On-Board Wi-Fi from Citroen

French manufacturer Citroen is getting ready to tap deeper into the infotainment features of its cars after announcing it will provide on-board wireless Internet connection for some of its vehicles. According to the carmaker, the new feature is already available on the C3 Picasso and C4 Picasso, the New C3 and DS3. By the end of the summer, all Citroen models will receive the system, which is being offered as an option for EUR500.

The wireless connection is provided by a Wi-Fi box fitted into the car. The box features a 3G/3G+ SIM card, to be purchased from the customer's Internet provider of choice. The system gives all those inside the car Internet access from any portable devices, like laptops or smart phones. The Wi-Fi is operational round the clock, regardless of the car's stance.

Citroen also though of protecting your pocket, so the roaming feature is off by default, so that the system doesn't pick up the signal from another Internet provider.

Separately, Citroen announced earlier this month it will begin fitting its models with a second-generation Stop-Start system, starting with the third quarter of the year. Developed by Valeo, the system will be paired with the HDi diesel engines from the Peugeot and Citroen ranges and will be features on both manual and automated manual transmissions models.

According to PSA and Valeo, the main change in the new system is the fact that the control electronics in the i-StARS module are integrated into the electrical machine.