[Retrospective] Citroën: the revolution of a completely revamped range

After a period of more discreet new models, Citroën has undeniably changed its pace. The spark was the presentation of the eagerly awaited new C3 in October 2023, marking the beginning of a spectacular acceleration. A year later, at the Paris Motor Show in October 2024, the brand with the chevrons struck a major blow by presenting not one, but all of its models in a new light. Citroën's energetic stand showcased a completely revamped range, with a new logo and a bold design language that conveys strong ambitions for the future. This complete renewal demonstrates a clear desire: to reaffirm Citroën's unique identity in a rapidly changing automotive market.

Fresh wind blows across the range at the Paris Motor Show

The 2024 Paris Motor Show will be remembered as the moment when Citroën unveiled its new face to the world. It wasn't just a simple update, but a true stylistic metamorphosis centred on the new oval logo, a modern reinterpretation of the original emblem, and a design language directly inspired by the Oli concept car. The latter, a rolling manifesto for simpler, more responsible and more enjoyable mobility, has infused all the models with its principles. From the ingenious Ami to the comfortable and family-friendly C5 Aircross, including the new C3 and C3 Aircross, as well as the restyled C4 and C4 X, each vehicle has adopted this new visual identity. More than just a cosmetic change, this renewal embodies a return to the fundamentals for which Citroën is renowned: a distinctive and optimistic design, benchmark comfort designed for the well-being of all passengers and thoughtful accessibility, both in terms of price and ease of everyday use. This consistency throughout the range reinforces the image of a bold, innovative and deeply human brand.

Accessibility yes, but never without style and comfort

In a context where the price of new cars is a major concern for many European motorists, Citroën's positioning as an accessible brand makes perfect sense. However, the strength of the current strategy lies in the fact that this accessibility does not come at the expense of style or comfort, two historical pillars of the brand. Citroën seems to have found the right formula: offer financially attractive vehicles without sacrificing a strong personality and valuable features. The bold design, characterised by vertical and horizontal lines and shapes that combine softness and robustness, gives the new models an undeniable presence on the road. This assertive style allows the driver to stand out, even at the wheel of a car with a controlled price. At the same time, the commitment to comfort remains intact, notably through the Citroën Advanced Comfort programme, including suspension with progressive hydraulic stops and specific seats on many models. This combination of accessibility, style and comfort could be the key to success. The first indicators are encouraging: the new generation C3 is making a promising commercial debut, while the redesigned versions of the C4 and C4 X seem to have been very well received by the public and the press, confirming the relevance of this approach.

An offer that meets the expectations of the European market

This completely new and coherent range seems to be a direct response to the current expectations of European consumers. Faced with widespread inflation and the growing complexity of the automotive market, many buyers are looking for more affordable vehicles, but without sacrificing aesthetics, comfort or personality. They want cars that reflect their individuality and offer everyday driving pleasure, while respecting their budget. Citroën's new proposition, with its studied balance between expressive design, upholstered comfort and competitive pricing, seems perfectly calibrated to meet this demand. The emphasis on pragmatic solutions, as demonstrated by the C3, which democratises zero-emission mobility, reinforces this focus on today's needs. The simplicity of use, the optimisation of interior space and the search for a certain sobriety, inherited from the spirit of the Oli concept, also contribute to this approach, which aims to offer the essentials with intelligence and style.

With this transformed range, Citroën has clear ambitions: to regain market share and strengthen its position in Europe. Stylistic consistency, reaffirmation of core values and sensible price positioning are key assets in attracting a broad customer base. The brand seems determined to prove that it is possible to offer desirable and modern cars without reaching price peaks. Of course, the road is not without obstacles. The ramp-up of production is still facing some challenges, resulting in sometimes longer delivery times, especially for the new C3 Hybrid version and the new C3 Aircross. However, these difficulties, which are normal for major launches, seem to be gradually diminishing. Once these industrial adjustments have been completed, the full availability of these key models should logically lead to a significant increase in sales, allowing Citroën to reap the full benefits of its bold renewal. The future is therefore promising for the chevron brand, which has succeeded in reinventing itself to better meet the expectations of its time.