Citroen going cheap

Firm to launch Essentiele budget brand Range and is likely to be kicked off by C-Cactus crossover model

Auto Express Car Reviews

28th September 2009

It's the return of back to basics motoring!

Our sources have revealed that Citroen is considering an even more affordable and eco-friendly sub-brand – and it could be launched next year.

The news follows Citroen’s official introduction of its premium DS badge at the Frankfurt Motor Show with the world debut of the DS3 supermini.

Rumoured to be called ‘Essentiele’, the new low-cost brand promises to be a different proposition altogether. Cars will be kept as simple as possible, with the first model to be launched under the Essentiele umbrella a production version of the C-Cactus crossover concept seen at Frankfurt in 2007.

Built on the C4 platform, it could offer powertrain options including fully electric, a petrol-electric hybrid as fitted to the original C-Cactus, or most likely a three-cylinder diesel engine putting out less than 100g/km of CO2.

But the real key to its eco credentials will be its lightweight construction, including body panels made from recycled or recyclable plastic, while a slender centre console in place of a full dash will help to keep weight down to well under 1,000kg.

The Essentiele brand could also provide the ideal platform to launch a production version of the Revolte concept. Hailed as the resurrection of the 2CV, this would stay true to the tin snail’s philosophy of including only the bare essentials.

2 Comments

Duck, duck. It's a duck.

"...Revolte concept. Hailed as the resurrection of the 2CV"
Hailed by whom? I haven't heard Citroen refer to it in these terms, only journos. It was wearing a DS badge in the photos and frankly, looks more upmarket than low-cost.
The C-Cactus is much more along the 2CV lines. Although, does everything have to be a resurrection of the 2CV? Or are we so bereft of imagination that we can't see something new as just something new?

By PedroConejo on 28 September, 2009, 8:03pm

Citroen AMI 6

Couldn't I just have one like the old 60's model.
I really don't like any new vehicles.
I drive the only one that retains most of its original shape and concept. The 4 door Jeep Wrangler. My tired old 1940's retro butt is happy in it. From whence goeth the other post WW2 icons that I owned and loved : VW Beetle, FIAT500, Citroen 2CV
( OK I lie it was a Dyane 6 but you get the drift.)

By mickokeeffe on 30 September, 2009, 11:20pm

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