Citroen ups efficiency of low-CO2 drivetrains
The 1.6 HDI, which is used in models across the Citroën range, now features friction-reducing internals and ancillaries, resulting in reductions in CO2 emissions of up to 5g/km. As a result, the C3 and DS3 e-HDI 90 have had an efficiency boost to 80.7mpg with CO2 emissions of 91g/km, from 78.5mpg and 95g/km.
Higher up the range, the C4 Picasso e-HDI 110 with the EGS6 clutchless manual gearbox consumes 61.4mpg with CO2 emissions of 120g/km, instead of 58.9mpg and 125g/km for the outgoing version.
The diesel-electric Hybrid4 powertrain, fitted to the DS5, has also had a software upgrade. This will now consume 80.7mpg and emit 91g/km CO2 when fitted with the 17-inch wheel option, down from 74.3mpg and 99g/km. Upgrading to the larger wheels ups CO2 output to 102g/km and 72.4mpg.
Upgrades will be rolled out on new-build cars ordered from September onwards, with further applications to come in the near future.
Berlingo Electric will follow next year. Unveiled at the Hannover Motor Show, this will offer a payload of up to 675mpg and a 105-mile range. The batteries, installed under the load floor on either side of the rear axle, can be recharged at two speeds, with the fast charging port offering 80% of full capacity in under 30 minutes.
The van is likely to be eligible for the UK government’s Plug-in Van Grant, offering discounts of up to £8,000 against the purchase price.