Photo: Citoren
The C-Elysee is the kind of model you don't really hear about if it's not on sale in the country you live in. But when seven-times WRC winner Sebastien Loeb drives one in the World Touring Car Championship, that may change a little.
Unlike his time in the rally competitions, the French driver seems set on finishing third, but with Citroen drivers sometimes occupying the whole podium, the manufacturer has no issues claiming the title. The choice of making the C-Elysee the model on which the championship car is based on might seem weird, but there is a valid explanation.
The C-Elysee was developed from the start as an international model, with the car having the most success in markets such as China, Turkey or Algeria. Since its launch in 2012, Citroen has sold over 400,000 cars, with 117,000 of them being registered last year alone (of which, 90,000 are currently driving on Chinese roads).
No doubt, the three consecutive WTCC titles helped with the model's success, as the C-Elysee isn't a particularly remarkable car. In fact, it's the kind of honest sedan that can only stand out due precisely to its discreet nature. The latest version has gone through a complete overhaul that gave it a new, broader radiator grille with chromed chevrons and a LED strip above the fog lights.
The rear has also received some attention and now has 3D-effect taillights that also help with newly gained visual broadness. There is a new alloy wheel design and two colors - Lazuli Blue and Steel Grey - that round off the aesthetic makeover.
On the inside, the same robustness can be found with durable, easy to clean materials and a no-fuss design. The C-Elysee's dashboard has now been redesigned to make room for the new 7-inch touchscreen interface, bringing the car's infotainment system up to date with Android Auto and Apple CarPay connectivity.
It comes with a choice of four engines: the PureTech gasoline unit developing 82 hp, the VTi version with 115 hp (also available with a six-speed automatic gearbox) or two diesel engines - 92 hp HDi and 100 hp BlueHDi. The new C-Elysee will go on sale during the first quarter of 2017.
The C-Elysee was developed from the start as an international model, with the car having the most success in markets such as China, Turkey or Algeria. Since its launch in 2012, Citroen has sold over 400,000 cars, with 117,000 of them being registered last year alone (of which, 90,000 are currently driving on Chinese roads).
No doubt, the three consecutive WTCC titles helped with the model's success, as the C-Elysee isn't a particularly remarkable car. In fact, it's the kind of honest sedan that can only stand out due precisely to its discreet nature. The latest version has gone through a complete overhaul that gave it a new, broader radiator grille with chromed chevrons and a LED strip above the fog lights.
The rear has also received some attention and now has 3D-effect taillights that also help with newly gained visual broadness. There is a new alloy wheel design and two colors - Lazuli Blue and Steel Grey - that round off the aesthetic makeover.
On the inside, the same robustness can be found with durable, easy to clean materials and a no-fuss design. The C-Elysee's dashboard has now been redesigned to make room for the new 7-inch touchscreen interface, bringing the car's infotainment system up to date with Android Auto and Apple CarPay connectivity.
It comes with a choice of four engines: the PureTech gasoline unit developing 82 hp, the VTi version with 115 hp (also available with a six-speed automatic gearbox) or two diesel engines - 92 hp HDi and 100 hp BlueHDi. The new C-Elysee will go on sale during the first quarter of 2017.
Google News