The Citroen C4 Aircross has been belatedly launched following its 2012 on-sale date, as the French brand's new Australian distributor takes control.
Originally released to market in July last year?by then-local distributor Ateco Automotive, priced from $31,990, the Citroen C4 Aircross has now been officially launched in Australia under its new management by Sime Darby Motors Group.
Featuring a similar overall package to the 2012-spec model – offered in front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive as one single-specification model – the 2013 Citroen C4 Aircross benefits from the addition of a reversing camera and a switch to driveaway pricing. The result sees buyers with the choice of the C4 Aircross Exclusive 4×2 for $31,990 driveaway or the C4 Aircross Exclusive 4×4 for $33,990 driveaway – a saving of around $3800 and $3890, respectively.
Sharing much mechanically with the Mitsubishi ASX and Peugeot 4008, the Citroen C4 Aircross compact SUV is powered by a 110kW/199Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine tied exclusively to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), with four-wheel-drive models offering a 'Lock' mode to maximize traction in slippery conditions. Combined fuel consumption figures sit at 7.9 litres per 100km for the 4×2 and 8.1L/100km for 4×4 models.
Practicality and safety are covered with the 4.34m-long and 1.80m-wide C4 Aircross boasting 384 litres of boot space (expandable to 1193L with rear seats folded flat), a panoramic glass roof, Bluetooth connectivity, seven airbags, electronic stability control with anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, hill-start assist and rear park assist.
Automatic headlights and wipers, cruise control, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, 18-inch alloy wheels and a three-year/100,000km warranty with three years roadside assist, complete the package.
Since taking the reins on February 1, Sime Darby Motors Group has been keen to expand on Citroen's 90 years in Australia, with the number of local dealerships growing to 23 (19 were operational under Ateco Automotive).
The group plans to see this reach 37 in the coming years as well as introduce a new DS Line bespoke concept wing as part of a dealership redevelopment. Starting from July 1, the new DS Line bespoke concept will allow customers to order variants of DS models customised to their individual requests, with deliver times varying from two weeks to three months depending on the options selected.
The Citroen C4 Aircross will be joined later in the year by the DS3 Cabrio?in July and new C3 in September.
