Citroen has re-launched in Australia under the auspices of new importer Sime Darby, which takes over from Ateco Automotive this month.
The Sydney-based importer has renegotiated the model range, pricing and specification of the entire Citroen line-up, with most models receiving pricing cuts of around $2000 (read more about Citroen DS line pricing changes here).
The entry point to Citroen C3 (below) ownership has fallen by $6000, thanks to a new 1.2-litre three-cylinder C3 Seduction priced from $17,990 plus on-road costs. The previous starter, the auto-only 1.6-litre four-cylinder C3 Seduction, cops a $2000 price reduction, now $21,990 with no changes to specification. Topping the range is the manual-only 1.6-litre turbo-diesel C3 Seduction at $22,990 – also $2K less than before. All models get stability control, six airbags and Bluetooth connectivity standard.
The Citroen C4 (top) now starts at $19,990, with a manual version of the 1.6-litre four-cylinder C4 Attraction now available. Previously the entry car was available only as an automatic – the optional gearbox now $21,990, reduced by $1K. The mid-range Seduction models continue unchanged, at $22,990 (manual) and $24,990 (auto), while optioning the 1.6-litre turbo engine/auto drivetrain costs $32,490 – up $500. The C4 diesel range includes 1.6-litre turbo-diesel Seduction auto ($27,990 – unchanged) and Exclusive manual ($31,990) or auto ($32,990 – up $500). All Exclusive models now get satellite navigation standard.
A new turbo petrol 1.6-litre engine joins the C4 Picasso range from $37,490, with sunroof, split-opening tailgate and satellite navigation standard. The added equipment also affects the existing turbo diesel 1.6-litre model, which rises $1500 to $39,490.
The biggest price cuts affect the mid-sized Citroen C5 range (above), with the 1.6-litre turbocharged Seduction the new entry model, slashed by $3300 to $36,190, while the Exclusive trim line also drops by $2800 to $42,190. Turbo-diesel 2.0-litre Secuction ($39,190) and Exclusive ($45,190) models drop by $2300 and $1800 respectively, while a new turbo-diesel 2.2-litre Exclusive joins the range from $51,190. The flagship turbo diesel V6 Exclusive adds $200, now $57,190. All wagons command a $2000 premium.
Pricing for the C4 Aircross (below) is unchanged, but all models now include a rear camera standard. The Berlingo small van is also unchanged in both price and specification.
Citroen’s new importer expects C4 to take 20 per cent of total sales in 2013, with C5 and DS5 to each snare an 11 per cent share, Aircross, DS4 and Berlingo to nab 10 per cent, and Picasso and C3 to each get a six per cent slice.
Importer Sime Darby hopes to improve Citroen sales by 35 per cent in 2013, and double volume within three years.
