Latest news with #Citroen
IOL News
a day ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
Stellantis to raise its compact SUV game in SA with Opel Frontera and Citroen Basalt
The Opel Frontera is due in early 2026. Image: Supplied Stellantis is planning to launch two new compact SUV products in South Africa in early 2026, bolstering its Opel and Citroen line-ups in a key segment. Speaking at the recent Stellantis Week 2025, Mike Whitfield, managing director of Stellantis Sub-Saharan Africa, said the company had a clear vision to grow its presence across the region by consolidating its brands, strengthening its dealer footprint, and rebuilding trust with consumers. He said that with more than 60% of South African vehicle buyers spending less than R400,000 on a new vehicle, Stellantis would focus on delivering the right products for the right customers. The Citroen Basalt is a sportier version of the C3 Aircross. Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ To that end, the current Indian-built C3 and C3 Aircross models, which are more affordable than their European-built predecessors, will be joined in early 2026 by the sportier C3 Basalt crossover. Opel is also set to launch its new Frontera early next year, he said, although it's unclear whether the German product would compete in the same entry segment. What is a Citroen Basalt? Developed primarily for the Indian and South American markets, the newcomer is essentially a sportier version of the C3 Aircross, featuring coupe-inspired body styling and a lower roofline. The Basalt is due in early 2026. Image: Supplied Citroen says it combines the dynamism of a Coupe with the robustness of an SUV, although the performance is not altogether sporty. In India, which will inevitably supply SA's vehicles, the Basalt is offered with two powertrain choices. The manual version features a 1.2-litre normally aspirated petrol engine delivering 60kW and 115Nm. The six-speed automatic model has a turbocharged version of that engine, offering 81kW and 205Nm. Opel Frontera to target Duster? Built on the same Stellantis 'Smart Car' platform as the Citroen C3 Basalt and C3 Aircross SUV, and sharing its bodyshell with the latter, the Opel Frontera was designed to compete with affordable SUVs such as the Renault Duster. Built in Slovakia it does appear to be a touch more upmarket than the C3 Aircross, although South African pricing and specifications are not confirmed as yet. Opel Frontera mild hybrid in base form. Image: Supplied In European markets it is sold with a mild hybrid 1.2-litre turbopetrol engine, in 74kW and 100kW guises, and a fully electric version is offered to. Its exterior design follows a more rugged interpretation of Opel's 'Pure' design philosophy, and the cabin has a focus on practicality, with a luggage capacity of 460 litres. Inside it differs from its Citroen sibling, with a typically Opel 'Pure Panel' cockpit that combines two 10-inch screens. Future plans and local production These two models will give Stellantis a firmer footing in the compact SUV space, while the recently launched Opel Grandland and upcoming Alfa Romeo Junior will expand its presence in the premium SUV segment. The company recently consolidated its five core brands (Citroen, Peugeot, Fiat, Jeep and Opel) into 32 'under one roof' dealer operations, while five standalone Alfa Romeo dealerships remain outside of this structure. Stellantis is pressing ahead with its plans to produce the Landtrek one-tonne bakkie at a new facility in Coega in the Eastern Cape, and this will now be joined by two additional models, including a 'new energy vehicle'. Speaking of the revised plan at Stellantis Week recently, Whitfield declined to provide further details on the new locally assembled models, but said an announcement would be made before the end of this quarter. ALSO READ: Stellantis revises South African Landtrek production plans IOL Motoring
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Rage and despair of the 100,000 Citroen owners told: Do not drive your car!
Around 100,000 motorists in Britain have been told they must stop driving their cars immediately – and may not be allowed back on the road for weeks or months. The owners of two popular Citroens from the past decade have been hit by an urgent so-called 'stop-drive' action, which bars them from using their cars until they can have a dangerous fault repaired.
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Telegraph
My car has a potentially troublesome ‘wet' timing belt. Should I sell it?
I have owned my nine-year-old Citroen C3 Picasso from new. It is in near perfect condition, has only done 31,000 miles and has always been serviced by a main dealer. I have read your warnings about 'wet' timing belt issues so I'm changing the belt of my car ahead of schedule as a precaution. I would like to get a few more years of use – but should I now cut my losses and move on? Just how disaster-prone is this engine? – IS Dear IS, The issues surrounding 'belt-in-oil' or 'wet' timing belts apply to Citroën, Peugeot or Vauxhall models with 1.0- or 1.2-litre Puretech petrol engines. Long story short, the engine was designed with a timing belt (which ensures the valves and pistons work in sync) that runs in oil, the idea being to add lubrication, reduce friction and improve fuel economy. However, the lubricant can break down the rubber of the timing belt; while the oil used in these engines is supposedly formulated to prevent this, it doesn't always do so. Meanwhile, any deviation in the oil's specification (which can include dilution or degradation if not serviced in time) can reduce the level of resistance it offers. When the belt starts to deteriorate, it's not only its integrity at risk; minute particles of rubber are deposited in the oil. These can get caught in the oil filter and pick-up, resulting in blockages and, in extreme cases, oil starvation. This, it goes without saying, can be catastrophic. But while cases of belt degradation in cars that have been serviced meticulously still happen, they are rarer; if your car has been serviced on schedule by a Citroën dealer (therefore using the correct oil), you stand a better chance, especially given its low mileage. Even so, changing the belt ahead of the recommended interval is a good idea. I would suggest that you ask the garage to check the condition of the old belt, to see how badly it had degraded. As an extra precaution, you could even ask them to remove the sump and inspect the oil pick-up and clean it if necessary. If the timing belt is in good nick and your oil system looks clean, I would suggest there's minimal risk of increased engine wear. If not, you can decide on that basis what you want to do with the car. Either way, the good news is that the new timing belts Citroën is fitting are made from a tougher compound of rubber that's far more resistant to the sort of degradation that has caused the issue thus far.
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Amazon urgently recalls ceiling fan over fears it could give electric shocks
Customers have been advised to stop using the A-Faction856 Ceiling Fan which has been recalled over electric shock fears. Border authorities have also been blocking further imports An urgent recall has been issued for a ceiling fan sold on Amazon amid fears it could give users electric shocks. The A-Faction856 Ceiling Fan, made in China, is the product in question, and customers are being urged to stop using it immediately. Border officials have stepped in to halt further imports of the item. The specific product codes affected are FBA15JYLVF9HU000040 and X0027BDFWD, reports the Mirror. The Office for Product Safety and Standards has warned: "The product presents a high risk of electric shock as it has inadequate insulation and insufficient creepage and clearance distance between the mains potential input circuit and low voltage output circuits." They added: "Over time, the insulation can wear down and expose live wires which may result in the user receiving an electric shock. The product does not meet the requirements of the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016." Customers who have purchased these fans should get in touch with Amazon to discuss refunds. This recall comes on the heels of another critical safety notice last month concerning certain Citroën C3 and DS3 models. The warning pertains to second-generation C3s and first-generation DS3s produced from 2009 to 2016, as well as DS3 Automobile DS3s manufactured from 2016 to 2019, all of which may have faulty Takata airbag systems installed. If you are the owner of one of these affected vehicles, you should receive a letter. Alternatively, you can check if your car is part of the recall by using the VIN check tool on Citroen's website. Stellantis, the parent company of Citroen, has confirmed that no incidents related to this fault have been reported in the UK. In an unrelated incident, nearly 60,000 air fryers across the Republic of Ireland have been recalled due to fears they could cause fires. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is advising consumers to stop using certain models of Tower air fryer after a manufacturing defect was identified. Although no incidents have been reported in Ireland, there have been cases in the UK where these products have caught fire. The air fryer models subject to the recall are: T17023 Tower 2.2Ltr Manual Air Fryer. T17061BLK Tower 4Ltr Manual Air Fryer. T17067 Tower 4Ltr Digital Air Fryer. T17087 Tower 2Ltr Compact Manual Air Fryer. T17129L Vortx 8L Dual Basket Air Fryer. The affected products were manufactured between 2020 and 2024 and were sold at various retailers including Argos, Tesco Ireland, DID, Dealz, Lidl and Amazon. You can locate the model number by checking the appliance rating label situated at the bottom of your air fryer. If you possess one of these affected air fryers, you should immediately stop using it, unplug it and contact Tower Housewares by emailing towerproduct@ uk. Alternatively, you can reach out to the CCPC national consumer helpline on 01 402 5555 or email ask@
South Wales Argus
5 days ago
- South Wales Argus
Swansea couple stole car and drove dangerously in Caerphilly
Andrew Williams and Bobbie Kittle appeared at Swansea Crown Court charged with a series of offences on June 9. Prosecutor Emily Bennett said a man parked his Citroen DS4 on Argyle Street in Swansea at around 11pm on June 8. He returned home and left his keys on his table. When he woke up, he saw his keys were gone and his front door was now unlocked. He reported the break-in and his missing car to the police. Later that day, a National Police Air Service helicopter spotted the stolen Citroen in the Rhymney area heading northbound. A stinger was set up, but as the Citroen approached, the driver stopped and attempted to 'reverse ram' the police car behind. The Citroen 'narrowly missed' the police car and hit a tree. The driver then narrowly missed the police car again as he drove off. Andrew Williams was driving the stolen car dangerously. (Image: South Wales Police) The driver continued towards Rhymney High Street – where another stinger was being set up. However, before the car reached the stinger, the driver crashed into a fence. Williams was pulled from the driver's seat, and Kittle was in the passenger seat. As she was arrested, Kittle told officers that the incident was going to appear in the media. Williams and Kittle both admitted burglary and aggravated vehicle taking, whilst Williams also pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, and driving with no insurance. Jon Tarrant said 34-year-old Kittle, of Geiriol Road in Swansea, had managed to stay out of trouble for periods of her life, but struggled with alcohol and drug addicting and fell back into offending. 'There appears to be very little planning about the incident,' he added. Bobbie Kittle broke into a home and stole a car with her partner. (Image: South Wales Police) 'The men you have associated with have dragged you into crime,' said Judge Paul Thomas KC. 'But you have to take responsibility for what you do.' Williams' defence counsel said 'instability' in the defendant's life had 'drawn him back' into offending again. She acknowledged the driving was dangerous, but said that the burglary only involved the car keys being taken 'rather than there being anything more intrusive'. It was accepted that Williams, 42, whose given address was Phoenix Way in Swansea, was on licence at the time of these offences. Judge Thomas sentenced Williams to three-and-a-half years – made up of 30 months for the burglary and car theft, and a further 12 months for the driving offences. He was banned from driving for two years, and must pass an extended re-test to regain his licence. Kittle was jailed for two years.
