The History of the Citroen 2CV
The used Citroen 2CV (deux chevaux vapeur) meaning 2 tax horsepower was first released on the market in 1948, and continued to stay on the production line until 1990. This funny little car was technologically advanced and innovative, with unconventional looks, which were inspired by the bodywork of the Bauhaus.
Originally only designed to move the French peasantry on from their horse and carts into the automotive world, it still remains one of the most iconic used Citroens to date! It was designed for its low cost, simplicity of use, versatility, reliability and it’s off road driving ability. With its light, easily serviceable engine and extremely soft and long travel suspension, it was certainly suited to the rugged French countryside.
During production which spanning over 42 years 3,872,583 2CV’s were produced and many of these used Citroens are still on the roads today – although are getting rare!
Research shows that the original design brief was to enable 2 people or peasants as it was stated, to drive 100kg of their farm goods to their local market at a speed of around 60km/hr (37mph), across muddy unpaved roads if necessary. Under this same brief it was stated that the car would use no more than 3L of gasoline to travel a distance of 100kms, which would have given this little used Citroen a return of 78mpg, and of course one of the most famous parts of the brief was that the Citroen 2CV would be able to drive across a ploughed field without breaking any of the eggs that it was carrying! Read the rest of this entry »
2011 Citroen C4 Review – Leading the French Automotive Revolution
Isn’t interesting how things come full circle? Take for example the latest Citroen C4, the dramatic and stylish replacement for the uninspired mid-range Xsara and ZX models. After almost a decade and a half of Peugeot ownership, and the efforts to increase market share by making conventionally-styled cars, Citroen finally realised that the brand really needed to return to the defiant, innovative spirit that characterised models such as a DS, GS and CX from the 50s, 60s and 70s.
There used to be a joke in the 80s and 90s that each new Citroen model had to have a larger double chevron badge than the earlier models because it was increasingly difficult to tell Citroens apart from Peugeots and Renaults. Well, with the C4, this is definitely not the case, even if the double chevron has become larger and incorporated on the grille; this will be the new identity for all future Citroen models. Grille apart, the C4 has bold arching lines, making it look like a stretched and more dynamic C3. From the up turned headlamps in front, to the sloping rear, the C4 looks distinctive and unique, but also well proportioned and stylish. Even while standing still, its mild cab forward stance gives it a thrusting, forward motion. There is no mistaking this new Citroen for another brand of car. Read the rest of this entry »