[Words from Citroënists]Citroën: a continuing passion for Jean-François

This is the continuation of the 'Citroënist's Words' section, which gives you the floor to tell us about your passion for Citroën. You can speak freely on any subject that interests you. Whether you want to talk about a recent or old Citroën test drive, or your passion for the brand, Citroënist's Words is your section. Today, Jean-François shares his moving and captivating story about his lifelong passion for the brand, showing the full strength of his Citroën passion.

My passion for Citroën cars developed from childhood. This passion began subconsciously between the ages of six and twelve, as I was cradled in a Citroën DS from the age of four. My parents owned a Digue caravan, and the DS was the only car capable of towing it without any problems. I fondly remember trips in the DS until 1977. Neither my brother nor I nor our dog ever got sick in the back of that car. My father owned five DSs before upgrading to the Renault 16, but he later returned to Citroën.

It was the Renault 16 that sparked my interest in Citroën publications and books, starting with a sketchbook of drawings illustrating Citroën production from its beginnings to 1977. When my parents switched to Renaults, I fell in love with the Citroën brand forever. In 1979, I did everything I could to convince my father to buy a CX, as I had been unable to convince him to buy a DS, which had been discontinued in 1975. This passion for Citroën is therefore deeply rooted in my childhood memories and was fuelled by my interest in publications about the brand. The CX was the last Citroën they bought until 2016, when I got my own back by persuading them to buy an Xsara Picasso. I am indeed a bit "obstinate" in life! Indeed, with the changes to traffic in Paris, the old R25, which had been owned for 22 years, no longer had a future there.

I bought my first Citroën in 1988. It was a Scarab Brown DS23 IE Pallas in excellent condition, and it was my first car. Yes, I know — I went overboard! I was its slave until the birth of my son in 1994, when I reluctantly sold it due to not having a garage at my new home. In 1990, I bought a new AX Thalassa 14.D, which gave me a hard time with the segmentation. So, I turned to a car that had impressed me when it was released in 1982. I think you've guessed it! It's the BX, specifically the 1992 Image Turbo D version. It's a gem, and I also bought it new. Before that, I covered 200,000 km with nothing but regular maintenance, as well as replacing a hydraulic fitting. I've been through a lot with it!

In 1999, I switched to the Renault Scénic, which was a good vehicle. When the Xsara Picasso was released, you might think that I swapped the Renault for the 90 hp Picasso Turbo D, but I kept it for six years.

I then had a Honda CR-V for a while before returning to the Picasso for a second time. In the meantime, my wife owned an AX Prestige that was stolen and then a 90 hp diesel C3 XTR with a strong pull.

In summary, I've owned two Mercedes (a C-Class and a Sports Coupé) and a Peugeot 308, which I liked. I should point out that I generally only buy the top trim level.

They say all roads lead to Rome, but for me, it's Citroën that the roads have led me to, or sent me back to.

In 2016, I came across a small garage with a lovely C5 Exclusive Plus with a 163 hp HDI engine. It was fully equipped and had been built in 2010. It had covered 69,000 km. It stayed with me for eight years. It gave me absolute joy until 2024, reaching 225,000 km. I named it Orane. I travel a lot in the summer and felt that I needed a less powerful vehicle (I had incurred significant repair costs at each MOT).

That was the end of the story. I offered it to my son, but he declined as he travels all over the world.

Not wanting to sell it and condemn myself to high treason, I gave it to my best friend, who promised to take care of it.

Whenever I had the C5 in for servicing, I was often lent a C5 Aircross. I quickly realised that I had a great affinity with this car. So, naturally, I looked for a model that would suit me (the C5 X was too big for my new garage). Last year, Citroën had decided to "downgrade" the equipment of the new models. Believe me, it's not a figment of my imagination. I almost bought a Kia Sportage, seduced by its features and gadgets. But I wasn't finished with Citroën yet. Not far from my usual dealership, there was a small garage that looked great and had a few Citroëns on display for sale. And there it was: the car that has been in my garage since July 2024. It was one of the first 136 hp mild hybrids, in the Shine Pack version, black pearl, with only 2,950 km on the clock since its launch in June 2023. The salesman told me that they had left it at a dealership. In any case, it wasn't lost anymore. I was there!

I admit that it's almost as comfortable as my Orange, and ultimately, it's a good transition as the hybrid's handling is so smooth and pleasant. In conclusion, although Citroën is drowning in Stellantis, there will always be someone to carry forward what Citroën represents for people like me, who are almost 62 years old (yes, Citroën and its older customers). In the meantime, we know what's beautiful and true: The chevron logo, the hydraulic suspension and the Advanced Comfort seats.

To date, three cars have been important in my life. The DS, the BX and the C5, the latter of which reminded me of the DS every day that I drove it, even though the C6 is also a beautiful car. I now have the new C5 Aircross, which I'm sure will fit perfectly in my garage. Citroën isn't just a brand; it's a rolling memory, a unique style and an emotional connection. Thank you all for sharing this passion for Citroën.

P.S. I have a whole host of Citroëns in my display case — you probably already knew that!