the components of the second generation Citroen C4. What you expect underneath on the Citroen C4 Aircross is actually a Mitsubishi RVR from Citroen's point of view. Imagine if you try to put your Citroen C4 Aircross at your nearest Mitsubishi service center and chances are that they might think you're driving an RVR. In true French fashion, the Citroen C4 Aircross do come with a very quirky design DNA that truly expresses the brand's "Creative Technologie" slogan.

2013 Citroen C4 Aircross interior

On the interior, well, the C4 Aircross really looked the same as the Mitsubishi RVR. You would still expect getting the Mitsubishi-favorite Rockford Fosgate audio and navigation system, an optional panoramic roof, seating for five, foldable rear seats, and that's about it. Play a game of "Dashboard Spot the Difference" between the two and you would expect that there is only one change occurred; the steering wheel.

2013 Citroen C4 Aircross

The Citroen C4 Aircross has three engines available; a 1.6i petrol engine, an HDi 115 diesel, and the HDi 150 diesel engine. At first, the C4 Aircross is FF but with optional 4WD, you'll have the Drive Mode Selector, which provides the driver three different modes to choose from such as 2WD for better fuel economy, 4WD Auto for traction, and 4WD Lock where you want to take it on tarmac, gravel, and snow, even in the rain.

Back on the engine types. The 1.6i petrol engine produces 115PS of power, 154Nm of torque, 0-100kph in 11.3 seconds and top speed of 182kph. This engine has a combined fuel economy of 5.9L/100km and CO2 emissions of 135g/km. Onto the HDi 115 diesel, this has 112PS of power and 270Nm of torque. A Citroen C4 Aircross HDi 115 with 2WD will have a combined fuel economy of 4.6L/100km and 119g/km of CO2 emissions. A Citroen C4 Aircross HDi 115 with 4WD will have a combined fuel economy of 4.9L/100km and 129g/km. On the much powerful HDi 150, this produces 150PS of power and 300Nm of torque. With 2WD, expect a combined fuel economy of 5.4L/100km and 142g/km of CO2 emissions. With 4WD, you should expect 5.6L/100km of fuel economy and a
CO2 emission of 147g/km. The 1.6i petrol will have a 5-speed manual and HDi models will have a 6-speed manual.

Exterior colors are; Blanc Antarctique opaque, Gris Cool Silver metallise, Noir Perle nacre, Rouge Chili's metallise, Brun Mangaro metallise, Gris Papyrus metallise, Gris Titanium metallise, and Blanc nacre.

My comment:


Yes, the Citroen C4 Aircross is just a Mitsubishi RVR altered and edited to be sold in Citroen dealerships in Europe but terribly sorry, the C4 Aircross won't be made for right hand drive use and terribly, it won't be coming to the United Kingdom. Like the C-Crosser and the C-Zero, don't expect this one coming to Japan, but what the heck? It's just a Mitsubishi. A Mitsubishi RVR perhaps a little bit different when it comes to the outside and the performance figures.

Photo: PSA Peugeot Citroen

Welcome Back: 2011 Citroen DS3

Looks like the Citroen DS3 Racing,
but it's slightly modified...

This is my only favorite Citroen in Forza Motorsport 4, the stylish DS3. As a general rule, I love this kind of Citroen not only because of its style, but it's because how owners customize it to be very unique. We once say Forza 4 players tricked out their DS3 with their unique designs, especially when they're making mock-ups of Sebastien Loeb's DS3 WRC, DS3 R3, and the high-performance DS3 Racing, the one that was featured on an episode of Top Gear where Jeremy Clarkson drives one while James May is on a Renaultsport Clio (Lutecia) Cup and Richard Hammond on the Abarth 500C Esseesse (which turned out that it's not a hot hatch). They drove those from the labyrinth of Lucca to the bends of Monaco's Cote d'Azur.

Actually, Top Gear Magazine awarded the Citroen DS3 as the 2010 Car of the Year. Seriously, they did. Yeah...

The 107-C1-Aygo triplets' Phase III

2013 Citroen C1

2013 Peugeot 107

2013 Toyota Aygo

The triplets from Czech Republic; the Peugeot 107, the Citroen C1, and the Toyota Aygo, were all given a second facelift for the 2013 model year. Those minor changes will be making their debut at the 2012 Brussels Motor Show on January 10.

Citroen DS5

2012 Citroen DS5

2012 Citroen DS5 interior

This is what happens when this kind of Citroen was been beamed down from another world. Premiered at the Shanghai Auto Show in April and at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, this is positioned to be the flagship of the Citroen DS range. With the success of the three-door DS3 and the five-door DS4, the new Citroen DS5 is the flagship vehicle that will suit their everyday lifestyles.

When most people saw this on the news portion of Series 17 Episode 2 of BBC's Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson once said that the DS5 is a good-looking hatchback. It's true that the Citroen DS5's design flow is really captivating but it the top is somewhat resemble of a straw hat worn by most Chinese. Possibly though, the design is rather too Chinese rather than being a French luxury shooting break.

The Citroen DS5 offers a first-class interior that is well-trimmed, well-balanced, and touching to accommodate five passengers. This is an all-original interior made specifically for the executives who wanted to take some time off from work. However, it seems that there are so many buttons on the dashboard that some find it confusing, few find it very unique. This is like some kind of a concept car that Citroen created for everyday lifestyles. Like a well-tailored suit, the DS5's interior is accommodated to the owners' unique needs. For the best sound experience, Citroen teams up with Denon for their unique Hi-Fi system and 10 speakers to create realistic sound quality that is truly a work of art. This Denon Hi-Fi option is available at some DS5 variants.

The Citroen DS5 is not essentially based on the C5 because of the naming, it uses the platform lifted from the Peugeot 3008. Depending on three lines; Chic, So Chic, and Sport Chic, customers can choose either a 1.6L THP 200, 1.6L THP 155, 2.0L HDi 160, and the 2.0L e-HDi 110 engine with micro-hybrid technology lifted from the new Citroen C4. However, the crowning glory of the Citroen DS5 is the HYbrid4 technology, first applied on the 3008 HYbrid4. With the 2.0L HDi diesel engine and the electric motor combined, it produces 200PS of power, 450Nm of torque, 0-100kph in 8.6 seconds, 211kph of top speed, and combined fuel economy of 24.4km/L (4.1L/100km). It is mated with a six-speed paddle shift transmission. The DS5's HYbrid4 has four modes to choose from at the twist of the knob. First is the Auto mode that makes the whole system automatically controlled for balance. Second is the ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle) mode that allows the DS5 to run only in Ni-MH battery, providing a cleaner driving on the road. Third is the 4WD mode that makes the DS5 go anywhere from tarmac, gravel, and snow. Lastly is the Sport Mode that provides maximum engine response, making it more fun to drive than conventional hybrids.

Available in eight colors: Gris Hurricane, Noir Perla Nera, Gris Galena, Hickory, Gris Aluminum, Bleu Philae, Vapor Grey, and Blanc.

My comment:
This is the second diesel-hybrid vehicle PSA Peugeot-Citroen has ever made since the 3008 HYbrid4! Looks like this flagship model has high potential to challenge against the conventions of hybrid vehicles and this DS5's shaping up to deliver first-class comfort, first-class performance, and all-round economy that you would trust it. It's cool if you bring the DS5 on a midnight trip on the roads of Shanghai, China...



Photo: PSA Peugeot-Citroen

This is how you say Mitsubishi RVR in French

2013 Peugeot 4008

2013 Citroen C4 AIRCROSS

They maybe using the Mitsubishi RVR (known in others as the ASX and Outlander Sport) as its foundation but Peugeot's latest debutante, the 4008, and Citroen's latest addition to the C4 range, the C4 AIRCROSS, are those kind of crossovers you do want to watch out for next year.

More details coming soon!

Le Traction Utilitaire Basse du futur

2011 Citroen Tubik Concept

Oh my...

The Citroen Tubik Concept, to be unveiled at Frankfurt Motor Show this month, showcases the future of the Citroen TUB van. It is part of Citroen's Multicity Project that shows the future of mobility.

Could the Tubik concept hints us the future of Citroen commercial vans or is it just for explanations. For me, one look of the Tubik concept's face looks like a gas mask. (Laugh). I can almost imagining why would Citroen made such a odd-looking concept car that shows the future of mobility...

Further reading: http://www.netcarshow.com/citroen/2011-tubik_concept/

The executives in France-tan's clothing: Latitude vs. C5 vs. 508

2011 Renault Latitude

2011 Citroen C5

2011 Peugeot 508

Those three executive medium sedans are from France, hence I called them the executives in France-tan's clothing. Wouldn't believe I used the "France-tan" word? Never mind, the Renault Latitude, Peugeot 508, and the Citroen C5 sedan are executive medium sedans stands out the crowd with its premium quality, performance, comfort, and everything else. The Citroen C5 and Peugeot 508 are made in France but the Renault Latitude is made in South Korea under the name Renault Samsung SM5. Come to think of it, those three are beautiful indeed but time for me to judge which of these French executive medium sedans is my pick...

In terms of overall design: I guess I can make it a three-way tie because all three got the best looks.

In terms of pricing: Let's see, the Renault Latitude Business dCi150 costs 32,500 Euros while the Peugeot 508 Access 1.6L VTi 16v 120ch BMP6 costs 23,300 Euros and the Citroen C5 Berline VTi 120 BMP6 Attraction costs 22,600 Euros, which makes the Citroen C5 the winner because of its affordability.

In terms of fuel efficiency: Since both the Citroen C5 and the Peugeot 508 are offered with the e-HDi Micro-Hybrid technology, they deserved the credit. Better luck next time, Latitude.

In terms of performance: The Renault Latitude takes over. The Renault Latitude's V6 engine has more power than the 2.2L HDi engines offered from the Citroen C5 and the Peugeot 508. It is the only Renault that offers that kind of powerful diesel engine for now.

Citroen DS3 - Forza 3 Owner's View

Citroen DS3 pushes out its Nurburgring talents

Are you the DS3 Racing?

Fair enough to be Sebastien Loeb's Rally Car

FINAL IMPRESSIONS: The term "Anti-Retro" clearly states that the Citroen DS3 is not your average modern hatchback that was designed and engineered in France. Upon its debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and commenced sales since the 1st quarter of 2010, we weren't surprised that this new age hatchback is advanced and its first video game appearance on Forza Motorsport 3 via the World Class Car Pack is something we are salivating at...

Modify it with parts and decorations is a fun factor of DS3 ownership but a little practice goes a long long way. They want to make replicas of the DS3 Racing, DS3 R3, and Sebastien Loeb's DS3 Rally Car but accuracy is a tendency here and that takes to getting used to. Only the DS3 in Forza Motorsport 3 tastes like the DS3 in reality. If it doesn't say "ANTI-RETRO", it's not the Citroen DS3. (Laughing)

Citroen DS4

2012 Citroen DS4

With the success of last year's Citroen DS3, the first of Citroen's new DS (Different Spirit) line that characterizes more of a "premium youth" sub-brand, (much like Hyundai's Premium Youth Lab), the second book of the Citroen DS line begins and this time, it was based on the second-generation Citroen C4. Called DS4, the second runner of the Citroen DS range was heavily based on the Citroen DS High Rider Concept as seen at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. Unlike the Citroen DS High Rider Concept, which has three doors on it, the Citroen DS4 is essentially a 5-door hatchback, noticeably the secret rear doors similar to the Alfa Romeo Giulietta hatchback. Is this what they called the successor of the axed Citroen C4 Coupe? The French car enthusiasts said "non" (French for no) because one hint at the Citroen DS4's secret rear door and they'll be ready to burst out their POV (points, opinions, violent reactions) why the production version of the DS High Rider concept added an additional two doors. Is the DS4 suppose to be the three door version of the Citroen C4 II? Forget about it, but still it was worth it because the DS4 is all about premium styling targeted for the "premium youth" in France.

2012 Citroen DS4 interior

The premium interior of the new Citroen DS4 is outstanding because of the high-tech features loaded on it. Although it was heavily derived from the Citroen C4 II, the DS4 made some modest order-made touches, and also take note, the highly luxurious front seats on the DS4 Sport Chic, in order to bring out its premium sedan-like amenities at the heart of this prestigious French 5-door hatchback. Now, if only France-tan would love to see this.

With France-tan steals the show with its gorgeous exterior, the Citroen DS4 offers six engine types such as the VTi 120, THP 150, THP 200, HDi 110, HDi 165, and the all-new e-HDi 110 loaded with micro-hybrid technology sourced from the Citroen C4 II. The micro-hybrid technology loaded on the Citroen DS4 e-HDi 110 provides the exceptional Idle Stop and Go function, which allows the diesel engine to be automatically shut off when stopped at the red light. There are three kinds of transmissions available on the DS4, depending on the variant, such as a 5-speed manual for those who are getting a head start at the DS4, a 6-speed manual transmission applicable for the hardcore DS4 owners, and the electronically controlled 6-speed manual transmission with paddle shifters.

My comment:
Despite it was a production version of the Citroen DS High Rider Concept, the Citroen DS4 was essentially a 5-door hatchback because of the secret rear doors similar to its biggest opponent, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. This is becoming a bad news for those who want to know that the DS4 is the replacement of the Citroen C4 coupe. As I thought, it was a "promise unfulfilled" for the enthusiasts but despite that, I'm really impressed about the DS4's elegant exterior that makes it more luxurious than the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. Consider it a good choice but for the pricing, the DS4 takes a minor damage against the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. It's up to you to decide how far the DS4 goes.

Photo: PSA Peugeot Citroen

Citroën C5 Second Generation - Phase II

2011 Citroen C5

The second generation Citroen C5 positioned as the flagship executive sedan that counters against rivals such as the Subaru Legacy, Honda Accord, Renault Laguna, Kia Optima, Hyundai Sonata, and Volkswagen Passat. Blessed with the dynamic styling cues that is "more German" than being French, the Citroen C5, in sedan and tourer grades, became a must have since it won the 2009 Semperit Irish Car of the Year and the 2008-2009 Japan Import Car of the Year.

In 2010, the Citroen C5 sedan and tourer are progressed even further by receiving its minor change. The minor change changes the headlamps' design by adding some kind of new "Dark Crystal" treatment and the tail lamp design has changed. The new face lift provides distinctive styling for their discriminative tastes. Also improved for Phase II is the improved Hydractive Suspension for the finest handling and cornering efficiency no matter which road conditions you're on such as dry tarmac, leafy roads, snowy roads, or cruising in the rain.

A new engine is added on the Citroen C5 II Phase II, which is none other than the new e-HDi 110 FAP engine equipped with micro-hybrid technology. The micro-hybrid technology provides an idling stop function that brings the e-HDi engine to a complete halt while being stationary, like for instance stopping at the red light. The primary transmission on the e-HDi 110 FAP engine is the 6-speed electronic-controlled manual transmission with paddle shifters. If you're not into that engine, there are other engine types available such as the HDi 140 FAP, HDi 160 FAP, V6 HDi 240 FAP, HDi 110 FAP, HDi 200 FAP, VTi 120, and the turbocharged THP 155.

My thoughts about the C5:
Citroen's flagship executive medium sedan, the C5, is much more than gaining its modest looks and modest behavior only a sophisticated executive would offer. With the second-generation Citroen C5 now on its second phase, it aims to be an efficient eco-car thanks to the new e-HDi engine with micro-hybrid technology. What's more enjoyable is the updated Hydractive Suspension for increased cornering levels. The new C5 sedan and tourer is the best of both worlds.

Photo: PSA Peugeot Citroen

Citroen C-ZERO

2011 Citroen C-ZERO

Zero, meaning none or a blank, which also means no value. In hybrid car terms, the number "zero" refers to zero emissions, a huge step for the clean future of the automotive industry. At the center of the number zero, the Citroen C-ZERO is born to be a zero, zero emissions for Europe.

Under the partnership between PSA Peugeot Citroen and Mitsubishi Motors, the Citroen C-ZERO is based on the Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric hybrid compact. Aside from that, Peugeot also uses the i-MiEV platform for its European OEM, the Peugeot i0n.

As a 100% Electric Vehicle, the Citroen C-ZERO is powered with the magnet synchronous motor, capable of releasing a power output of 64 bhp EEC/3,000-6,000 rpm and the torque output of 180 Nm/2,000 rpm. This motor is powered with the 330-volt lithium-ion battery system, which was sourced from Mitsubishi Motors in Japan.

Recharging the C-ZERO is simple as charging your portable devices. The C-ZERO comes with the 220-volt plug that can be charged to about 30 minutes to six hours.

My thoughts about the C-ZERO:
Since both the Citroen C-ZERO and the Peugeot i0n were made by Mitsubishi Motors, responsible for the i-MiEV, both of these eco cars were equipped with the YF41 electric motor and a lithium-ion battery. Both of these were offered exclusively for the European markets. Consider these a European-Japanese agreement when it comes for the future of the automotive industry going green.

Photo: PSA Peugeot Citroen

The different faces of the DS3...

2011 Citroen DS3

As a big fan of Citroen's hot hatch, the DS3, the first of the Citroen DS (Different Spirit) range, I love the way the DS3 behaves, especially I tried it on Forza Motorsport 3 (from the DLC and now the Ultimate Collection). Not only the DS3 is eco-friendly because of the diesel engine, this is truly a fun to drive hot hatch. I never realized that this anti-retro hot hatch has several faces on their own; two are for racing purposes and one is a very special one.

2011 Citroen DS3 Racing

Seen here is the Citroen DS3 Racing, the special modified version of the DS3, limited to just 1,000 units (not sure if its sold out already). This special DS3 comes with the 1.6 THP 200 engine, releasing a power output of just 202ps and it comes equipped with the six-speed manual transmission.

The coolest DS3 we wish to have...

2010 Citroen DS3 R3

2010 Citroen DS3 Rally Car Prototype

These two DS3 hatches are for racing purposes only (and every Forza 3 player who owned the DS3 can replicate these); first is the DS3 R3, this racing-spec DS3 is made for tarmac rally racing and suited under the FIA Group R3 regulations. The second is the DS3 all kitted up for next year's World Rally Championship with Loeb and Ogier piloting this... The DS3 will be the official Citroen Rally Car for next year's WRC, replacing the C4.

2011 Citroen DS3

The Citroen DS3 is an anti-retro hot hatch, and this is a perfect rally machine for the pros. I really really like the way the DS3 has been; fast, eco-friendly, and fun to drive!

Photo: PSA Peugeot Citroen

Citroen C4 II

2011 Citroen C4

The previous C4 wows the crowd because of two undeniable answers; the participation on World Rally Championship and the advertisement that the C4 transforms into a robot for coolness. Does this answers sounds cool? The C4 is no longer a rally car because the DS3 take place for the next WRC season, and for that, the outdated C4 is finally reborn in a fresh new second-generation basis. Welcome to the all-new, second-generation, Citroen C4.

The new C4's exterior truly celebrates to its name thanks to Citroen's design DNA and the front view is somewhat similar to the GTbyCitroen concept, providing the sportiness on this hatchback that does not need to be called eccentric or strange. It is a shame that the 3-door version of the C4 is not offered, but on the lighter side, it will be replaced by the sportier version of the C4, the DS4, to be launched next year. It seems odd that the DS4 is not a 3-door version of the C4 because of the secret rear doors offered. In the meantime, the new second generation C4 needs to be told first.

The new C4's exterior is truly a sports car in the making, but the new interior feels like a premium luxury sedan because of the luxurious features offered to keep the driver interested for more. What I personally like about the new C4 is the refreshed front seats because it resembles more like the seats commonly found on most sports cars. The leather upholstery adds a touch of class and perfects how the new C4's interior should be.

At the start, the new C4 carries various engines available; the diesel-fed 1.6-liter HDi, the 2.0-litre HDi, 1.6-litre VTi petrol engine, 1.4-litre VTi, and the range-topping 1.6-litre THP engine that comes with a turbocharger. Do not forget the new micro-hybrid 1.6-litre e-HDi engine. This new engine was made to be more of an eco-car because of its micro-hybrid technology. Most people looking for power may go for the 1.6L THP variant because of its turbocharged performance that it makes it worthy to be called a hot hatch, but for those looking for fuel efficiency may go on the 1.6L HDi 90 FAP variant because of less fuel consumption and less CO2 emissions. Depending on the variant, the available transmissions they will get is either a 5-speed MT, 6-speed MT, or 6-speed AT with Paddle Shifters (available on the new C4 e-HDi). The new C4 may be equipped with safe features such as Intelligent Traction Control, ESP, Lane Departure Warning, xenon dual-function directional headlamps, blind-spot monitoring system, cruise control, and speed-limiter.

My thoughts about the C4:
If this hatchback made a close encounter with the Opel Astra, Mazda Axela Sport, Lancia Delta, Kia Forte Hatchback, Hyundai i30, or even the Mitsubishi Galant Fortis Sportback, expect a huge dogfight on these hatchback rivals because neither a single car addict know the differences of these hatchbacks. The previous generation C4 may be good because of the Transformers-like ad, but the new second-generation Citroen C4 is now evolved from bland to glamor because of its premium features. This premium hatchback offered from Citroen has a unique taste most men would take granted for because this premium hatchback is made for their personal preference. Should you go for this or wait for the DS4? The choice is yours. The new C4 has a positive power within reach.



Photo: PSA Peugeot Citroen

The other brands' take on Mitsubishi i-MiEV

Last June 2009, Mitsubishi Motors commenced the launch of the world's first electric car in the public. The Mitsubishi i MiEV truly literates Mitsubishi Motors' brand slogan "drive@earth" and this is the electric car that started it all before the advent of the Nissan Leaf. About the i MiEV, this is the first car that it uses lithium-ion battery as its main source instead of gas fuel. It's powered by a YF41 hybrid engine that produces 64PS of power.

While waiting for Mitsubishi Motors Philippines to bring the i-MiEV to our shores, some brands trying to use the i-MiEV's body for some purposes... 

Take a look on what we got:

PSA Peugeot Citroen uses the Mitsubishi i-MiEV for their mainframe as their OEM versions known as the Peugeot i0n and the Citroen C-Zero, both of these i-MiEV OEMs will be on sale at the rest of the European peninsula this year. Not only that, there is also something that you shouldn't believe:

Mitsuoka Motors, the brand behind the aggressive Orochi coupe, the Morgan Roadster-cloned Mazda Roadster-based Himiko, and the Galue sedan, unveiled their modified version of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, known as Like. But why Like? What do they like most? The only thing Japanese like the Like is for its hybrid capacity. Even it is an electric vehicle based from the i-MiEV, the exterior design is another part of the Mitsuoka story.

No matter which country you are on, no matter which style do they look on their i-MiEV, this electric vehicle is a part of the commitment for the eco-lovers. With the rising gas-prices, and the case of global warming, this electric vehicle will once save the world.

Citroen DS3

Citroen DS3

This is the real force created from Citroen. The DS3 is not your everyday sports compact coupé destined to rise against the competition. This sports compact 3-door is the first of Citroen's new DS (meaning Different Spirit)range, a new range providing a striking design, impressive performance, and a completely new level of packaging, giving the brand slogan "créative technologie" out with the figurative, and in with the literate.

This is how customers can clearly claim that it can attack the Mini Cooper S within a single look because the exterior of the DS3 has a stylish two-tone color that is similar to the Mini Cooper, especially the style language that Citroen used for their concept cars in past motor shows and other production cars, including the new C3 as well.

There is good news for those who want to buy the DS3; personalization is the best aspect for the DS3 because customers can choose their own color combinations of the DS3, both inside and out. When the customer is done choosing their own color combination, the customer gets a personalized car key accessory that matches the owner's car color. The DS3's personalization is mostly like Lexus LS's L-Select program for Japanese customers, as they say it.

Being a Low Emission Vehicle is not a hindrance for the DS3 because this sports compact is available at five selectable engines; three gasoline engines (VTi 95, VTi 120 and THP 150) co-developed by BMW, and two HDi diesel engines (90bhp or 110bhp) with Citroën's DPFS. (Diesel Particulate Filter System) A 4-speed automatic, a 5-speed, or a 6-speed manual transmission provides customers which transmission is best suited for the DS3's taste. Most think that the 6-speed manual transmission is their best bet for the job because it gives them a little zest to this car.

My thoughts about the DS3:
With Citroen's Different Spirit range appeared, the DS3 is truly their first offering to this new line-up. With all the customizations and the engine choices, this is surely to be the top of Citroen for this year. With the competition still hanging up, the DS3 will surely send the competition to their grave. Like they said "out with the old, and in with the new”, the DS3 is surely a real force destined to rid of something retro.



Photo: Citroen

New Citroen C3

This is not a Citroen C3 like the one you seen before. One look of the new Citroen C3 surprises compact car lovers with the bold new surprises. You may acknowledge that this C3 is not the C3 of yesteryears; this C3 has reached fun to a completely new level.






What is new to the C3, you ask? For starters, the exterior design carries Citroen's new design flow, with the addition of the world's first zenith windscreen. The zenith windscreen increased the windscreen's height, giving drivers a massive view to the sky. Imagine driving through thie night and see the pretty stars noticeably with this windscreen.

Aside from the amazing look, the new C3 carries four gasoline engines (four petrol engines - 1.1i 8V, 1.4i 8V, 1.4 16V VTi and 1.6 16V VTi engine) and three diesel engines (1.4HDi 8V, 1.6HDi 16V and 1.6HDi 16V engine) to choose from. Depending on the engine type, the new C3 delivers loads of innovation features, such as the Gear Efficiency Indicator for manual transmissions only, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability program, speed limiting cruise control, six airbags, and the best sound-absorbing materials only the C3 has to offer.







While checking out the new C3's interior, you should know that this car’s best served with the zenith widescreen that provides total free view on the road. No new C3 is come informative without the newly designed instrumental cluster that provides the driver what was the C3 going on. Aside from the new instrumental paneling, an optional navigation system come in handy, and the optional Bluetooth connectivity provides Bluetooth-powered phones a wireless need.

HOW WAS THIS?

Good things come to small packages, so that is why the all new Citroen C3 with the world's first zenith windscreen adds more fun, more thrills, and more to come from the owners who wished to try the new C3. Enjoy!

Source: http://leopauldelr.multiply.com/reviews/item/177

Citroen C3 Picasso

The newest member of the Citroen Picasso line-up, ranging from the aging Xsara Picasso, the C4 Picasso, and the Grand C4 Picasso, is all revved up to show the Kia Soul and Toyota Corolla Rumion boxy rivals who is the boss. Welcome to the Citroen C3 Picasso, the newest addition of the Picasso range.



Judging by its funky exterior, the C3 Picasso can be somewhat plain but aggressive in the eyes of the hardcore driver. Nevertheless, what I can say is the design of the C3 Picasso looks similar to the Kia Soul compact crossover. Imagine if a driver parked the C3 Picasso near the Kia dealership, the dealers might mistake it for a Kia Soul.

Step inside the C3 Picasso and you will be amazed by the panoramic glass roof that gives them more time to peek at the stars and the blue sky while laying down on the foldable seats, which is of course, part of the Picasso trick to have owners fold the seats to create various seating arrangement for various situations. The front glass has an extended height, designed to increase driving visibility and awareness while driving the C3 Picasso. There are various options available for the C3 Picasso, including the Citroen MyWay navigation system that takes you places you want to see, air purifier to bring aromatic fragrance inside, and automatic climate control. It even has the USB/iPod connectivity as an option.

A host of gasoline engines and diesel engines are available for the C3 Picasso, including the 1.6L, 16 Valve, HDi engine that has 110PS of power and approved for Euro4 emission standards. Most variants are equipped with the 5-speed manual transmission. The C3 Picasso also has Power Steering, Anti-lock Braking System, and Electronic Stability Program (as an option) for increased stability.

My thoughts about the C3 Picasso:
Try to park the C3 Picasso at the Kia dealership. A few seconds later, the dealers might confuse the C3 Picasso for the Kia Soul. Anyway, the Citroen C3 Picasso is the compact MPV that is the newest member of the Citroen Picasso range, consisting of the outdated Xsara Picasso, C4 Picasso, and the Grand C4 Picasso. Just try to impress everyone with the most stylish addition of the Picasso range. If looks can kill, it would be such an endless story for you.


Source: http://leopauldelr.multiply.com/reviews/item/251