Best Citroën Cars Available in NZ: Buying Guide

Citroën is that slightly esoteric French brand known for its innovative design and car’s that major on comfort. Its models tend to stand out with bold styling, appealing to those looking for something a bit different. Citroëns are designed under the Advanced Comfort program which includes features like unique suspension systems (dubbed Progressive Hydraulic Cushions),  supportive Comfort seats and noise insulation to provide a quiet, smooth ride.

Citroën puts fuel efficiency ahead of breaking speed records with its use of economical petrol engines that help reduce running costs and environmental impact.

Citroën offers a range of models in New Zealand, and being European these are mainly small in nature. All Citroëns sold in New Zealand come with a five year/100,000km vehicle warranty, while the Citroën Assured Service Plan allows you to lock in your maintenance costs upfront when you buy your car.

The Citroën C3 is a compact hatchback with a unique and stylish design. It’s perfect for urban driving, thanks to its compact size and manoeuvrability. In New Zealand, it’s priced at $34k and is powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine. It makes 81kW and a strong 205Nm of torque, made low in the engine’s operating zone. That makes it feel more muscular than its numbers suggest, and an easy drive around town. Matched with a six-speed auto, fuel economy is rated at a rather economical 5.4L/100km.  

It’s just under four metres long, but there is enough room inside for four adults seated in relative comfort. And the boot space is good for a small car, at a quoted 300L.

On board, it has 12 safety and driver assist systems while its touchscreen infotainment system allows for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Citroën 3D nav is standard too.

View listings on Trade Me Motors: Citroën C3

The Citroën C4 is a bit of a stand out amongst more mundane five-door hatchbacks with its coupe-SUV silhouette, giving it a sleek and stylish appearance. Along with a bold front end, signature LED lighting, and sculpted lines, it’s visually appealing.

The C4 asks $46,990, which is relatively competitive in the hatch market. It’s powered by a 1.2L petrolturbo making 114kW and 240Nm. With an eight-speed auto, the front driver is rated at 6.8L/100km. There is also an all-electric version, the e-C4 at $69,990. This offers a 100kW/260Nm motor and up to 363km of range from its 50kWh battery. 

Citroën likes to say the C4 combines the practicality of a hatchback with the elevated driving position of an SUV. Its funky interior includes a holder for a tablet on the passenger’s side of the dash, a digital instrument cluster in front of the driver and a large touchscreen infotainment system featuring the usual connectivity. 

The firm’s Advanced Comfort seats feature upfront while passengers in the rear have decent lodgings too with generous headroom and legroom despite the sloping roofline. There is 380L of boot space, and the rear seats can be folded down to expand the cargo area. Numerous storage compartments throughout the cabin add to the vehicle’s practicality 

The C4 is designed to prioritise comfort, with a suspension system that provides a smooth and relaxing ride.

View listings on Trade Me Motors: Citroën C4

The C3 Aircross features a bold and distinctive design, its quirky yet modern look sets it apart from other compact SUVs. It is $42,990, so not outstanding value in the scheme of compact SUVs but what price style eh? It also uses Citroën's 1.2-litre turbopetrol making 81kW and 205Nm. With a six-speed auto, the front driver is rated at 7.3L/100km, so not the most economical in the class either. 

It goes well though, that easy torque helping it mooch around town. And it’s a small SUV that’s at home in the urban environment, one with a smooth and comfortable ride that absorbs road imperfections effectively. The compact size makes it easy to manoeuvre and park in urban environments  

Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the C3 Aircross offers a roomy interior with decent legroom for a compact.

The rear seats can be slid forward and backward, folded down, and split 60/40 to optimise cargo space. The boot, at 410L is big for the compact class. 

It comes with modern connectivity options, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warning.

View listings on Trade Me Motors: Citroën C3 Aircross