It's a fantastic time for enthusiasts of European midsize sedans. After the Peugeot 301, the SEAT Toledo and the Škoda Rapid, Citroën has just unveiled the all-new C-Elysée.
Riding on the same platform as the aforementioned Peugeot 301, the C-Elysée wears a more conservative styling than other members of Citroën's current lineup. It is a classic four-door sedan with a trunk lid instead of the brand's traditional hatchback, a configuration that is very popular in Eastern Europe and in Asia, the car's most important target markets.
Pictures of the sedan's interior were not released but it is expected to be very similar to the Peugeot 301's interior.
When it goes on sale at the end of this year, the C-Elysée will be offered with two gasoline engines and a lone turbodiesel. The gasoline lineup will consist of an all-new 72 horsepower 1.2-liter and a 115 horsepower 1.6-liter, while the diesel mill will be a time-tested 1.6-liter HDi that makes 92 horsepower.
Buyers will be asked to pick between an automatic or a manual gearbox. In both cases power will be sent to the front wheels.
Citroën claims that the C-Elysée is an affordable sedan but it is cautious not to use the term "low-cost." That being said, pricing information was not included in the press release.
Much like parent company Peugeot, Citroën is desperately trying to rely less on the depressed European market by increasing its presence in emerging markets all around the globe. Although it will be built in Vigo, Spain, the C-Elysée was developed exclusively with global markets in mind and Citroën does not plan on selling it in Western Europe.
What remains to be seen is what will happen to the current C-Elysée, a four-door variant of the 21-year old Citroën ZX sold only in China. Despite being horribly outdated, the car is still very popular among taxi drivers and fleet buyers.
