Citroën C-Elysée Review

After more than four years, Citroën has prepared for us the rejuvenation of its successful Citroën C – Elysée model. Its predecessor was unveiled in 2012 and, together with Peugeot 301, was launched on the European markets that same year, then on the Chinese market in 2013. They are also celebrating success in sales, for example, on the Turkish or Algerian markets. Now it’s time for a lighter facelift, which is most noticeable in the redesign of the front part of the car, which makes it a significant competitor to other cars in the given category. However, it is still an affordable vehicle that is intended for the masses of undemanding customers.

With the rejuvenation as mentioned earlier, the C – Elysée now resembles its contemporary stablemates more closely. The new front fascia of the car is now more robust, giving it a much more pleasant, representative impression. The chrome grille with an integrated Citroën’s double arrow continuing as lines toward the front headlights, which are much larger compared to the older model. The front bumper has also been newly redesigned, in which the LED daytime running lights and fog lights are placed. These are integrated into the chrome frame, which goes into the sharp edge of the lower part of the bumper. The shape evokes and supports the dynamics of the front part of the car. The rear lights are newly equipped with a 3D effect, the light effect of which follows on from other Citroën vehicles. Overall, the back part of the car gives a calmer impression compared to the front part. The side silhouette of the car looks very balanced. A relatively short body overhang in front of the front axle and a longer one behind the rear axle gives the vehicle the aforementioned dynamics. This is further supported by a relatively significant break in the side part of the body, which starts from the front lights, then follows the edge of the fender with a light rounding and goes through the side doors to the rear headlights. The 16-inch San Diego wheels underline the overall dynamic impression.

The car’s interior retains its qualities and space from the previous model version. It is simple, straightforward, and spacious and does not give a cheap impression. The car seats are comfortable, and passengers in the back seats do not suffer from a lack of space. As part of the modernization, the dashboard underwent the most significant changes, into which a 7-inch touch display was built. The speedometer and tachometer alarm clocks have also been changed, between which (in higher trims) there is a new display showing driving data, such as trip counter, the total number of kilometers driven, fuel supply and, in the tested version with automatic transmission and selected driving mode. The current gear is displayed if the automatic transmission is switched to manual mode. The customer is offered the latest generation of audio and multimedia systems in the form of Citroën Connect Radio and Citroën Connect Nav, which are controlled via a 7-inch touchscreen display. The luggage compartment is quite accessible, although the body of the sedan with its fifth-door bend has certain limits. With a volume of 506 liters of space, it is sufficient for the given segment of the lower middle class.

There are two petrol engines 1.2 PURE TECH 82 with manual transmission and 1.6 VTi 115 with manual or automatic six-speed transmission. In the case of diesel engines, 1.6 HDi 92 and 1.6 HDi 100 are available. The tested version has the mentioned 1.6 VTi 115 petrol engine under the hood in combination with an automatic six-speed gearbox, i.e. 1.6 VTi 115 EAT6. As I already mentioned, the vehicle is intended for undemanding customers, which is why its driving performance is so “neutral”. The C – Elysée prefers a quiet ride, which is fully indulged in conjunction with the automatic transmission (in the case of the tested car). The chassis dampens bumps with great insight. The automatic transmission shifts smoothly. Only when you step on the gas hard, it takes a little longer to downshift than you would expect. However, you can switch the gearbox to manual control or sport mode, and everything is solved. The gearbox is designed more for city traffic. At 5th gear and 130 km/h on the highway, the engine revolutions are around 3250 rpm.

The car is relatively light, the tested 1.6 VTi 115 EAT6 with its 86 kW provides enough power.

Modernization with facelift undoubtfully improved the car compared to the original generation. Yes, the Citroen C – Elysée is a vehicle from a cheaper price category. We cannot expect excellent driving characteristics and a luxurious interior from it. Still, it must be said that it is honest, not unnecessarily ambitious, yet pleasant, and its external appearance does not offend anyone, not outrageous, quite the contrary.