91-633: The DS 3 (formerly known as Citroën DS3 and DS 3 Crossback ) is a luxury supermini initially produced by the French automobile manufacturer Citroën and officially launched in January 2010. Positioned below the DS 4 , this was the first and entry-level model from the DS premium sub-brand (pronounced déesse , which is French for goddess ), which was spun-off in 2016 into DS Automobiles . Originally manufactured as
182-449: A Citroën GS which more than doubled the power. In one scene, the ultra-light 2CV tips over and is quickly righted by hand. Citroën launched a special edition 2CV "007" to coincide with the film, it was fitted with the standard engine and painted yellow with "007" on the front doors and fake bullet hole stickers. In 1982, all 2CV models got inboard front disc brakes which also used LHM fluid instead of conventional brake fluid—the same as
273-406: A DC 100 kW (0-80% in 25 minutes) or at AC 11 kW (0-100% in 5 hours). The powertrain has 156 PS (115 kW) and 260 N⋅m (192 lb⋅ft). DS claims a WLTP combined cycle of up to 402 km and more than 500 km in city traffic, where the new DS 3 can leverage the efficiency of its motor, its ability to recover energy, and the heat pump and thermal pre-conditioning, as well as
364-630: A basic functional form of transport. This renewed popularity was encouraged by the Citroën "Raid" intercontinental endurance rallies of the 1970s where customers could participate by buying a new 2CV, fitted with a "P.O." kit (Pays d'Outre-mer—overseas countries), to cope with thousands of kilometres of very poor or off-road routes. The Paris to Persepolis rally was the most famous. The Citroën "2CV Cross" circuit/off-road races were very popular in Europe. Because of new emission standards, in 1975, power
455-457: A designer who has kissed the lash of austerity with almost masochistic fervour". One American motoring journalist quipped, "Does it come with a can opener?" Despite critics, Citroën was flooded with customer orders at the show. The car had a great impact on the lives of the low-income segment of the population in France. The 2CV was a commercial success: within months of it going on sale, there
546-496: A dimensions on par or slightly larger than traditional B-segment cars, and often are built on the same platform as B-segment hatchbacks or saloons. B-segment SUVs are usually excluded by analysts from traditional B-segment car sales. 22 percent of SUV global sales were contributed by B-segment SUVs in 2019. One of the first mass-market electric B-segment cars in Europe was the Renault Zoe , released in 2012. Global sales of
637-638: A formal car classification term, eventually being adopted in European Commission classification as the B-segment. The 1990 Renault Clio and 1983 Fiat Uno were significant models in the supermini or the B-segment, being the recipients of the European Car of the Year award. The Clio replaced the long-running Renault 5, although the latter remained in production until 1996. In 1993,
728-507: A four-speed for the same space at little extra cost. At this time small French cars like the Renault Juvaquatre and Peugeot 202 usually featured three-speed transmissions, as did Citroën's own mid-size Traction Avant – but the 1936 Italian Fiat 500 "Topolino" "people's car" did have a four-speed gearbox. Becchia persuaded Boulanger that the fourth gear was an overdrive. The increased number of gear ratios also helped to pull
819-473: A freshly ploughed field with a basket full of eggs on the passenger's seat without breaking them, because of the great lack of paved roads in France at the time; with a long-travel suspension system, that connects front and rear wheels, giving a very soft ride. Often called "an umbrella on wheels", the fixed-profile convertible bodywork featured a full-width, canvas, roll-back sunroof , which accommodated oversized loads, and until 1955 even stretched to cover
910-602: A global sales of 910,839 units that year, in which 54 percent was contributed by its European sales. It took the world number one spot from the Toyota Corolla at 906,953 sales. Safety features have improved for the cars in the segment. In 1995, both petrol and diesel B-segment vehicles had only around 40 percent of the listed safety options installed (side impact bars, driver/passenger airbag, side airbag, ABS , electronic braking system, stability control), whereas by 2010 they were averaging over 90 percent. This represents
1001-415: A length of approximately 3.7–4.2 m (146–165 in), and may vary depending on the body styles, markets, and era. In some cases, the same car may be differently positioned depending on the market. The Euro NCAP vehicle class called "Supermini" also includes smaller A-segment cars alongside B-segment cars. In Britain, the term "supermini" is more widely used for B-segment hatchbacks. The term
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#17327810195731092-485: A low CO 2 emissions level of 79g/km. It received a new facelift in 2016, completely dropping any reference to Citroën and its logo. A 207 hp (154 kW) version, the DS3 Racing, was introduced at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show . It is the road version of Citroën's rally specification car DS3 R3. The new 0-62 mph time is 6.5 seconds and the increased top speed is 146 mph (235 km/h). The DS3 Racing
1183-420: A market survey, conducted by Jacques Duclos. France at that time had a large rural population which could not yet afford cars; Citroën used the survey results to prepare a design brief for a low-priced, rugged "umbrella on four wheels" that would enable four people to transport 50 kg (110 lb) of farm goods to market at 50 km/h (30 mph), if necessary across muddy, unpaved roads. In fuel economy,
1274-669: A more expensive offering. Examples include the Ford Fiesta ST , Hyundai i20 N , Peugeot 208 GTi , Suzuki Swift Sport , Toyota GR Yaris , Volkswagen Polo GTI , among others. B-segment MPV (also called mini MPV or B-MPV) are taller and/or longer derivatives of B-segment hatchbacks with an emphasis in interior space and practicality. Examples are the Citroën C3 Picasso , Fiat 500L , and Ford B-Max . B-segment crossovers or SUVs (also called subcompact crossover SUV, small SUV, or B-SUV ) are crossovers/SUVs that has
1365-481: A new DS 3 Performance model was introduced with the THP engine uprated to 210 bhp, with a 0–100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds. In June 2016, DS partnered with French luxury fashion and perfume company Givenchy and launched the DS 3 Givenchy Le MakeUp special edition. A total of 500 Givenchy models were built and include unique features such as a textured matt white body with metallic purple roof and door mirrors,
1456-460: A reverse rake rear window: the Citroën Ami . In 1962, the engine power was increased to 10 kW (14 hp) and top speed to 85 km/h (53 mph). A sunroof was installed. In 1963, the engine power was increased to 13 kW (18 hp). An electric wiper motor replaced the drive on the speedometer. The ammeter was replaced by a charging indicator light. The speedometer was moved from
1547-672: A rose pink dashboard strip and a make-up storage kit in the front central armrest. It is available with the PureTech 110 engine in manual or automatic transmission, and is based on the mid range Elegance trim level. The DS Performance Line was launched in September 2016, enabling the DS customer to have performance styling without any mechanical upgrades. DS 3 Performance Line includes aesthetics such as gloss black alloy wheels, black contrasting roof colour, exterior stripe graphics and interior coloured stitching. The second generation of DS 3
1638-504: A significant improvement in vehicle safety over the period, despite petrol and diesel B-segment vehicles averaging an inflation-adjusted price increase of 6 percent and 15 percent respectively. Studies from the European Union and JATO has found that the average maximum power output of B-segment vehicles has increased by 40 percent between 1995 and 2010, while the average overall vehicle weight only increased by around 20 percent in
1729-571: A three-door supermini hatchback with a convertible variation from 2009 to 2019, the second generation became a five-door Crossover SUV , named as DS 3 Crossback from 2018 to 2022. The model was named "2010 Car of the Year" by Top Gear , awarded first supermini four times in a row by the JD Power Satisfaction Survey UK and second most efficient supermini (Citroën DS3 1.6 e-HDi 115 Airdream: 63.0 mpg ‑imp (4.48 L/100 km)) by What Car? behind
1820-734: A total of 2,400 DS3 Racings, significantly more than the 1,000 initially planned in 2010. The Citroën DS3 WRC was used by the Citroën World Rally Team in WRC competitions between 2011 and 2016. Citroën unveiled the DS3 Cabrio at the Paris Motor Show in September 2012, with sales commencing in 2013. As a fixed profile convertible, the DS 3 retains its side bodywork, allowing for a roll back center fabric sunroof – similar to other fixed profile convertibles including
1911-408: Is restyled with emphasis on gloss black with subtle chromed-diamond tips. The DS Wings have been tweaked to join the grille and headlamps, which have a more dynamic design on the inside with bigger LEDs - two LED lines are vertically arranged on either side of the front. The E-Tense version had a slightly bigger 54kWh battery (50.8kWh usable) with liquid cooling and a heat pump. It recharges either at
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#17327810195732002-532: Is undoubtedly the most original since the Model T Ford ". In 2011, The Globe and Mail called it a "car like no other". The motoring writer L. J. K. Setright described the 2CV as "the most intelligent application of minimalism ever to succeed as a car", and a car of "remorseless rationality". Both the design and the history of the 2CV mirror the Volkswagen Beetle in significant ways. Conceived in
2093-592: The A0-class in China, and the supermini category for B-segment hatchbacks in Great Britain. Category:Subcompact cars ( 306 ) Citro%C3%ABn 2CV The Citroën 2CV (French: deux chevaux , pronounced [dø ʃ(ə)vo] , lit. "two horses", meaning "two taxable horsepower ") is an economy car produced by the French company Citroën from 1948 to 1990. Introduced at
2184-509: The Citroën C3 . In 2013, it was again the most sold premium subcompact car with 40% of these market shares in Europe. The vehicle was initially intended to be sold as a 3-door second-generation Citroën C3 . 2007 advanced projects are showing the vehicle sharing an identical front with the production second-generation C3 and no mention to the DS sub-brand. At this stage, the vehicle was named Citroën C3 Coupé. The original Citroën DS3 design
2275-663: The Fiat 500 (2007), Nissan Figaro (1991), Citroën 2CV (1948–1990) and the Nash Rambler Convertible "Landau" Coupe (1950). Citroën announced the "Matière Grise" limited edition of 750 cars for the European market. It is finished in flat grey paint with chromed mirrors, chromed door trim and chromed tail light surrounds. The roof can be ordered in either white or black and the only available wheels are 17″ alloys, also available in white and black. In February 2016,
2366-666: The Nissan Micra (K11) , became the first Japanese car company to be receive the European Car of the Year award. In 1999, the Toyota Yaris received the European Car of the Year award, and was noted for its high roof which allowed for improved interior space. Another notable model is the Opel Corsa , which was the best-selling car in the world in the year 1998 thanks to its extensive international presence. It recorded
2457-457: The Peugeot 208 . Powertrains include a range of petrol and diesel engines and an electric version. A fully electric version, known as "E-Tense", is also sold. In January 2020, monthly sales of the electric version were over 700 units. The facelift was introduced on 26 September 2022 alongside Paris Fashion Week , with its name changed back into DS 3 (but marketed as New DS 3 ). The grille
2548-449: The Visa available which launched in 1978. Peak annual production for 2CVs reached 163,143 cars in 1974 but by 1980 this had dropped to 89,994 and by 1983 would stand at just 59,673. Nonetheless, the car remained profitable for PSA to produce on account of its tooling and set-up costs being amortised many years before and it could share major parts with more popular or profitable models such as
2639-450: The facelifted DS 3 was announced by DS Automobiles , as part of their separation from Citroën to become a standalone brand. The new DS 3 was launched at that year's Geneva Motor Show . The revised model no longer featured Citroën badges, with the DS badge now featuring prominently on the front grille. The trim level names were also changed from DSign, DStyle and DSport and re introduced as Chic, Elegance and Prestige. An Ultra Prestige model
2730-494: The pull cord starter. The canvas roof could be rolled completely open. The Type A had one stop light , and was available only in grey. The fuel level was checked with a dipstick/measuring rod, and the speedometer was attached to the windscreen pillar. The only other instrument was an ammeter . In 1949, the first delivered 2CV type A was 375 cc, 6.6 kW (9 hp), with a 65 km/h (40 mph) top speed, only one tail light and windscreen wiper with speed shaft drive;
2821-425: The 1930s, to make motorcars affordable to regular people for the first time in their countries, both went into large scale production in the late 1940s, featuring air-cooled boxer engines at the same end as their driven axle, omitting a length-wise drive shaft , riding on exactly the same 2,400 mm (94.5 in) wheelbase, and using a platform chassis to facilitate the production of derivative models. Just like
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2912-616: The 1948 Paris Salon de l'Automobile , it has an air-cooled engine that is mounted in the front and drives the front wheels . Conceived by Citroën Vice-President Pierre Boulanger to help motorise the large number of farmers still using horses and carts in 1930s France, the 2CV has a combination of innovative engineering and straightforward, utilitarian bodywork. The 2CV featured overall low cost of ownership , simplicity of maintenance, an easily serviced air-cooled engine (originally offering 6.6 kW, 9 hp), and minimal fuel consumption. In addition, it had been designed to cross
3003-527: The 2CV outlived the Dyane by seven years. Citroën also developed the Méhari off-roader . From 1965, the car was offered in some countries, at extra cost, with the flat-2 engine size increased to 602 cc (36.7 cu in), although for many years the smaller 425 cc (25.9 cu in) engine continued to be available in France and export markets where engine size determined car tax levels. This
3094-437: The 2CV was a "highly interesting" ("hochinteressantes") car. In 1950, Pierre-Jules Boulanger was killed in a car crash on the main road from Clermont-Ferrand (the home of Michelin) to Paris. In 1951, the 2CV received an ignition lock and a lockable driver's door. Production reached 100 cars a week. By the end of 1951 production totalled 16,288. Citroën introduced the 2CV Fourgonnette panel van. The "Weekend" version of
3185-765: The 2CV was abandoned. During the German occupation of France in World War II Boulanger personally refused to collaborate with German authorities to the point where the Gestapo listed him as an "enemy of the Reich", under constant threat of arrest and deportation to Germany. Michelin (Citroën's main shareholder) and Citroën managers decided to hide the TPV project from the Nazis, fearing some military application as in
3276-453: The Ami's improved chassis. This version was manufactured until October 1967 and was also exported to certain continental markets although it was never offered in its native France. In 1967, Citroën launched the new Dyane model , a direct derivative, based on the 2CV chassis, with an updated but similar, utilitarian body, distinguished by a hatchback that boosted practicality; (a hatchback kit
3367-469: The Beetle, the 2CV became not only a million seller but also one of the few cars in history to continue a single generation in production for over four decades. A prototype was developed in the late 1990s under the name "Citroën 2CV 2000". However, it did not go into production. In 1934, family-owned Michelin , as the largest creditor, took over the bankrupt Citroën company. The new management commissioned
3458-533: The Dyane and H-Van but the Spécial had a much smaller square speedometer also incorporating the fuel gauge, originally fitted to the 2CV in the mid-1960s and then discontinued. The model also had a revised (and cheaper-to-make) plastic version of the 1960s two-spoke steering wheel instead of the one-spoke item from the Dyane, as found on the Club. From the 1978 Paris Motor Show the Spécial regained third side windows and
3549-423: The Spécial model. In 1971, the front bench seat was replaced with two individual seats. In 1972, 2CVs were fitted with standard three-point seat belts. In 1973, new seat covers, a padded single-spoke steering wheel and ashtrays were introduced. The highest annual production was in 1974. Sales of the 2CV were reinvigorated by the 1974 oil crisis . The 2CV after this time became as much a youth lifestyle statement as
3640-560: The TPV post-war would not be economically viable, given the projected further increasing cost of aluminium. Boulanger decided to redesign the car to use mostly steel with flat panels, instead of aluminium. The Nazis had attempted to loot Citroën's press tools; this was frustrated after Boulanger got the French Resistance to relabel the rail cars containing them in the Paris marshalling yard. They ended up all over Europe, and Citroën
3731-496: The TPV project. Lefèbvre had designed and raced Grand Prix cars; his speciality was chassis design and he was particularly interested in maintaining contact between tyres and the road surface. The first prototypes were bare chassis with rudimentary controls, seating and roof; test drivers wore leather flying suits, of the type used in contemporary open biplanes. By the end of 1937 20 TPV experimental prototypes had been built and tested. The prototypes had only one headlight, all that
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3822-612: The UK. France was now the third-largest market for 2CVs, taking 7045 cars that year. It was estimated that Citroën was now selling the 2CV at a loss in the French market, but that it was still profitable in other European countries. The peak of 2CV sales in the United Kingdom would be reached in 1986, thanks to the introduction of the popular Dolly special edition (see below)—7520 new 2CVs were registered in Britain that year. This year saw
3913-463: The Visa and Acadiane . As part of this rationalisation in 1981, the Spécial was fitted as standard with the 602 cc engine, although the 435 cc version remained available to special order in some European countries until stocks were used up. Also in 1981, a yellow 2CV6 was driven by James Bond ( Roger Moore ) in the film For Your Eyes Only . The car in the film was fitted with the flat-4 engine from
4004-575: The Zoe achieved the 50,000 unit milestone in June 2016, and 200,000 units by March 2020. Other manufacturers followed suit; Groupe PSA introduced the Peugeot e-208 and Opel Corsa-e in 2019, while Honda followed with the low-volume Honda e , and Mini with their Mini Electric . The B-segment is considered as the European equivalent to the subcompact category widely known in North America,
4095-431: The beginning of production was Michelin 's new radial tyre , first commercialised with the introduction of the 2CV. This radial design is an integral part of the design of the 2CV chassis. On 3 September 1939, France declared war on Germany following their invasion of Poland. An atmosphere of impending disaster led to the cancellation of the 1939 motor show less than a month before it was scheduled to open. The launch of
4186-448: The car would use no more than 3 L/100 km (95 mpg ‑imp ; 80 mpg ‑US ). One design parameter required that customers be able to transport eggs across a freshly ploughed field without breakage. In 1936, Pierre-Jules Boulanger , vice-president of Citroën and chief of engineering and design, sent the brief to his design team at the engineering department. The TPV (Toute Petite Voiture – "Very Small Car")
4277-421: The car's trunk, reaching almost down to the car's rear bumper. Michelin introduced and first commercialised the revolutionary new radial tyre design with the introduction of the 2CV. Between 1948 and 1990, more than 3.8 million 2CVs were produced, making it the world's first front-wheel drive car to become a million seller after Citroën's own earlier model, the more upscale Traction Avant , which had become
4368-541: The case of the future Volkswagen Beetle , manufactured during the war as the military Kübelwagen . Several TPVs were buried at secret locations; one was disguised as a pickup, the others were destroyed, and Boulanger spent the next six years thinking about further improvements. Until 1994, when three TPVs were discovered in a barn, it was believed that only two prototypes had survived. As of 2003, there were five known TPVs. By 1941, after an increase in aluminium prices of 40%, an internal report at Citroën showed that producing
4459-457: The corrugated Citroën H Van style "ripple bonnet" of convex swages was replaced (except for the Sahara), with one using six larger concave swages and looked similar until the end of production. The 2CV had suicide doors in front from 1948 to 1964, replaced with front hinged doors from 1965 to 1990. In 1961, Citroën launched a new model based on the 2CV chassis, with a four-door sedan body and
4550-658: The country in 2020. The term supermini, which precedes the B-segment term, emerged in the UK in the 1970s, as car manufacturers sought a new design to surpass the influential Mini , launched in 1959, and journalists attempted to categorise such a vehicle. The car which is widely regarded as the first modern supermini is the Autobianchi A112 , launched in 1969. It was later followed by the Fiat 127 , Renault 5 , VW Polo and Honda Civic , which are similar in concept and size. These supermini or B-segment cars were considered to feature better comfort and convenience, with
4641-502: The discontinuation of the Club which was by then the only 2CV model to retain the rectangular headlamps. This left the Spécial as the only regular 2CV model, alongside the more fashion-orientated Dolly, Charleston and the other special editions. In 1988, production ended in France after 40 years. The factory at Levallois-Perret had been the global centre for 2CV production since 1948 but was outdated, inefficient and widely criticised for its poor working conditions. The last French-built 2CV
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#17327810195734732-400: The earlier round headlights, last fitted in 1974. In order to keep the price as low as possible, Citroën removed the third side window, the ashtray and virtually all trim from the car, while that which remained was greatly simplified, such as simple vinyl-clad door cards and exposed door catches rather than the plastic moulded trims found on the 2CV Club. Other 2CVs shared their instruments with
4823-482: The economy car market, US Marshall Plan aid, US production equipment and supplies of steel, to newly nationalised Renault to produce its Renault 4CV . The "Plan Pons" came to an end in 1949. Postwar French roads were very different from pre-war ones. Horse-drawn vehicles had re-appeared in large numbers. The few internal combustion-engined vehicles present often ran on town gas stored in gasbags on roofs or wood/charcoal gas from gasifiers on trailers. Only 100,000 of
4914-531: The extra weight of changing from light alloys to steel for the body and chassis. Other changes included seats with tubular steel frames with rubber band springing and a restyling of the body by the Italian Flaminio Bertoni . Also, in 1944 the first studies of the Citroën hydro-pneumatic suspension were conducted using the TPV/2CV. The development and production of what was to become the 2CV
5005-816: The first front-wheel drive car to sell in similar six-figure numbers. The 2CV platform spawned many variants; the 2CV and its variants are collectively known as the A-Series. Notably these include the 2CV-based delivery vans known as fourgonnettes , the Ami , the Dyane , the Acadiane , and the Mehari . In total, Citroën manufactured over 9 million of the 2CVs and its derivative models. A 1953 technical review in Autocar described "the extraordinary ingenuity of this design, which
5096-468: The front and one in the rear, to support the extra load of a fourth passenger and fifty kilograms of luggage. In mid-1939 a pilot run of 250 cars was produced and on 28 August 1939 the car received approval for the French market. Brochures were printed and preparations made to present the car, renamed the Citroën 2CV, at the forthcoming Paris Motor Show in October 1939. One innovation included from
5187-464: The front seats. The filler neck sat in the front doors. Both engines (and hence axles) could be operated independently. The spare wheel was mounted on the bonnet. The car had ample off-road capability, but at twice the price of the standard 2CV. 694 were produced until 1968 and one more in 1971. Many were used by the Swiss Post as a delivery vehicle. Today they are highly collectible. Also in 1960,
5278-639: The legal deadline of July 1992. This forced the 2CV's withdrawal from sale in Austria , Denmark , Italy , Spain , Sweden , Switzerland and the Netherlands , the latter one of the car's largest remaining markets. That year, the three leading markets for the 2CV were West Germany (7866), France (5231) and the UK (3200). The last 2CV, a specially-prepared Charleston model, was built at Mangualde on 27 July 1990. Only 42,365 2CVs were built in Portugal in
5369-754: The new, more efficient LED lights and lowered ground clearance. Supermini The B-segment is the second smallest of the European segments for passenger cars between the A-segment and C-segment , and commonly described as "small cars". The B-segment is the largest segment in Europe by volume, accounting for 20 percent of total car sales in 2020 according to JATO Dynamics . B-segment cars include hatchback, saloon , estate , coupe / convertible , MPV , and crossover / SUV body styles. The European segments are not based on size or weight criteria. In practice, B-segment cars have been described as having
5460-504: The production of the 375 cc engine ended. The corrugated metal bonnet was replaced by a five-rib glossy cover. Simultaneously, the grille was slightly modified (flatter shape with a curved top edge). Rectangular turn signals were integrated to the front wings on the AZAM export model; these became round on post-1970 cars when indicators were fitted to the rear of the car too. As a result the flashers disappeared from their traditional home high on
5551-490: The rear three quarter panel. The 2 CV 4 × 4 2CV Sahara appeared in December 1960. This had an additional engine-transmission unit in the rear, mounted the other way around and driving the rear wheels. For the second engine there was a separate push-button starter and choke. With a gearstick between the front seats, both transmissions were operated simultaneously. For the two engines, there were separate petrol tanks under
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#17327810195735642-431: The roof by wires. The suspension system, designed by Alphonse Forceau, used front leading arms and rear trailing arms, connected to eight torsion bars beneath the rear seat: a bar for the front axle, one for the rear axle, an intermediate bar for each side, and an overload bar for each side. The front axle was connected to its torsion bars by cable. The overload bar came into play when the car had three people on board, two in
5733-526: The safety and surefootedness of the Mini's front-wheel drive/transverse engine package. That meant the addition of a hatchback and folding rear seats. The oil crisis in the 1970s was also argued to increase supermini market share. In 1976, Ford launched the Ford Fiesta which became popular. The segment began to be more popular in the 1980s. By the mid-1980s, the term supermini had become established as
5824-470: The same period. Fuel consumption has decreased by around 20 percent, and power-to-weight ratio has increased by 15 percent. Hatchback is the most popular body style for the segment. While the majority is equipped with five doors, many European-oriented hatchbacks was offered with both three-door and five-door versions, with 31 percent of European customers opting for three-door B-segment hatchbacks by 2007. The share has decreased to 13 percent in 2016 due to
5915-554: The shift of market preference which is moving towards prioritizing usability and practicality. As the result, by late 2010s, a number of manufacturers had stopped offering three-door versions of its B-segment hatchback models in Europe. Other body styles currently available in the segment in Europe are saloon (example: Dacia Logan ), estate (example: Dacia Logan MCV and Škoda Fabia Combi ), and coupe/convertible (example: Mini Cooper Cabrio/Convertible ). Performance-oriented versions of B-segment hatchbacks were developed and sold as
6006-421: The speedometer got a light for night driving. In 1955, the 2CV side repeaters were added above and behind the rear doors. It was now also available with 425 cc (AZ), 9.2 kW (12.5 hp) and a top speed of 80 km/h (50 mph). In 1957, a heating and ventilation system was installed. The colour of the steering wheel changed from black to grey. The mirrors and the rear window were enlarged. The bonnet
6097-535: The summer of 2011 with a new, limited edition model, a new colour and a new decal on the roof. The new colour is brun Hickory, a shade of dark brown that recently made its debut on the DS3's bigger sibling, the DS4. One of the DS3's strongest selling points is the ability for a customer to personalize their car when they order it by mixing and matching body and roof colours, decals, and so on. This new colour helps that by bringing
6188-490: The total amount of available body colours to ten. The DS3 features prominently in the video for the Pixie Lott song " What Do You Take Me For ". It is the first car that has had product placement in a British music video. The DS3 range received a mild facelift in 2014, with revised engines and new design of Xenon-LED headlights for the top of the range models. The new BlueHDi diesel, available in two states of tune, has
6279-519: The two million pre-war cars were still on the road. The time was known as "Les années grises" or "the grey years" in France. Citroën unveiled the car at the Paris Salon on 7 October 1948. The car on display was nearly identical to the 2CV type A that would be sold the next year, but it lacked an electric starter, the addition of which was decided the day before the opening of the Salon, replacing
6370-585: The two years following the end of French production. Portuguese-built cars, especially those from when production was winding down, have a reputation in the UK for being much less well-made and more prone to corrosion than those made in France. According to Citroën, the Portuguese plant was more up-to-date than the one in Levallois near Paris and Portuguese 2CV manufacturing was to higher-quality standards. As of October 2016, 3,025 remained in service in
6461-447: The use of "Tin-Tin", and the slogan "More than just a car—a way of life". A range of colours was introduced, starting with Glacier Blue in 1959, then yellow in 1960. In the 1960s, 2CV production caught up with demand. In 1966, the 2CV got a third side window, this window made them look slightly bigger in size. In February 1965, Citroën Belgium introduced the 3CV AZAM6 which featured the 602 cc, 17 kW (23 hp) Ami 6 engine and
6552-582: The van had collapsible, removable rear seating and rear side windows, enabling a tradesman to use it as a family vehicle on the weekend as well as for business in the week. By 1952, production had reached more than 21,000 with export markets earning foreign currency taking precedence. Boulanger's policy, which continued after his death, was: "Priority is given to those who have to travel by car because of their work and for whom ordinary cars are too expensive to buy." Cars were sold preferentially to country vets, doctors, midwives, priests and small farmers. In 1954,
6643-480: The window frame into the dash. Instead of a dipstick/measuring rod, a fuel gauge was introduced. Director of publicity Claude Puech came up with humorous and inventive marketing campaigns. Robert Delpire of the Delpire Agency was responsible for the brochures. Ad copy came from Jacques Wolgensinger Director of PR at Citroën. Wolgensinger was responsible for the youth oriented "Raids", 2CV Cross, rallies,
6734-401: The wiper speed was dependent on the driving speed. There was no fuel gauge; Citroën provided a dipstick below the petrol filler cap. The 2CV was the first car designed around and released with radial tires . The car was heavily criticised by the motoring press and became the butt of French comedians for a short while. The British Autocar correspondent wrote that the 2CV "...is the work of
6825-558: Was a three-year waiting list, which soon increased to five years. At the time a second-hand 2CV was more expensive than a new one because the buyer did not have to wait. Production was increased from 876 units in 1949 to 6,196 units in 1950. Grudging respect began to emanate from the international press: towards the end of 1951 the opinion appeared in Germany's recently launched Auto, Motor und Sport magazine that, despite its "ugliness and primitiveness" ("Häßlichkeit und Primitivität") ,
6916-430: Was also added. The facelifted model is identified by a revised front and rear design, plus the new range of PSA engines incorporating the 1.2-litre three cylinder PureTech petrol engines (available in normally aspirated 82 bhp and turbocharged 110 and 130 bhp variants), the 1.6-litre THP turbocharged petrol engine with 165 bhp, and 1.6-litre BlueHDi turbo diesel engines with 100 and 120 bhp. In addition,
7007-576: Was also delayed by the incoming 1944 Socialist French government, after the liberation by the Allies from the Germans. The five-year "Plan Pons" to ration car production and husband scarce resources, named after economist and former French motor industry executive Paul-Marie Pons , only allowed Citroën the upper middle range of the car market, with the Traction Avant. The French government allocated
7098-487: Was available from Citroën dealers for the 2CV and aftermarket kits were available). This was in response to competition by the Renault 4 . The exterior is more modern and distinguished by the integrated lights in the wings and bodywork. Between 1967 and 1983, about 1.4 million Dyanes were built. The Dyane was a more sophisticated 2CV and originally planned to supersede it, but 2CV production continued by its side and ultimately
7189-477: Was available in red and white. Beginning in mid-1979 the 602 cc engine was installed. In June 1981, the Spécial E arrived. This model had a standard centrifugal clutch and particularly low urban fuel consumption. By 1980, the boost to 2CV sales across Europe delivered by the 1973 Energy Crisis had begun to wear off and there was a whole new generation of superminis and economy cars available from European and Japanese manufacturers. Citroën itself now had
7280-404: Was by no means sure they would all be returned after the war. In early 1944 Boulanger made the decision to abandon the water-cooled two-cylinder engine developed for the car and installed in the 1939 versions. Walter Becchia was now briefed to design an air-cooled unit, still of two cylinders, and still of 375 cc. Becchia was also supposed to design a three-speed gearbox, but managed to design
7371-423: Was decorated with a longitudinal strip of aluminium (AZL). In September 1957, the model AZLP (P for porte de malle , "boot lid"), appeared with a boot lid panel; previously the soft top had to be opened at the bottom to get to the boot. In 1958, a Belgian Citroën plant produced a higher quality version of the car (AZL3). It had a third side window, not available in the normal version and improved details. In 1960,
7462-604: Was developed in the 1970s as an informal categorisation, and by 1977 was used regularly by the British newspaper The Times . By the mid-1980s, it had widespread use in Britain. In Germany, the term "small cars" ( German : Kleinwagen ) has been endorsed by the Federal Motor Transport Authority ( Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt [ de ] , KBA) equivalent to the B-segment. The segment accounts for 15.1 percent of total car registrations in
7553-591: Was first introduced as a concept car named Citroën DS Inside , unveiled on February 5, 2009, at the Geneva Motor Show , introducing both the 2009 Citroën logo redesign and their DS sub-brand . The production model, called Citroën DS3, was introduced in August 2009, two months after the Citroën C3 II, with no emphasis that the two cars were having a lot in common. Citroën revamped their DS3 line for
7644-463: Was found in the larger Citroën models with hydropneumatic suspension . In late 1986, Citroën introduced the Visa's replacement, the AX . This was widely regarded as a superior car to the Visa and took many of the remaining 2CV sales in France following its introduction. From 1986 to 1987 2CV production fell by 20 per cent to just 43,255 cars. Of that total over 12,500 went to West Germany and 7212 went to
7735-413: Was made on February 25. In recognition of the event, the last 2CV built at Levallois was a basic Spécial in a non-standard grey colour—the same shade as worn by the very first 2CVs. Production of the 2CV would continue at the smaller-capacity but more modern Mangualde plant in Portugal until 1990. In 1989, a number of European nations voluntarily introduced the first European emission standards ahead of
7826-449: Was offered in only two colours, white with grey accents or black with orange accents including roof, wheels and interior. Besides these unique colour schemes, the DS3 Racing is distinguished from other trim levels by the use of real carbon fibre on the front splitter, grill, wheel arches and rear diffuser. Additionally, carbon fibre is prominently featured on the interior. In October 2011, Citroën announced that they were planning on building
7917-485: Was presented for the first time on 13 September 2018, with public premiere is at the 88th Paris Motor Show in October 2018. Although keeping some key design elements from the previous generation - such as the floating roof and the partial B-pillar - its body style became a 5-door crossover SUV and the model changed its name to DS 3 Crossback . The SUV is the first DS vehicle based on the PSA EMP1 platform shared with
8008-529: Was reduced from 21 to 18 kW (28 to 25 hp). The round headlights were replaced by square ones, adjustable in height. A new plastic grille was fitted. In July 1975, a base model called the 2CV Spécial was introduced with the 435 cc engine. Between 1975 and 1990 under the name of AZKB "2CV Spécial" a drastically reduced trim basic version was sold, at first only in yellow and with an untreated black roof. Slimmer bumpers with stick-on tape rather than plastic strips and no overriders were fitted. It also had
8099-467: Was replaced by an updated 435 cc (26.5 cu in) engine in February 1970. In 1970, the car gained rear light units from the Citroën Ami 6. (602 cc) models. From then on, only two series were produced: the 2CV 4 (AZKB) with 435 cc and the 2CV 6 (AZKA) with 602 cc displacement. All 2CVs from this date can run on unleaded fuel. 1970s cars featured rectangular headlights from 1975, except
8190-448: Was required by French law at the time. On 29 December 1937, Pierre Michelin was killed in a car crash; Boulanger became president of Citroën. By 1939 the TPV was deemed ready, after 47 technically different and incrementally improved experimental prototypes had been built and tested. These prototypes used aluminium and magnesium parts and had water-cooled flat twin engines with front-wheel drive. The seats were hammocks hung from
8281-499: Was to be developed in secrecy at Michelin facilities at Clermont-Ferrand and at Citroën in Paris, by the design team who had created the Traction Avant . Boulanger closely monitored all decisions relating to the TPV, proposing strictly reduced target weights. He created a department to weigh and redesign each component, to lighten the TPV without compromising function. Boulanger placed engineer André Lefèbvre in charge of
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