Local prices, engine specs, performance, fuel economy data, reliability and safety listings for every car
sold in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait!
Citroen is such a low-volume player in the Middle East that most people here think the brand is not available here any more. The C2 is the replacement for the Saxo at the lower end of the Citroen range. Based on the same platform as the larger C3, the C2 is only available as a three-door model, while the C3 is the five-door version. The C2 has distinctive styling. It offers a lot of interior room in the front and a decent driving position, as well as rear seats which optionally fold, recline, slide and come out altogether. Its dashboard is shared with the C3 with trim of decent enough material. There are coloured plastic inserts on the door trim and gearknob to dress up the cabin. The driving position is good, with good visibility to the front and somewhat limited to the rear thanks to a small rear window. The C2 only with one engine in this region. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder isn't very powerful, but it is quite a revelation given the size of the car. It is mated to a 5-speed automatic SensoDrive transmission. It has four airbags as standard, but ABS brakes, with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, are only an option.
The C3 is a curvaceous hatchback that competes in the hot compact segment dominated by Toyota. The standard C3 is available in five-door form only, while the funky C3 Pluriel is only available as a two-door. Designed to be roomy and versatile, it is utterly more futuristic than the usual offerings in this segment, and fairly well-equipped. The C3 cabin has plenty of cubbyholes and storage spaces, a big windshield and the 'Moduboard' foldable false floor for the luggage trunk. There are more unexpected features such as speed-sensitive windshield wipers, follow-me-home headlights and one-touch electric windows. Current engine choices are the 1.4-litre and the 1.6-litre four-cylinder motors. A manual is standard, with an optional auto on the 1.4-litre. The SensoDrive auto gearbox is offered on the 1.6-litre with a fuel-saving feature called the Stop-Start system, which automatically turns the engine off when idling in traffic and turns it on again when you lift off the brake. The Pluriel comes with a different front end and a 1.6-litre auto only, and this unique car can be converted into a hatchback, a pick-up and a convertible by playing with roof configurations. Standard front and side airbags, as are ABS brakes.
Competitors:
Hyundai Accent
Skoda Fabia
Toyota Yaris
Price Range
Dhs 41000 - 67000 (US$ 11100 - 18200)
Body Styles
5-door hatchback, 2-door convertible
Weight (kg)
1147 - 1200
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
1.4 I4 FWD 1.6 I4 FWD
5M/4A 5M/5AM
75 110
116 147
6.2-6.6 6.6-7.0
14.2-15.0 11.0-11.6
168 162-168
Good
Interior room, unique shape, versatility
Bad
Slow, electronics might go wrong
Citroen C4
The radical C4 offers a hip and modern hatchback with out-of-this-world styling and innovative new ideas, with items such as a multi-functional fixed-centred steering wheel and an built-in air freshener. Available as either a three-door or a five-door, it is already popular on the Internet for its dancing-robot TV ads. Besides eye-catching styling, it comes with a long list of standard equipment. Firstly, the base engine is a 1.6-litre four-cylinder with either a manual or an automatic. The top model is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder with only an automatic. The C4 comes standard with alloy wheels, cruise control and the power features features. Options include a panoramic sunroof and xenon dual-function directional headlamps. On the inside, where the C4 pays attention to detail with touches like the damped push-open drawers on the dashboard and an abundance of soft-touch trim. There are six airbags as standard, as well as ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Emergency Braking Assistance. Electronic Stability Programme with Traction Control is optional.
The front-wheel-drive C5 is available in a 5-door sedan or a 5-door wagon form, both with upward-opening rear liftgates, and it can be credited with a smooth ride with lots of space, thanks to a restyling back in 2005 that also saw equipment levels upgraded and suspension modified to meet earlier criticisms of ride comfort. Sound-proofing and insulation have been improved too. The long front and rear overhangs makes the C5 look bloated, but its details make it stand out in a crowd. The engine line-up in this region consists of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder and a 3.0-litre V6. The 2.0-litre can be had with either a manual or an automatic, while the range-topping 3.0-litre comes with a six-speed tiptronic-style auto gearbox. The C5 features the latest Hydractive 3 version of Citroen's hydro-pneumatic suspension, with automatic height adjustment according to speed and terrain, and continuous alteration of characteristics to suit driving styles. This technically complex car comes with features such as automatic window-closing when it rains, rain-sensing wipers and adaptive headlights which 'bend' around corners and options like a lane-departure warning system, which vibrates the driver's seat if you drift over the white lines without indicating. Seven airbags are standard, along with traction control, ESP and ABS.
The C8 is an interesting new addition to the midsize people mover market. It drives like a car and has the utility of a 4WD. The regional market gets a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, mated to an automatic. Available features include twin sliding anti-trap rear side doors than can be electronically controlled individually from the key fob, a panoramic interior mirror for viewing the interior, seatback tables, up to three individually controllable climate zones, power outlets for running TVs and Playstations, and numerous other storage holes. It has a walk-through cabin that allows front passengers to snake their way between the front seats to the back. The seats are versatile, and you can fold them, remove them or move them around. The dashboard is a funky design, with main dials are in the centre and the tripmeter on the steering column. There are numerous airbags, seven three-point belts and enough safety features to make the C8 a safe bet.
Competitors:
Mitsubishi Grandis
Renault Espace
Seat Alhambra
Price Range
Dhs 97000 - 103000 (US$ 26400 - 28000)
Body Styles
5-door minivan
Weight (kg)
1612
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
2.0 I4 FWD
4A
140
200
8.0
13.0
182
Good
Roomy interior, ride, fuel economy
Bad
Slow, pricey with options
Citroen Xsara Picasso
Citroen has a tradition for breaking design conventions and building quiry cars, and the Picasso, a compact people-carrier, is no exception. The Picasso offers a roomy and versatile interior designed around the need for differing seating configurations in a vehicle with car-like handling characteristics. Compact tall wagons have become popular family vehicles in europe, though people here are reluctant to give up their stupid 4WDs. The only powerplant is the 2.0-litre four-cylinder with front-wheel-drive and an automatic gearbox. The sloping front end offers a commanding driving position. The dash-mounted shifter is within easy reach and the digital instrumentation is clear. The cabin is filled with accessories like cup-holders, fold-down aeroplane-style tables in the back, and a low luggage floor for easy loading, with numerous other stowage facilities and cubby holes, including huge door pockets and under-floor storage boxes. Safety features include the requisite airbags and ABS brakes.
