Conferinta de presa CITROEN la Geneva Motor Show 2013

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Citroën Press Conference at Geneva Motor Show 2013 by Frédéric Banzet, Citroën Brand CEO.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpA49El0 ... e=youtu.be" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; - 12:40 minute

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2013 Citroën DS3 Cabrio puts its canvas back

The Citroen DS3 Cabrio bowed at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. The drophead version of the French hatch retains its five-seat configuration and offers one of the largest cargo areas of any cars in the segment. The convertible uses a folding top akin to that of the diminutive Fiat 500C, wherein the roof rails remain in place while the canvas peels back in neat folds. As a result, the car looks just like its hardtop sibling with top up, and Citroen says buyers will be able to open the roof at speeds of up to 75 miles per hour.

The DS3 Cabrio will be available with three engine options, including an 82-horsepower, 1.2-liter three-cylinder, a 120-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder and a 155-horsepower 1.6-liter four pot. Customers in the UK can expect to shell out 15,045 pounds for the base engine, though prices stretch all the way to 19,675 pounds for the 155-horse variant with no options.
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NEW CITROËN DS3 CABRIO: ESCAPE THE ORDINARY

- Citroën launches DS3 Cabrio, a new soft-top version of the highly successful DS3
- Available now for pre-orders, with first deliveries from the official 'on sale' date of 1 March
- Three versions introduced, priced from £15,045 to £19,675 MRRP OTR
- Seven body colours, three roof designs & nine wheel styles to choose from
- The only five-seater in the segment
- Biggest boot in the class (245-litres), with innovative tailgate opening mechanism
- Electric soft-top operates at up to 75mph & closes in just 16 seconds
- All the style of DS3 hatchback, combined with the open-top fun of a convertible

05/02/13 -- Citroën DS3 Cabrio is the latest advance in the distinctively styled DS line. A cabrio version of the multi-award winning DS3, this exciting new model features intelligent design and dazzling looks to make top-down driving considerably easier and even more enjoyable.

Launched almost three years ago, DS3 has proved an outstanding success for Citroën with over 200,000 sold worldwide, including more than 36,000 registered in the UK alone. Boasting enhanced personalisation possibilities with a range of roof designs, a series of special editions, a Racing version and Ultra Prestige models, DS3 has played a major role in boosting awareness of the expanding DS line. Overall, sales of DS3, DS4 and DS5 have already topped the 300,000 mark globally in just 30 months.

DS3 Cabrio boasts all the hallmarks that have made the hatchback so successful - bold styling, sophisticated refinement, extensive personalisation and a thoroughly enjoyable driving experience - combined with the pleasure of al-fresco motoring.

DS3 Cabrio leads the way for occupant space as the only five-seater in its class and features the biggest boot in the segment at 245-litres VDA. The electrically operated folding roof can be fully opened or closed at speeds of up to 75mph - which is also unique in this segment - and takes just 16 seconds to fully close. Top down driving has never been so easy.

BUYER PROFILE & COMPETITORS
The 'B2' convertible market is dominated by female buyers and DS3 Cabrio's customer profile will largely reflect existing demand with owners typically aged 35+ with a strong female bias. In this segment, a high proportion of buyers are also 'young at heart' with older, more independent children at home. It will also attract younger couples and single people, both male and female, looking for a vehicle that reflects their personality - offering distinctive styling, prestige, excitement, a sporty drive and a sense of escapism.

The UK is one of the biggest markets for convertibles in Europe and is expected to be one of the principal markets for DS3 Cabrio. The new models will compete with core 'B2' segment convertible models such as the Fiat 500C and MINI Convertible. Thanks to class-leading occupant space and boot volume, DS3 Cabrio is also expected to appeal to prospective buyers of convertibles in other market sectors, such as the Mazda MX5 or Renault Mégane CC.

Offering all the pleasure of soft-top motoring without the usual compromises in terms of space, functionality or economy, Citroën DS3 Cabrio offers prospective buyers the opportunity to 'escape the ordinary'.

OUTSIDE IN
DS3 Cabrio retains the hatchback's unique personality, with the same compact, dynamic proportions and bold styling choices from the 'floating' two-tone roof and 'shark fin' B-pillar to the sculpted front-end with its distinctive LED light signature.

Maintaining the DS line's extensive customisation levels, DS3 Cabrio is available in seven body colours with three colour-coordinated roof designs for a choice of fourteen combinations. There are nine different wheel styles, to let owners express their personality even further, and buyers can specify 16" or 17" alloys in a range of colours and designs.

Extensive chrome detailing, such as across the top of the boot lid and on the side rubbing strips, highlights the model's charismatic design, with dark tinted rear windows adding a further stylish touch.

At the rear, DS3 Cabrio boasts an eye-catching three-dimensional LED light signature. The all-new 3D LED tail-light technology was inspired by the designs on Citroën's Revolte and Survolt concept cars. The central part of the light is comprised of a rectangular set of 31 LEDs with semi-reflecting mirrors that reflect the light into 'infinity'. A 15-LED blade on the upper part of the light emphasises the 3D unit and acts as both side and brake lights. A chrome-finished DS logo, in an embossed black DS setting, is also incorporated into the design.

RAISE THE ROOF
One of DS3 Cabrio's standout features is its electric fully retractable, high quality canvas roof, which can be operated at speeds of up to 75mph. Unique in the segment, this important feature allows drivers to react to the weather without having to stop or slow down - even when they are on the motorway.

A button on the overhead console controls the roof to three positions - intermediate, horizontal and total - with the roof fully opening or closing in just 16 seconds. Even in the horizontal setting, rear passengers get a completely clear view overhead.

The roof is available in three designs - Black, Infinite Blue and Moondust Grey DS Monogramme. The sophisticated Infinite Blue canvas comprises delicate hues of blue and violet. The visual effect is created by a weave of three different coloured threads, one of which is shiny, with each thread reacting differently to changes in light conditions. Referencing products from luxury goods manufacturers, the DS logo featured on the Monogramme canvas roof is a subtle design achieved by contrasting two 'Jacquard' grey tones with a Moondust Grey base.

INSIDE OUT
Inside, DS3 Cabrio offers a distinctive and sophisticated cabin for both the driver and passengers. There is white LED ambient lighting around the ceiling console and white lights in the instrument cluster. The high quality soft-top material delivers standard-setting soundproofing comparable to DS3 hatchback, with some of the best acoustic insulation against road noise and the elements in its class. When the roof is open, an aerodynamic front deflector provides optimum acoustic comfort by deflecting air currents and preventing air buffeting.

All-new upholstery choices are available, including Granite Blue leather. The décor on the dashboard strip, air vent surrounds and gear knob are colour-coded to the body paint and soft-top. There are six décor choices available - Aluminium effect, Gloss Black, White, Carbon Fibre effect, Infinite Blue and Moondust Grey.

Chrome and leather touches, on the gear knob and gear lever surround, handbrake and steering wheel further exemplify DS3 Cabrio's premium personality. For a sporty touch, aluminium drilled foot pedals are also available.

CRÉATIVE TECHNOLOGIE ONBOARD
DS3 Cabrio inherits all the convenient technology of the hatchback, including Citroën's integrated satellite navigation system, eMyWay, which features a high-resolution 7-inch colour widescreen, Europe-wide navigation and Bluetooth® and USB connectivity.

Rear parking sensors are standard across the range, providing added reassurance when parking with the roof down. For added occupant comfort, whatever the weather, automatic digital air conditioning is also available.

A CLASS APART
At 3.95m long, 1.71m wide and 1.46m high, DS3 Cabrio offers virtually the same amount of occupant space as DS3 hatchback and even retains the 60/40 split-folding rear bench. Accommodating up to five adults, which is a unique achievement in this class, all three rear occupants benefit from ample leg room and individual head rests.

DS3 Cabrio offers a class leading boot with a capacity of 245-litres VDA. The tailgate also features an original opening mechanism, which uses a circular upwards motion allowing the boot to be fully opened even when parked close to obstructions. For loading larger items, the split-folding rear seats can be tumbled forward with ease.

Boot Volume Comparison / (Litres)
DS3 Cabrio / 245
MINI Convertible / 125
Fiat 500C / 185

AIR & DYNAMICS
Adding to a range praised for its enjoyable handling - and boasting a strong WRC pedigree - DS3 Cabrio remains a pleasure to drive with the optimised architecture retaining the agile and responsive feel of the original DS3.

Featuring the same technical platform and high-precision drivetrains as the hatchback, with additional strengthening at the rear for maximum rigidity, DS3 Cabrio delivers the same eager handling that makes the DS3 range so enjoyable behind the wheel. At the same time DS3 Cabrio offers the highest levels of comfort, control and safety, putting the driver firmly in control on the road.

DS3 Cabrio's engineers focused on efficiency and minimising weight during the design process. The new model is just 25kg heavier than the hatchback. Typically convertibles are around 100kg more than their equivalent hatchback versions.

The rear spoiler and deflectors on the rear quarter-lights mean the aerodynamics - SCx of 0.69m2 - are identical to the hatchback with the roof closed, enhancing the model's performance and helping to reduce CO2 emissions.

EFFICIENT POWER
DS3 Cabrio will be available from launch with a choice of three refined and efficient Euro V petrol engines - VTi 82, VTi 120 and THP 155. The VTi engines are mated with 5-speed manual gearboxes and the THP 155 is twinned with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Fuel economy is up to 57.6mpg on a combined cycle, with CO2 emissions from just 112g/km.

A Gear Efficiency Indicator (GEI) is also fitted as standard that signals the optimum moment to change gear - saving fuel and encouraging economically efficient driving.

SAFETY FIRST
- DS3 Cabrio maintains the high levels of safety offered by the DS3 hatchback range, including;
- ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Driver's, front passenger's, front lateral & curtain airbags
- Cruise control with speed limiter
- Isofix child seat anchorage points
- Citroën's award-winning eTouch Emergency & Assistance system, which automatically or manually makes geo-localised emergency or assistance calls using a built-in SIM card, for rapid intervention in the event of an accident or if the car is immobilised

PRICES & TRIMS
DS3 Cabrio is available in the DS line's three signature trim levels - DSign, DStyle & DSport - with ownership starting at £15,045 for the VTi 82 DSign rising to £19,675 for the THP 155 DSport. The most popular model is forecast to be the VTi 120 DStyle at £17,425 and the sales split is expected to be approximately 65% retail and 35% fleet/business.
TRIM / CO2 EMISSIONS / MRR OTR PRICE
VTi 82 DSign / 112 / £15,045
VTi 120 DStyle / 136 / £17,425
THP 155 DSport / 137 / £19,675

Generously specified across all trim levels, this is a summary of standard equipment:

DSIGN
• ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) & Emergency Braking Assistance (EBA
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Driver's, front passenger's, front lateral & curtain airbags
• Cruise control with speed limiter
• Electrically adjustable door mirrors
• 3D LED rear lights
• Front fog lights
• Black 'Touch' fabric roof
• RDS stereo radio/MP3 compatible CD player with steering mounted controls & six speakers
• Chrome side rubbing strips, door handles & door sill protector
• Dark tinted rear windows
• GEI (Gear Efficiency Indicator)
• 'Black panel' night-time instrument lighting
• Sport suspension
• Front electric windows with 'one-touch' operation on the driver's side
• Rear parking sensors

DSTYLE adds:
• Air conditioning
• Interior mood lighting
• Chrome front fog light surrounds, front grille surround & insert on rear number plate moulding
• Gloss black painted centre console
• Leather handbrake with chrome insert & chrome gear surround
• Leather effect gear knob
• Scented air freshener
• 16" 'Ashera' alloy wheels (set of four)
• Signature daytime running LEDs
• Gloss black dashboard

DSPORT adds:
• Anti-theft alarm
• Citroën eTouch Emergency & Assistance system
• Double chrome exhaust pipe
• High quality leather steering wheel with chrome inserts
• Front & rear carpet mats
• Connecting Box - Bluetooth® system with USB socket & Hi-Fi System
• Automatic digital air conditioning
• 17" 'Bellone' alloy wheels (set of four)
• Carbon fibre effect dashboard

INSURANCE GROUP RATINGS
DS3 Cabrio is offered with competitive insurance ratings from as low as 10E for the VTi 82 DSign.

The rating for each model is shown below:
TRIM / INSURANCE RATING
VTi 82 DSign / 10E
VTi 120 DStyle / 16E
THP 155 DSport / 23E

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Citroën Technospace Concept has fewer glowsticks than we would have thought

If you want to know where the design of the Citroen C4 Picaso is headed, look no further than the Technospace Concept. Citroen displayed the people mover at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, saying it represents a forthcoming shift in the company's MPV strategy. The next-generation C4 Picaso promises buyers substantially lower emissions with a compact design that offers more space indoors. That's thanks in part to the use of the company's new Efficient Modular Platform, which should allow the five-door to yield up to 19 cubic feet of cargo volume.

While no details are available on the production C4 Picaso interior, the Technospace Concept offers up touch-sensitive controls indoors with a massive 12-inch high-definition screen mounted in the upper dash. It also offers a "Relax" seat for the front passenger. No, we don't know what that means any more than you do. Hit the press release below for more details.

CITROËN TECHNOSPACE: CREATIVE DESIGN AND ONBOARD TECHNOLOGY

After unveiling the exterior of the CITROËN TECHNOSPACE, CITROËN is now revealing the interior of the concept car.

Like the outside, the inside of the CITROËN TECHNOSPACE ushers in a new era. It features all the strong points that have made CITROËN a recognised player in the MPV segment, namely space, brightness and class-leading visibility. But the cabin stands out most of all through its "loft" spirit, with a pared-down atmosphere, top-quality materials and a host of technologies to increase the well-being of motorists, including a fully touch-sensitive driving interface with a panoramic 12-inch high-definition screen and a "Relax" seat for the front passenger.

The concept car previews the new CITROËN C4 PICASSO, set for launch in the second half of 2013. The model will mark a new phase in CITROËN's momentum and shake up the codes in the MPV sector with:

- record low CO2 emissions of 98 g/km, achieved through the new Efficient Modular Platform 2 (EMP2) combining efficient architecture and optimised mass;

- all-new proportions blending compact design (L: 4.43m / W: 1.83m / H: 1.61 m), best-in-class cabin space and standard-setting boot capacity (537 litres VDA);

- strong and expressive styling with dynamic lines and high-tech headlamps together with 3D-effect rear lights inspired by the Brand's latest concept cars.

The CITROËN TECHNOSPACE concept car will be presented at the Geneva Motor Show.

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Citroën C3 is updated for hatchback battling in 2013 [w/video]

As promised, Citroën has brought along its new C3 to Geneva this year, with high hopes that the hatchback will be a strong competitor versus the hegemony of Golf in the European compact market. (And a worsening market, at that.)

The C3's gigantic windshield is still in place for the 2013 model year, though revisions to the grille, LED running lamps, taillights and front/rear fascias can be seen. Engine choices now include two three-cylinder gasoline engines, in 68- and 82-horsepower flavors, as well as a 120-hp, 1.6-liter four-cylinder. A very Gallic selection of four diesel motors is also on tap, with outputs ranging from 70 to 115 horsepower. UK buyers will see the new C3 in dealerships starting this summer.

Citroën's full press release for the updated C3 can be found below, and our live images from Geneva are in the attached gallery. You'll also find the official C3 debut video, just below.

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NEW CITROËN C3 TO MAKE WORLD DEBUT AT GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

- World premiere of newly restyled Citroën C3 at Geneva Motor Show
- New styling, interior designs, technology & improved engine performance
- PureTech petrol engines offer 15% power increase & 25% cut in fuel consumption
- Almost 3 million Citroën C3 models sold worldwide since 2002

22/02/13 -- The new Citroën C3 will make its world debut at the 83rd Geneva Motor Show next month. Having sold almost 3 million examples since the model's launch in 2002, this already popular model now has fresh features to strengthen and enhance its appeal.

This latest Citroën C3, which is set for launch in early summer 2013 in the UK, reasserts its unique qualities with;
- 'Créative Technologie' in the shape of the panoramic Zenith windscreen, a proven success with customers that provides best-in-class visibility
- Efficient engines to deliver CO2 emissions as low as 87g/km, with the option of the brand's new PureTech 3-cylinder petrol powerplants that deliver up to 15% more power and a 25% reduction in fuel consumption compared to the previous generation 4-cylinder units they replace
- More personality with assertive styling, a revitalised front end and new tail lights
- Even more occupant comfort with enhanced upholstery choices and new equipment including a reversing camera to make manoeuvres easier

UNIQUE PERSONALITY WITH NEW STYLING
The exterior of the new Citroën C3 combines soft curves with dynamic taut lines. A restyled front end creates a new 'face' with updated chevrons and bumper-mounted LED daytime running lights. There are expressive new tail light clusters combined with new reflectors set underneath the rear bumper. A new Ink blue body paint is also available, expanding the range's palette to a total of nine colours.

Inside, the cabin is finely crafted with top-quality materials, including chrome detailing and a thermo-coated soft-touch dashboard. This can be underlined with new dashboard strips in matt black, a warm brown or Moondust grey, which coordinate with the new style upholstery. The instrument cluster is also backlit in white for a contemporary look and easier-to-read driving information.

COMPACT YET SPACIOUS
One of the most compact vehicles in its segment - 3.94m long & 1.71m wide - with a 10.8m turning circle, the new C3 is perfectly proportioned for city driving, and also offers a spacious and practical interior.

The 300-litre boot is among the largest in its class and there is an abundance of storage compartments, including in the central console, glove box and central armrest. The semi-high seats make for easy access and give occupants a commanding view of their surroundings.

OFFERING NEW AUTOMOTIVE EXPERIENCES
The new Citroën C3 retains the unique Zenith windscreen - a standout feature of the model - which provides best-in-segment visibility and is a true technological feat for a whole new driving experience. The Zenith windscreen increases the upward field of vision for front passengers by 80° and combines with ultra-slim pillars to give a panoramic view of the road ahead. The screen also provides solar protection at the top, which gradually merges into clear glass for an optimum field of vision.

Engineered for comfort on the road, with a cabin that is well insulated against external noise and vibration, the new Citroën C3 is even available with an integrated air freshener that gives all occupants a real sense of well-being.

For added user convenience, the new Citroën C3 is available with a reversing camera and parking sensors, together with equipment such as an RD4 MP3 audio system, Connecting Box (Bluetooth® hands-free kit, jack plug and USB socket), eMyWay navigation and a powerful HiFi System®.

IMPRESSIVE & EFFICIENT PERFORMANCE
At ease in the city or out on the open road, the new C3 offers well-balanced road manners, closely controlled kerb weight, optimised drag of only 0.30 and a range of responsive and efficient engines.

The new C3 can be powered by Citroën's new-generation PureTech 3-cylinder petrol engines with a 1.0 or 1.2-litre capacity. Lively and responsive to drive, but fuel and CO2 efficient, some 52 patents were filed in the development of the new engines to help bring down weight and bulk, optimise combustion and reduce friction with the aim of improving fuel and CO2 efficiency by around 25%.

The VTi 68 and VTi 82 PureTech engines achieve impressively low fuel consumption, between 62.8 and 65.7mpg, and CO2 emissions between 99 and 104g/km. A VTi 120 engine is also available with a manual or automatic gearbox.

In addition, the new Citroën C3 will be available in the UK with four diesel engines - HDi 70, e-HDi 70, HDi 90 and e-HDi 115. The three powerplants with the brand's micro-hybrid e-HDi technology boast the most efficient Stop & Start system on the market with some of the best fuel efficiency and lowest CO2 emissions in the class - from as low as 87 g/km.