Citroen C-Elysee 1.6 VTi Auto - affordable comfort

This year, Citroen has updated its low-cost sedan called the C-Elysee. By the way, it included a version with an automatic transmission. Does such a combination exist?

C-Elysee is not a car for a German or an Englishman. It is not available in local markets. Its design takes into account the needs of drivers from Eastern Europe, as well as customers from North Africa or Turkey, who struggle with the lack of good roads, sometimes having to overcome tens of kilometers on dirt roads and even cross small streams. To do this, the suspension is firmer, the chassis is protected by additional shrouds, the ground clearance is slightly higher than other models (140 mm), and the air intake to the engine is hidden behind the left headlight, so that driving through slightly deeper water does not immobilize the car in a rather unfortunate position. The finish is simple, although it seems more resistant to years of use. This is a kind of answer to the Dacia Logan, but with a solid manufacturer badge. Comparing it to a Romanian sedan is by no means an insult, as Citroen has never been shy about its inexpensive models.

Time for a change

Five years have passed since the presentation of the C-Elysee, produced at the Spanish PSA plant in Vigo. In addition, besides the aforementioned Dacia and twin Peugeot 301, the inexpensive Citroen had another competitor in the form of the Fiat Tipo, which was well received in Poland, so the decision to undergo anti-aging treatment could no longer be postponed. The French sedan received a new front bumper with a redesigned grille, headlights to match the chrome grille stripes and LED daytime running lights integrated into the bumper. At the back we see the recycled lamps in what is known as a 3D layout. Exterior changes are complemented by new wheel designs and two paint finishes, including Lazuli Blue in the photos.

While the Dacia Logan received a nice and comfortable steering wheel after a recent upgrade, the Citroen still has plenty of plastic to cover the airbag. Also, the manufacturer decided not to put any control buttons on it. A new feature was a 7-inch color touchscreen that supports the radio, on-board computer, applications and branded navigation with simple but understandable graphics in the top version. Of course, it was impossible to do without Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Everything works very well, the screen sensitivity is decent, the touch response is instantaneous.

Ergonomics are slightly different from the standards the market is used to, which is dictated by economy. The steering column is only vertically adjustable, the power window controls are on the center console, and the hazard warning switch is on the passenger side. If we get used to it, the operation should not cause any problems. The materials, especially the hard plastics, can be summed up as basic, but the build quality is very decent. Nothing sticks out, does not creak - it is clear that the French have tried to make the C-Elysee seem solid.

The seats provide proper support, we have compartments and shelves at hand, and in the top version of Shine even an armrest with additional boxes. When you're traveling ahead, it's hard to expect more. No rear amenities, no door pockets, no armrest, no visible air vents. There are pockets in the backs of the front seats, and the backrest splits (except for Live) and folds. Lack of space in the cabin for this Citroen is not a problem. The trunk does not disappoint in this regard either. It's huge, deep, tall, and holds 506 liters, but rigid hinges limit its value a bit.

New automatic transmission

The Citroen C-Elysee is offered in Poland with three engines, two petrol and one 1.6 BlueHDI turbodiesel (99 hp). The base engine is a three-cylinder 1.2 PureTech (82 hp), and by paying literally PLN 1, you can get a proven four-cylinder 000 VTi engine with 1.6 hp. As the only one in the cheap Citroen family lineup, it offers a choice of a manual transmission, still a five-speed, and a new six-speed automatic. It was the latter that was on board the test Citroen.

The automatic transmission has six speeds and a manual shift mode, which gives it a modern feel, but its operation is rather traditional. Ideal for leisurely driving. The gear shifts quite smoothly, the reaction to a slight addition of gas is correct, the box immediately switches down one gear. Any rider who settles for a caring attitude should be satisfied. The problem arises when you want to use the full capabilities of the engine. Downshifting with a sharp throttle is delayed, and the engine, instead of pulling the car forward, begins to “howl”. Manual mode gives much better control in such cases. The driver reacts surprisingly quickly and lets you enjoy the ride.

Fuel consumption in the old fashioned way, with automatic transmission is much higher. The average result - after a run of more than 1 km - was 200 l / 9,6 km. This is, of course, an average value obtained as a result of various road conditions. In the city, fuel consumption was about 100 liters, and on the highway it dropped to 11 l / 8,5 km.

The question of comfort is definitely better. The simple layout of the McPherson struts up front and the torsion beam at the rear has been tweaked to make road bumps feel smooth. It absorbs side bumps a little worse, but by “pulling” the rear axle back, we do not have to be afraid of uneven road turns, because the car retains greater stability.

Citroen and competition

The basic version of C-Elysee Live costs PLN 41, but this is an item that can be found mainly in the price list. The Feel specification is PLN 090 more expensive, and the most reasonable, in our opinion, More Life is another PLN 3. If we were to indicate the most reasonable version, it would be the C-Elysee 900 VTi More Life with a manual transmission for PLN 2 300. The automatic transmission is designed for calm drivers. Surcharge PLN 1.6.

For a C-Elysee with a vending machine, you have to pay at least PLN 54 (More Life). After thinking whether this is a lot or a little, let's compare with competitors. Its sister Peugeot 290 with the same transmission costs PLN 301, but this is the top version of Allure. However, the price list includes an ETG-63 automated gearbox for the 100 PureTech engine worth PLN 5 in the Active version. Dacia Logan does not have such big engines – the most powerful three-cylinder 1.2 TCe (53 hp) unit in the top Laureate version with a five-speed Easy-R gearbox costs PLN 500. The Fiat Tipo sedan offers a 0.9 E-Torq (90 hp) engine paired only with a six-speed automatic, which you can get for PLN 43, but this is a completely basic equipment version. The Skoda Rapid liftback is already an offer from another shelf, because the Ambition version with 400 TSI (1.6 km) and DSG-110 costs PLN 54, and besides, it is on sale.

Summation

The Citroen C-Elysee is still an interesting proposition for those looking for an affordable family sedan. The spacious interior is combined with a roomy trunk and a strong chassis. In this class, you have to put up with some shortcomings or shortcomings, but in the end, the value for money is decent. If we are looking for a version with automatic transmission, then only Dacia Logan is clearly cheaper. However, when deciding on the C-Elysee, one must be aware that the car works in it specifically and not everyone will like it.