Citroen's C8 makes a stand

27 February 2002: The all new Citroën C8 MPV replacement for the Synergie will be the stand leader at next week’s Geneva Motor Show. It will share the limelight with the new C3 supermini, due in Ireland in April, and which was launched at last autumn’s Frankfurt Show.

The C8 is longer, taller and wider than the Synergie and it is expected on sale here towards the end of the year. The vehicle has individual seating for up to eight occupants.

Features include automatic electric sliding rear doors, sliding rear seats fitted with Quickfix®, a patented instant anchoring system for easy moving and removal; almost 60 stowage compartments or areas, an air conditioning system which splits the interior into four independent climate control zones; three electric, tilt/slide glass sunroofs with sun blinds - one for each row of seats; and a foldaway mirror, similar to that available on the Citroën C3, which allows front seat occupants to keep an eye on children in the back without having to turn around.

Engines will include a 138bhp 2.0 litre 16 valve, a brand new to Citroën 160bhp 2.2 litre 16 valve and, in left hand drive versions, a 208 HP 3.0 litre V6. Two common rail diesel engines will also be available: a 2.0 litre HDi developing 110bhp and the 136bhp 2.2 litre HDi.

A choice of an auto-adaptive gearbox with sequential control or five speed manual gearbox will be available. The gear lever for both transmissions is dashboard mounted.

February 2002