Beijing show: Citroen outs trio of China cars

CITROEN has revealed a new C6 flagship sedan and an electrified version of the C-Elysee sedan at the Beijing motor show, while its DS sister brand uncovered an updated DS 4S hatchback, but none of the models will be making it to Australian shores for now.

Like many brands, Citroen and DS manufacture vehicles specifically for the booming Chinese automotive market – with joint-venture partner Dongfeng – but with different new-car regulations and standards, the vehicles are rarely a good fit for other regions.

Citroen's Australian distributor Sime Darby Motors Group PR and communications manager Tyson Bowen told GoAuto that there was no chance of the trio of Chinese cars ending up on Australian forecourts.

“The C-Elysee is a sedan version of the C4 hatch,” he said. “It's been in various markets for some time but not ours. It's a China-assembled vehicle and a China-only market proposition and the C6 is the same deal.

“PSA Group has a number of joint-venture partners and they develop some of the models specifically for that market and those are examples of those cars. They are all China domestic market models.”

In China, the demand for hybrid and electric vehicles continues to grow with the infrastructure and Citroen is aiming to capture a larger part of the zero-emissions market with an electrified version of its C-Elysee named the E-Elysee.

The pure-electric Citroen has a lithium-ion battery that can be fast-charged in 30 minutes or takes 6.5 hours with a normal mains charger, and can propel the E-Elysee up to 250km. The model is being showcased alongside its E-Mehari electrified sibling.

Citroen's C6 large sedan is looking to grab a portion of the “upper business D segment” with its “exceptional interior qualities”. According to the company, the car sets the highest standards in comfort for all occupants.

The DS 4S completes the trio of new hardware that made their debut in Beijing, bringing a new small hatchback that, like the Citroen C6, was designed in France but built in China.

The company says its 700-meter long stand at the show will help car enthusiasts better appreciate the new model's refinement and technology.