Category Archives: Vehicle type

Citroen, Manufacturer, Supermini

Fun, funky and a real supermini alternative

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Citroen C3 Flair

By Bill McCarthy

Standing out in the ferociously competitive supermini sector takes some doing, inhabited as it is by some fine cars. But Citroen has never had much trouble in that area and the latest C3 continues that in spades with a funky new makeover.

Quirky, could often be code for different but rubbish, but not in the case of the French firm, which always prided itself on offering an attractive alternative to the mainstream.

This latest model retains that funky individuality for those looking for an alternative with a raft of styling changes, 97 colour customisation combinations available and 11 driver assistance systems.

There are seven body colours available which can be mated with a choice of four bi-tone roof colours and a choice of colour for the  three roof decals.

While still a small hatchback, it has the look of a mini SUV, with redesigned LED light clusters and the rubber airbumps, first seen on its sibling the Cactus, large alloys and repurposed signature Citroen chevrons. It has a real road presence for such a small car.

As well as a styling accessory, the airbumps have a functional purpose, protecting bodywork from the likes of runaway supermarket trolleys.

The styling continues inside with colourful touches such as door pulls, contrasting door bins, and a generally funky layout. It features newly-designed and comfortable ‘Advance Comfort’  padded seats which give the impression of sitting in an armchair.

A central seven-inch touchscreen controls navigation, infotainment and smartphone connectivity, whether Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, while USB and Aux connectivity is also provided. General switchgear is logical and less fiddly than on previous models, while binnacle features an instrument cluster with white LCD and analogue gauges and satin chrome surround. Many functions are also housed within the multi adjustable, multi-function steering wheel.

The dash is finished in a faux wood veneer and fittings are of a solid plastic rather than soft touch materials, but gives a neat individual touch.

 On the road, the three cylinder 1.2 litre engine has plenty of character and grunt. The raspy three pot responds well to the touch of the accelerator, whether dashing around city streets for longer runs on the motorway. Mated to a slick six speed gearbox, the 1199cc power unit propels it 60 mph in 10.5 seconds with impressive economy approaching 50mpg, when driven most economically.

Despite the throaty rasp of the three cylinders, it feels pretty refined with suspension on the soft side for passenger comfort and noise generally suppressed, although there is some intrusion from the large 17-inch wheels. So the handling is not quite as sharp as some competitors, although barely noticeable to your average driver. Light steering however does mean the car is very manoeuvrable, particularly when parking.

In practical terms, space for front occupants is good with decent head and legroom, but it is tight in the back for adults for any lengthy journey. Boot space is also generous with 300 litres available, expanding to 992 litres with the rear seats folded.

This range-topping model, at more than £20k, offers plenty for your money with 17-inch alloy wheels, dark tinted rear windows, Citroën Connect Navigation system, power folding door mirrors, auto air conditioning, automatic rain-sensing front windscreen wipers, automatic lights, and Welcome and ‘Follow-me-home’ headlights and reversing camera and sensors, auto wipers, automatic lights, and Welcome and ‘Follow-me-home’ headlights

It has comprehensive safety features including, assisted braking, driver attention alert, collision alert, auto headlights, six airbags, lane departure warning, speed sign recognition and coffee break alert.

It’s quite a package for the money and for those looking for something a bit different . . . 

Factfile

Citroën C3 Flair Plus PureTech 110 

Price: £20,010 

Mechanical: 110hp, 1199cc, 3-cylinder, turbocharged petrol-driven engine with six-speed manual transmission

Max speed: 121mph

0-62mph: 10.5 seconds

Combined MPG: 42.4-50.1mpg 36.7

Insurance group: 16

C02 emissions: 123g/km

Bik rating: 29%

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles

Electric/hybrid, Motoring news

Vauxhall steps on the gas

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British Gas makes largest UK commercial EV order

British Gas has announced that it is ordering 2,000 new all-electric Vivaro-e vans from Vauxhall and has introduced plans to never purchase another combustion engine vehicle. 

As part of its commitment to become a net zero organisation, Centrica, owner of British Gas, has committed electrify its 12,000 strong operational fleet by 2025, five years earlier than originally planned and will be making further orders with Vauxhall for electric vehicles as soon as they are available. Centrica has also committed to make its 1,500 company cars EV only in the same time frame.

In addition to the 1,000 purchased last Summer, the Vauxhall purchase represents the largest commercial BEV (battery electric vehicle) order in the UK to date.  All 3,000 electric vehicles will be on the road by 2022. While engineers can volunteer to have the new vans during the rollout, the company is prioritising high pollution areas to help lower emissions.

British Gas engineers will install all chargers at engineer homes and is accelerating EV adoption in the UK for homes and businesses with charger installs and innovative EV tariffs. The company is currently increasing the EV engineer workforce through training existing engineers, recruiting new engineers, and creating 1,000 new engineering apprenticeships by the end of 2022.

Chris O’Shea, Chief Executive of Centrica, said: 

“Everyone needs to act now to lower carbon emissions and help the UK reach net zero.  We are leading from the front by not only lowering emissions for our customers and our communities, but by lowering our own emissions, and by increasing the speed at which we do this.  Fully electrifying our fleet will make a big difference.

“At the same time, we are helping our customers make the switch to electric and working with motor manufacturers such as Vauxhall on services and solutions for their EV customers such as charge points, infrastructure and innovative EV tariffs with cheaper charging at night and free EV miles.

“We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the Government to create the new jobs our country needs as we all seek to build back greener.”   

Paul Willcox, Managing Director of Vauxhall Motors, said:

“I am delighted that British Gas has added to its initial order of fully-electric Vauxhall Vivaro-e vans that now represents the largest electric vehicle order for a commercial fleet in the UK. As the oldest British vehicle Brand since 1903, I want to thank British Gas, a fellow British business, for their loyalty and trust in Vauxhall.

“As with all businesses up and down the country, tradespeople rely on their van as an essential tool of their work and our 300-strong Retailer network is crucial in continuing to provide support to carry British business. The strength of the quantity of orders for our all-electric van demonstrates that the Vauxhall Vivaro-e can contribute towards the transition towards low emissions vehicles whilst improving air quality.”

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said:

“It’s encouraging to see that one of Britain’s best-known brands is leading the way with the largest commercial EV fleet in the UK.

“This is a huge step as we build back greener, lower our carbon footprint and deliver better air quality up and down the country – with more zero-emission models of cars and vans on the market than ever before, there has never been a better time for drivers and businesses to make the switch.”