Citroen To Launch Fiat 500 Rival At Geneva Auto Show
It might be considered as a Mini Cooper S rival on this side of the pond, but in reality the Fiat is cheaper and was originally conceived for a different kind of clientele in its home market, people more likely to buy cars like the Toyota Aygo, VW Polo and Opel Corsa.
In order to help counter the 500’s success in Europe, French manufacturer PSA is looking to introduce an archrival from it’s Citroën brand, since currently, that automaker doesn’t have one (the bigger DS3, shown above, is the nearest thing it’s got).
As a result, a smaller DS1 model, which will sport a range of three-cylinder engines, is planned as a 500 fighter and could even spawn a performance oriented version with 130 hp or more, especially given the availability of the 500 Abarth.
Slated for an introduction at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March the new DS1 might just give the Fiat a run for its money. And if it does indeed offer a performance oriented version, there’s every indication that car could end up as a somewhat spiritual successor to the early 1990s Citroën AX GT/GTi; a bantam of a hatchback that even today, is still known for it’s scrappy handling and fun to drive qualities.
[Source: World Car Fans]
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Nice car . CItroen is doing thing. www.kobd2.jp