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Citroen Gallery

We take a look back at some of the highlights from the French firm's history.

April 2008

It's red alert time for Citroen fans! Next week Auto Express will reveal the look of the exciting new C3 supermini. For exclusive images and all the info be sure to pick up the next issue of the magazine, which is on sale from Wednesday 16 April.

In the meantime, we've gathered together some of the most important and interesting models from the company's long history - from the Traction Avant, through to the DS and onto the latest C5.

Despite a turbulent past that has seen the company close to bankruptcy on more than one occassion, it has still managed to pioneer innovative technology that's left the competition looking distinctly old-fashioned.

So, see if you can pick your favourite from this eccentric firm's varied line-up.
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Citroen C5   Citroen C6   Xsara WRC   Citroen Saxo VTS
1. Citroen C5
The new C5 is a giant leap ahead of its lacklustre predecessor. With good looks, great build and a capable chassis it now challenges for class honours. It's also the first Citroen to be made available with either conventional steel springs or hydro-pneumatic suspension.


  
2. Citroen C6
The latest Citroen C6 harks back to the elegant big Citroens of the past thanks to distinctive styling, a luxuriously appointed interior and electronically-controlled suspension. However, it can't match the German competition for driver thrills or residual values.


  
3. Xsara WRC
The Xsara WRC was one of the most successful rally cars in the world. In the hands of French ace Sebastien Loeb the turbocharged four-wheel drive machine won three consecutive driver's and manufacturer's world titles, before being replaced by the C4 in 2007.


 
4. Citroen Saxo VTS
Although entirely conventional in its design, the Saxo VTS proved to be hugely popular. The flyweight hot hatch was a hit with boy racers and tuners, boosting Citroen's sales and introducing the brand to a new generation of buyers.
 
Citroen BX   Citroen SM   Citroen GS   Citroen DS
5. Citroen BX
This was the car that saved Citroen in the UK. Less adventurous than previous models, it lured in scores of new buyers. It still featured hydro-pneumatic suspension and innovations such as composite body panels. Over a period of 12 years more than 2.3 million examples found homes.


  
6. Citroen SM
The SM is one of the most sought after Citroens. With rakish styling, a luxurious interior and powerful Maserati V6 powerplant, it proved to be a capable and quick GT car. However, complicated mechanicals means expensive and meticulous maintainence is required.


  
7. Citroen GS
The stunning GS brought executive sophistication to the family car sector. Hydro-pneumatic suspension, excellent aerodynamics and advanced air-cooled motors meant that it instantly made the opposition look old-fashioned when it was launched in 1970.


  
8. Citroen DS
By the time the DS finally bowed in 1976 it was still considered one of the most advanced cars available. By this time it had added directional headlamps and fuel injection to its list of standard kit.
 
Hydro-pneumatics   Citroen DS   Citroen 2CV   Traction Avant
9. Hydro-pneumatics
It was the hydro-pneumatic suspension that really made the DS stand out. Using a combination of nitrogen gas and hydrauiic fluid the system was self-levelling and gave the big Citroen its trademark 'magic carpet' ride.


  
10. Citroen DS
The DS stunned the world when it was revealed at the 1955 Paris Motor Show. Futuristic styling, together with hydraulic contol of the suspension, steering and gearchange meant it was years ahead of its time.


  
11. Citroen 2CV
The 2CV was intended as cheap transport for France's rural population. It could easily accommodate a family of four, while long travel suspension soaked up the bumps of poorly maintained roads. Early cars had 375cc two-cylinder motor with just 9bhp!


  
12. Traction Avant
The Traction Avant was the car that cemented Citroen's reputation for technical innovation. It was the first mass-produced motor to feature front-wheel drive and monocoque chassis. Incredibly, it survived in production for 22 years - from 1934 to 1957.
 
 
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