Citroën C-Elysée
| Company type | Subcompact car |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Citroën C-Elysée (first generation) |
| Founded | 2012 |
| Headquarters | Vigo , Spain |
| Products | Subcompact sedan cars |
Citroën C-Elysée is a B-segment subcompact sedan manufactured by the French automaker Citroën since 2012, first revealed at that year's Paris Motor Show. It is built on the same platform and shares numerous components with the Peugeot 301, which debuted concurrently. The vehicle underwent a refresh in November 2016.
History
On June 20, 2012, Citroën launched the second-generation C-Elysée in France, aligning with a worldwide expansion plan. Constructed on the front-wheel-drive PSA PF1 architecture—also utilized by models such as the Peugeot 208 and Citroën C3—the C-Elysée extended its reach beyond China.
The car shares exterior panels including doors, fenders, and the trunk lid with the Peugeot 301 but distinguishes itself with a unique front grille incorporating chrome bars arranged in the Citroën logo. The headlights draw inspiration from the second-generation C4 design. It features a wheelbase of 2.655 meters and an overall length of 4.44 meters, making it 14 centimeters longer than the previous generation.
Available powertrains consist of a 1.6 L HDi diesel engine producing 92 bhp, a 1.2 L three-cylinder EB2 petrol engine with 72 hp, and a 1.6 L EC5 petrol unit delivering 115 hp. Manufacturing takes place in Vigo, Spain for export markets including Southern and Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa; meanwhile, production for China began in 2013 at Wuhan through the Dongfeng Peugeot-Citroën joint venture.
In early 2016, Citroën introduced the C-Elysée to additional European markets such as Metropolitan France and Italy (previously limited to French overseas territories). European engine choices comprised an 82 bhp 1.2 PureTech petrol and a 99 bhp 1.6 BlueHDi diesel. The Chinese market continued to offer the 115 bhp 1.6 EC5 petrol engine.
2016 facelift
The November 2016 update brought a redesigned front grille that was broader, along with revamped front and rear light units featuring a three-dimensional style. Interior enhancements included a new 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The powertrain options remained consistent with prior offerings.
By 2018, the engine selection in Europe was streamlined significantly: only the 82 bhp 1.2-liter petrol and a newly introduced 100 bhp 1.5 BlueHDi diesel were available, while China maintained its use of the 115 bhp 1.6-liter petrol unit. In Poland, the older 99 hp 1.6 BlueHDi diesel persisted in the lineup. Production halted in several European countries such as France by early 2019; however, manufacturing continued at the Spanish facility for export purposes.
Citroën E-Elysée
Revealed at the Beijing Motor Show in April 2016, the E-Elysée was an electric concept derived from the C-Elysée platform, equipped with a lithium-ion battery offering an estimated range of 250 kilometers. Although it shared dimensions and exterior design elements with its combustion-engine counterparts, its weight increased due to battery installation. Intended exclusively for the Chinese market, this model never reached production.
Dongfeng Junfeng EV30 / Dongfeng Fukang E-Elysée
Following its replacement by the C3-L in China in 2020, the C-Elysée platform persisted through electric versions marketed under Dongfeng’s joint venture brands Junfeng and Fukang—the latter name paying homage to the original Citroën Fukang from 1992. These electric models launched as the Dongfeng Junfeng EV30 (2018) and Dongfeng Fukang E-Elysée (2021), primarily catering to driver training applications.
Citroën C3L
The C3L represents a crossover-sedan adaptation of the C-Elysée, manufactured solely for the Chinese market at the Wuhan facility. This model integrates styling cues from the C3-XR, another variant derived from the C-Elysée, and is characterized by its elevated suspension and protective plastic cladding on the bumpers and sides. Its dimensions are 4,505 mm in length, 1,748 mm in width, and 1,513 mm in height, supported by a wheelbase measuring 2,655 mm. The vehicle is equipped with a 1.2-liter VTi three-cylinder engine producing 114 horsepower and 190 Nm of torque, mated to a six-speed Aisin automatic gearbox. In China, the C3L took over from the C-Elysée model.
Motorsport
Citroën declared its participation in the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) in 2012, creating a test car based on the DS3 WRC and adapting its WRC engine for this competition. The team prepared for the introduction of TC1 regulations, which were implemented a year ahead of schedule in 2014 to facilitate Citroën’s earlier entry. This early adoption granted Citroën a seven-month advantage in development compared to rival teams. Supported by a significant budget and an accomplished driver roster, Citroën dominated the 2014 season by winning most races and securing the manufacturers' championship, while José María López earned the drivers' title. The team maintained this level of success throughout 2015 and 2016 before withdrawing at the close of 2016. Although Citroën vehicles continued to compete with privateer teams in 2017, they were surpassed by entries from Honda and Volvo.
External links
- Official Citroën C-Elysée page at the Citroën Media Center