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Straits Times
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Straits Times
Viewpoint: Your car shouldn't look like it pumped iron at the gym
Smaller cars are better for crowded cities and need less resources to build. PHOTO: CITROEN Viewpoint: Your car shouldn't look like it pumped iron at the gym Smaller cars are an obvious fix for crowded cities, limited resources and a warming planet. Yet, they have become an endangered species, as tougher regulations made them uneconomical to produce and people gravitated towards muscular sport utility vehicles (SUVs). A continent that built iconic, utilitarian and wildly popular city cars, like the Fiat Cinquecento and Mini in the 1950s, needs to make tiny cars appealing and affordable again. Smarter rulemaking and financial incentives can help. In Europe, the market share of small 'A-segment' cars – such as the Fiat Panda and Hyundai i10 – has shrunk to the lowest in at least 20 years, according to figures shared with Bloomberg Opinion by data provider Jato Dynamics. Automakers axed their smallest vehicles to protect profit margins and focused on larger, heavier and more expensive models, thereby denying their youngest and elderly clients a new ride. In the birthplace of autos, Germany, the average cost of a new car has soared to around €57,000 (S$82,830), more than the average gross income. Prices in Italy, Spain and France are not far behind. Larger, more expensive cars are partly a consequence of stricter safety and pollution rules, and hence all the technology modern vehicles must contain. (The number of people killed in road traffic accidents fell 16 per cent in the past decade, so tougher regulation has also been beneficial.) And, of course, they are also a result of the trend for high-riding SUVs, which now account for more than half of European car sales. This has created a vicious circle whereby car buyers worried about the consequences of colliding with an SUV buy one to protect themselves. For Americans, where a variety of ill-conceived fuel economy and tax incentives spurred the rise of gargantuan pickup trucks, the notion that Europe's cars are oversized must seem quaint. But the upshot of bigger, pricier wheels is a shrinking market. Just 13 million new vehicles of all sizes were registered across the European Union, United Kingdom, Switzerland and Norway in 2024, or around three million fewer than prior to the pandemic. Manufacturers have threatened to close car plants or have outsourced production to less expensive countries. Meanwhile, consumers who cannot afford a new vehicle are making do with an older, dirtier one, hampering the goal of reducing emissions. The average age of vehicles on the EU's roads has risen to 12½ years. Speaking to French newspaper Le Figaro last week, Renault's chief executive Luca de Meo made a worthwhile suggestion to revive Europe's car market: less onerous regulation for small vehicles. 'There are too many rules designed for larger and more expensive cars, which does not allow us to make small cars under acceptable profitability conditions,' he said. 'Is lane-departure warning absolutely necessary in cars that spend 95 per cent of their time in the city?' Mr de Meo asked. He was referring to the so-called GSR-2 standards, a package of measures that came into force in 2024, mandating features like autonomous emergency braking and speed warnings in all new vehicles. These require sensors and on-board cameras that further inflate the cost of building a car. Mr de Meo also bemoaned how in crash tests, compact models also have 'to react like a high-end saloon with a hood three times longer'. I'm wary of the safety implications of a regulatory carve-out, but his idea should not be dismissed out of hand. Europe already has less onerous rules for so-called quadricycles like the Citroen Ami and Fiat Topolino, whose speed is limited to 45kmh. Both cost less than €10,000. In Japan, so-called kei cars that have a maximum 3.4m length and small engines and weigh only a few hundred kilos account for almost 40 per cent of new sales. Their success is explained by a variety of purchasing, maintenance and parking incentives, but in case you are wondering, these diminutive vehicles are also surprisingly safe and fun to drive. Establishing another regulatory category in Europe would likely be time-consuming, but there is no reason Europe should not consider similar financial incentives for buyers of small cars or penalise those who opt for a large SUV, or both. France has introduced weight-adjusted car taxes and parking charges, for example. Revising carbon-pollution targets to better reflect lifecycle emissions – in other words, including those generated in manufacturing and recycling – would also drive uptake of smaller cars. From a consumer standpoint, it is regrettable that Europe's tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) have stifled a potential source of cheap imports. So, it is imperative European automakers find efficiencies and sell vehicles consumers can afford – if necessary by cooperating with Chinese manufacturers or seeking outside software expertise, as Stellantis and Volkswagen have done. Batteries are getting cheaper and these efforts are beginning to bear fruit. The Renault 5 E-Tech, which costs around €25,000 for the basic version, is a great example of the affordable yet stylish vehicles Europe needs (albeit as part of the slightly larger B-segment). There is even a 540hp 'mini-supercar' – the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, costing €155,000 – which deep-pocketed owners are encouraged to customise to the max. Smaller and much cheaper EVs are in the offing, including the Renault Twingo E-Tech and VW ID. Every1, which are expected to cost less than €20,000 when they go on sale in 2026 and 2027, respectively. Both will be produced in Europe. In other words, small cars look poised for a comeback. But they might need a push . BLOOMBERG OPINION This column reflects the personal views of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Chris Bryant is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering industrial companies in Europe. Previously, he was a reporter for the Financial Times. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Scottish Sun
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Citroen lights up the EV market with six comfy & clever cars under £35k – and a big battery beast coming soon
Citroen has refreshed its entire model line-up in the last 12 months CITRE-ON Citroen lights up the EV market with six comfy & clever cars under £35k – and a big battery beast coming soon Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IMAGINE if Maccy D's did a Statue of Liberty takeover. Or if Wetherspoon's had a Thursday curry club menu hanging off the side of Big Ben. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 The French stuck 250,000 bulbs on the Eiffel Tower in 1925 to spell out CITROEN in 100ft letters - now they have electrified the brand again with six new EVs Credit: Supplied 9 The titchy two-seater Ami costs £7,695 - and it will zip around for 46 miles, recharges in four hours and has a 28mph top speed Credit: simon thompson 9 The first proper car is the e-C3. Two battery sizes. One that'll do 124 miles for £20k and one that'll nudge 200 miles for £22k Credit: simon thompson It's a bit like the French sticking 250,000 bulbs on the Eiffel Tower to spell out CITROEN in 100ft letters. Actually, that last one did happen in 1925 and lit up Paris for nine years. The ad was so bright it could be seen for 60 miles. Legend has it that Charles Lindbergh, the first man to fly across the Atlantic, used it to guide him towards Le Bourget airport as he came in to land in 1927. The car company's founder, Andre Citroen, was a genius marketeer. He illuminated other landmarks including the Arc de Triomphe and the Avenue des Champs-Elysees in his time. There's a bit more red tape to deal with today. One hundred years on, Citroen's 'Electric Show' amounted to a measly six Ami quadricycles parked alongside the River Seine, lighting the way for a random street dance act. And that was about it. That's progress for you. Beloved European car brand releases new 'flagship' EV version of popular you'll never have range anxiety again Thought they'd at least send up some drones. The actual reason I'm in Paris is because Citroen has refreshed its entire model line-up in the last 12 months — all with a plug. Everyone is doing electric cars. But Citroen is doing six at prices more of us can afford. All under £35k. We're getting there, aren't we? It starts with Ami. The titchy two-seater costs £7,695. Not my cup of tea, if I'm honest. But I do like the open-air Ami Buggy that's coming soon. 9 Next up is the £23k e-C3 Aircross - a C3 that has been s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d by 30cm to make the cabin even roomier Credit: Adrien Cortesi 9 The e-C4 is a £28k family hatchback. Not a faux SUV. I already like it Credit: Matt Howell 9 The £29k e-C4 X, a saloon with a big boot Credit: Adrien Cortesi Amazing what taking the doors off can do. Ami will zip around for 46 miles, recharges in four hours and has a 28mph top speed. Everything we discuss from here on out has the option of a petrol engine. Which makes them cheaper and more convenient. But today we're talking electric Citroens. The first proper car is the e-C3. Two battery sizes. One that'll do 124 miles for £20k. One that'll nudge 200 miles for £22k. Not as cool as a Renault 5 but loads more space in the back. There's a C3 van coming soon. Next up is the £23k e-C3 Aircross, a C3 that has been s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d by 30cm to make the cabin even roomier. The petrol has a seven-seat option. But not the EV. The e-C4 is a £28k family hatchback. Not a faux SUV. I already like it. The French VW Golf if you like. The 51kWh version gives you 156hp under your right foot and a range of about 256 miles. Copy and paste the £29k e-C4 X, a saloon with a big boot. Finally, the £35k e-C5 Aircross is Citroen's new flagship arriving in September. Same menu of motors and batteries as a Vauxhall Grandland but with French styling, an upright touchscreen and a squishier ride. The biggest 97kWh battery nudges 422 miles. One thing I will say is that all these cars are super comfy with sofa-like seats and pillow-soft suspension. That's the Citroen way. They're also priced to sell. Citroen UK boss Greg Taylor said: 'We're never going to be the cheapest but equally, as other brands have pushed further upmarket, a white space has been created and that's where we sit. 'The cars look good, they're comfortable, they have the right level of technology, and people can afford them. 'We have five cars under 30 grand you can buy today. So they're not coming in six months. They're not coming in 18 months. They're here today. 'No one else can say that.' This summer Citroen will be launching a service-activated eight-year warranty. Another bright idea. 9 Finally, the £35k e-C5 Aircross is Citroen's new flagship arriving in September Credit: simon thompson 9 The biggest 97kWh battery in the e-C5 nudges 422 miles Credit: simon thompson 9 The cars are super comfy with sofa-like seats and pillow-soft suspension. That's the Citroen way. Credit: simon thompson
The Irish Sun
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Citroen lights up the EV market with six comfy & clever cars under £35k – and a big battery beast coming soon
IMAGINE if Maccy D's did a Statue of Liberty takeover. Or if Wetherspoon's had a Thursday curry club menu hanging off the side of Big Ben. Advertisement 9 The French stuck 250,000 bulbs on the Eiffel Tower in 1925 to spell out CITROEN in 100ft letters - now they have electrified the brand again with six new EVs Credit: Supplied 9 The titchy two-seater Ami costs £7,695 - and it will zip around for 46 miles, recharges in four hours and has a 28mph top speed Credit: simon thompson 9 The first proper car is the e-C3. Two battery sizes. One that'll do 124 miles for £20k and one that'll nudge 200 miles for £22k Credit: simon thompson It's a bit like the French sticking 250,000 bulbs on the Eiffel Tower to spell out CITROEN in 100ft letters. Actually, that last one did happen in 1925 and lit up Paris for nine years. The ad was so bright it could be seen for 60 miles. Legend has it that Charles Lindbergh, the first man to fly across the Atlantic, used it to guide him towards Le Bourget airport as he came in to land in 1927. Advertisement READ MORE MOTORS NEWS The car company's founder, Andre Citroen, was a genius marketeer. He illuminated other landmarks including the Arc de Triomphe and the Avenue des Champs-Elysees in his time. There's a bit more red tape to deal with today. One hundred years on, Citroen's 'Electric Show' amounted to a measly six Ami quadricycles parked alongside the River Seine, lighting the way for a random street dance act. Advertisement Most read in Motors And that was about it. That's progress for you. Beloved European car brand releases new 'flagship' EV version of popular you'll never have range anxiety again Thought they'd at least send up some drones. The actual reason I'm in Paris is because Citroen has refreshed its entire model line-up in the last 12 months — all with a plug. Everyone is doing electric cars. But Citroen is doing six at prices more of us can afford. Advertisement All under £35k. We're getting there, aren't we? It starts with Ami. The titchy two-seater costs £7,695. Not my cup of tea, if I'm honest. But I do like the open-air Ami Buggy that's coming soon. 9 Next up is the £23k e-C3 Aircross - a C3 that has been s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d by 30cm to make the cabin even roomier Credit: Adrien Cortesi Advertisement 9 The e-C4 is a £28k family hatchback. Not a faux SUV. I already like it Credit: Matt Howell 9 The £29k e-C4 X, a saloon with a big boot Credit: Adrien Cortesi Amazing what taking the doors off can do. Ami will zip around for 46 miles, recharges in four hours and has a 28mph top speed. Advertisement Everything we discuss from here on out has the option of a petrol engine. Which makes them cheaper and more convenient. But today we're talking electric Citroens. The first proper car is the e-C3. Two battery sizes. One that'll do 124 miles for £20k. One that'll nudge 200 miles for £22k. Not as cool as a Renault 5 but loads more space in the back. There's a C3 van coming soon. Next up is the £23k e-C3 Aircross, a C3 that has been s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d by 30cm to make the cabin even roomier. Advertisement The petrol has a seven-seat option. But not the EV. The e-C4 is a £28k family hatchback. Not a faux SUV. I already like it. The French VW Golf if you like. The 51kWh version gives you 156hp under your right foot and a range of about 256 miles. Copy and paste the £29k e-C4 X, a saloon with a big boot. Finally, the £35k e-C5 Aircross is Citroen's new flagship arriving in September. Advertisement Same menu of motors and batteries as a One thing I will say is that all these cars are super comfy with sofa-like seats and pillow-soft suspension. That's the Citroen way. They're also priced to sell. Citroen UK boss Greg Taylor said: 'We're never going to be the cheapest but equally, as other brands have pushed further upmarket, a white space has been created and that's where we sit. Advertisement 'The cars look good, they're comfortable, they have the right level of technology, and people can afford them. 'We have five cars under 30 grand you can buy today. So they're not coming in six months. They're not coming in 18 months. They're here today. 'No one else can say that.' This summer Citroen will be launching a service-activated eight-year warranty. Advertisement Another bright idea. 9 Finally, the £35k e-C5 Aircross is Citroen's new flagship arriving in September Credit: simon thompson 9 The biggest 97kWh battery in the e-C5 nudges 422 miles Credit: simon thompson 9 The cars are super comfy with sofa-like seats and pillow-soft suspension. That's the Citroen way. Credit: simon thompson Advertisement Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.
