ˆ Citroen does the Charleston in Paris with special C3 Pluriel

tags : 2cv , c3 charleston , c3charleston , citroen , citroen 2cv , citroen c3 , citroen c3 paris , citroen c3 pluriel , citroen c3 pluriel charleston , citroen charleston , citroen2cv , citroenc3 , citroenc3paris , citroenc3pluriel , citroenc3plurielcharleston , citroencharleston , paris citroen , paris salon , paris show , pariscitroen , parissalon , parisshow , retro citroen , retrocitroen

Last month we noted that Citroen was gearing up to celebrate the 60th anniversary of its most iconic model, the 2CV. For those not familiar with the 2CV, it is to France what the Beetle was to Germany or the Cinquecento was to Italy. Although some suggested that Citroen could be preparing to resurrect the model with a retro throwback of its own, it now appears the French automaker has had its hands full preparing the Hypnos concept, the C6 Office and the new C3 Picasso. So to mark the 2CV's birthday, Citroen is launching a special edition of its quirky little convertible called the C3 Pluriel Charleston. The special edition takes the same name and paint scheme as the original 2CV 6 Charleston, but that only begs the question as to why a French automaker has named a French car for the French market after a city in South Carolina that the French can't even pronounce. The Pluriel, now on the market since 2003, features an awkward multi-function roof that can be deployed in different configurations... a setup we hope Fiat manages to improve on with the upcoming 500 Cabrio Coach. The Charleston edition, meanwhile, upgrades with a leather interior, chrome trim, 15-inch alloys (don't get too excited now) and a special interior. There are many European cars we wish we could get in the United States. We'll let the French keep this one.

posted : 9/23/2008 @10:31:49 PM

ˆ Paris Preview: Citroën C3 Picasso unveiled ahead of show

tags : citroen c3 , citroen c3 picasso , citroenc3 , citroenc3picasso , paris 2008 , paris motor show , paris2008 , parismotorshow

It sounds as if Citroën sees it's new C3 Picasso as a rolling contradiction in terms. According to the automaker, it is compact and spacious and blends strength and comfort; quality and affordability; performance and economy; contemporary and retro design; square shapes and flowing curves and style and practicality. All right, we can give them style and practicality, which the peculiar C3 seems to offer in spades -- though the French people mover is stylish in the same way it's namesake's paintings are a beautiful, if not an acquired taste. After reading through Citroën's press release, pasted after the break, it sounds as if there are plenty of innovative storage options as well. We do like how the automaker revels in its own quirkiness and was able to make the cockpit seem so bright and airy with all that glass. Four engines will be offered, two gas and two diesel. Look for more when we visit Paris later this month.

posted : 9/23/2008 @10:11:58 PM

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