Used Citroën C-Elysee and Peugeot 301 (2012-2020) - budget, that is, cheap and good

In 2012, the PSA concern introduced the budget compact cars Citroën C-Elysee and Peugeot 301. They differ only in brand and appearance. This is an offer for companies and people who are looking for a large space for little money. Today there is a good opportunity to buy an inexpensive and simple car of a young year of manufacture.

The Citroën C-Elysee (aka Peugeot 301) debuted while the first generation Peugeot 308 was still in production and a year before the debut of the second, while the second generation Citroën C4 was already in production. It is visually based on the Citroen C4, technically based on the Citroen C3 and was a response to the needs of fleets looking for a cheap and roomy car. Also taxi drivers and private individuals who are mainly concerned about the low price. He had to compete, among others, with Skoda Rapid or Dacia Logan.

body sedan mainly for this reason it is just over 10cm longer than the C4 but 10cm narrower and has a slightly longer wheelbase. This is the effect of the elongated platform used in the Citroen C3 and Peugeot 207 - hence the small width. However, you will not complain about the lack of space, both in the cabin (4 adults can travel comfortably) and in the cabin. trunk (capacity 506 l). One can only complain about the quality of the salon. 

 

User reviews of Citroen C-Elysee and Peugeot 301

An interesting fact is that, according to AutoCentrum users, C-Elysee and 301 are not the same cars, which may be a consequence, for example, of the service approach to maintenance, including the version of the client or engine.

Both models received 76 ratings, of which the average for Citroen is 3,4. This is worse by 17 percent. from the average in the class. For the difference The Peugeot 301 received a score of 4,25.. This is better than the segment average. Of these, 80 per cent. users would buy this model again, but Citroen only 50 percent.

The highest marks in the C-Elysee evaluation were given in areas such as space, bodywork and serious flaws, while the Peugeot 301 also won awards for visibility, ventilation and economy. The lowest scores - for both models - were given for soundproofing, chassis and gearbox.

The biggest benefits cars - according to users - engine, suspension, body. The most commonly cited shortcomings are the drive train and the electrics.

It is also worth noting that among Citroen users, as many as 67 ratings out of 76 relate to gasoline versions. In the case of Peugeot, this is 51 out of 76. This means that 301 users were more likely to have a diesel under the hood than the C-Elysee.

Citroen C-Elysee user reviews

Peugeot 301 user reviews

Crashes and problems

According to user reviews gearbox fails the most. The manual transmission is unpleasant, inaccurate, often requires maintenance and adjustment. Synchronizers have low wear resistance, but this can be explained by the work of the fleet, extremely careless.

The same applies to negligence in the field of engines, where the oil is changed infrequently and leaks frequently. It affects him the most very good diesels 1.6 and 1.5 HDI.  

Another problem with the car is the not very strong suspension, which comes from the B segment, and often has to withstand heavy loads. On the other hand, it is soft and comfortably tuned. Electricity is usually small, but annoying. Some hardware drivers do not work, and engines require software updates (coils fail in gasoline engines).

If you exclude professionally used cars from the assessment, both models can have a fairly simple and very cheap to maintain design. Only good, proven engines were selected for the car.

Which engine should you choose?

The best choice in the model is the 1.6 VTi petrol version.. The manufacturer labeled this bike the same as the units developed in conjunction with BMW (Prince family), but this is a different design. Engine power 115-116 hp still remembers the 90s, has indirect injection and a classic timing belt that should be changed every 150 km. km. The dynamics are good fuel consumption about 7 l/100 km. Gas supply tolerates well, the manufacturer himself suggested this option.

Mostly in the city and for a smooth ride, a smaller 1.2 petrol engine with 3 cylinders is enough. Modest power of 72 or 82 hp. (depending on the year of manufacture) is enough for short distance driving, and fuel consumption of about 6,5 l / 100 km can even discourage the installation of LPG. The reliability of this engine is good.

Diesel is a different matter. much more expensive to repair and maintain, although these are still the simplest options - proven and durable. However, the 1.6 HDI engine (92 or 100 hp) requires more expensive repairs than even replacing the entire gasoline engine. I'm not discouraging, but you should be aware of this. However, this is an extremely economical engine that usually does not consume more than 5 l/100 km.

Newer variant 1.5 BlueHDI is an extension of 1.6. It is a little more economical, but also more dynamic. It develops 102 hp, but gained momentum thanks to a 6-speed manual transmission, which was used only in this version. Unfortunately, it is also potentially the most expensive engine to repair.

Citroen C-Elysee combustion reports

Peugeot 301 combustion reports

Which option to buy?

If I were to recommend one version of the model, then it will definitely be 1.6 VTi. Simple, cheap to repair and predictable. Its typical malfunction is faulty ignition coils, but the entire strip is an expense not exceeding 400 PLN. You can install a gas system that costs about PLN 2500 and also enjoy the most economical driving. Nothing will be lost in the trunk, a gas cylinder will take the place of the spare wheel.

What I do not recommend is occasionally come across versions with automatic transmission. It's not an emergency transmission, but it's very slow and not exactly comfortable, and potential repairs could be more expensive than manual versions.

It's worth knowing that during a certain period of production, Citroën usually offered the C-Elysee with one or two engine options. So it's hard to find a petrol and diesel engine of the same year. It is worth looking for a post-facelift version that looks a little nicer, although the interior creaks and moves, but there are no words - it just smells like cheap materials.

My opinion

If you love a real compact, don't even look at these machines. This is rather an alternative to Dacia Logan or Fiat Tipo, because Škoda Rapid or Seat Toledo is a class higher in terms of interior. However, it is worth considering this model if you are looking for a relatively young vintage, especially from the Polish salon.