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Citroen celebrates 90 years by releasing new variants
Page 10
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By Colin Barnett CITROEN IS celebrating its 90th anniversary by seemingly coping with the recession better than many of its rivals.
Its share of the UK's crucial September market was 9.74%, and the company has benefitted from the government serappage scheme to the tune of 18.6%, according to Citroen itself.
Its investment in rebranding the dealer network continues; the plan to have 90 new business centres by the end of this year is on track.
It has increased its extensive range of Ready to Run conversions, as well as launched a new line-up of seven added-value Enterprise models, based on Nemo, Berlingo, Dispatch and Relay.
Standard spec on all models includes air-conditioning, electric mirrors and windows, central locking and Bluetooth, with rear parking sensors on versions with unglazed rear doors. Dispatch and Relay models also get a full steel bulkhead and SmartNav system.
Green technology Among the latest Ready to Run conversions is the KF'S Plant & Go, for the Relay 35 120hp and 160hp chassis. Complete with heaver tail to its 4,000mm long and 550mm-high load deck and loading ramps which double as body sides, it has a 1,600kg payload.
Looking forward to enhancing its green credentials, Citroen has begun a three-year programme with Ashwoods Automotive to develop hybrid versions of the Berlingo, Dispatch and Relay. In France, trials are underway with Li. Poste (the French Post Office) of a new-generation electric Reding() that has been developed in partnership with Venturi.
The launch of the van. with sodium nickel hydride batteries giving a top speed of 62mph and range of 75 miles, is expected in early 2010, although Citroen UK is watching the trials closely before committing to sales here.
• During the presentation, CM tried its Berlingo and Dispatch XTR+ enhanced traction models in extreme off-road conditions.
Although the course wasn't of Land Rover-challenging severity, it still represented the type of terrain that most operators would expect to encounter, with 100mmdeep mud baths, wet grassland and slippery chalk climbs, We slightly deviated from the programme by stopping on the steepest of the climbs to attempt a restart and were pleasantly surprised by the ease with which the Berlingo coped.
It does have limits, however, and it will never replace a true 4x4 in extreme situations, but for many, it will be more than adequate. •