Two new models for Australia
Peugeot Citroen Australia has announced the arrival of two new models – the Peugeot 508 Touring wagon first shown in June, and the Citroen C5 Aircross medium SUV unveiled at the Shanghai motor show in April last year.
The 508 Touring will join the 508 liftback sedan that debuted at this year’s Geneva motorshow, with both body styles set to touch down in the middle of 2019.
Peugeot Citroen Australia, PCA, product planning manager Justin Narayan said the company was still finalising specification, but had to consider how extensive it wanted the 508 range to be given it played in a declining segment.
“There are many ways of looking at it, given the product is quite unique,” he said.
“I understand it lives in a segment which is more traditional, but the product does appeal to people maybe outside the segment given the swoopy design and fastback nature.
“There are two ways to approach it – offer large variety or small variety to the right people. We are still deciding.
“There are many avenues to decide how we take the product.
“It’s a big decision to make so we won’t do it lightly.”
While two petrol and four diesel engines are offered on the 508 globally, PCA will only take the petrol variants – a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder offering either 135kw or 168kw, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
PCA has ruled out a plug-in hybrid version for the time being, stating it would currently be a Euro-centric engine proposition.
The 508 Touring sits 20mm taller and 30mm longer than its liftback sedan sibling, and boasts a 530-litre storage capacity that expands to 1780L with the 60:40 rear seats folded.
Interior styling is packed full of French flair, featuring Peugeot’s small, low-set steering wheel, a 10.0-inch infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and eight-way power adjustable seats with massage function.
Citroen’s line-up will also be bolstered by the addition of the C5 Aircross medium SUV – also arriving in mid-2019 – which, at the time of its reveal, was not yet confirmed for right-hand-drive production.
When it drops, it will be positioned as the flagship model for the brand and, along with the C3 Aircross due in quarter one 2019, will give the brand two entrants in the ever-more-popular SUV segments.
First offering
The C5 Aircross is the first Citroen vehicle to offer the brand’s Progressive Hydraulic Cushions suspension system, which the company says improves damping quality for improved ride comfort.
Globally, it also features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, while other standard kit includes an 8.0-inch infotainment system, opening panoramic sunroof, heated front seats and safety kit such as autonomous emergency braking, active cruise control and active lane keep assist.
Australian powertrain choices are yet to be confirmed, however, at the C5 Aircross’ international launch Citroen said it would be the brand’s first model to be offered with a plug-in hybrid engine.
The hybrid teams a 147kw petrol engine with two electric motors for a combined output of 220kw, with a pure-ev driving range of about 60km.
Other potential internal-combustion options include the 1.6-litre turbopetrol from the 508, an 81kw-205nm 1.2-litre three-cylinder used in other PCA models, or if a diesel option is on the cards, a 97kw 1.5-litre or 119kw 2.0-litre unit is also available.
Both models are built on manufacturer PSA Group’s EMP2 platform which underpins other models such as the Citroen C4 Picasso, and Peugeot’s 3008 and 5008 SUVS.
However, not likely to be seen in Australia is the 508 SW first edition revealed at last week’s Paris motor show.
Set for release in select European countries, the First Edition adds a set of visual enhancements that set it apart from the regular 508 Touring.
It is distinguishable from the outside with a shiny black grille surround and Augusta twin-tone 19-inch alloy wheels with a grey dust varnish.
Three paint colours are available for the First Edition – dark blue, Pearly White and Amazonite Grey.
Inside, the First Edition scores Zebrano essence wood trim on the dashboard and boot floor, black or red leather upholstery, black headliner, LED mood lighting, aluminium pedals and specific door sills.
Velvet upholstery with flaps is also provided to protect the floor, boot sill and bumper during loading.
The First Edition also comes equipped with a Focal hi-fi sound system, as well as a wireless headset designed by Focal and the Peugeot Design Lab.