Back to the Future with Citroen
 

With apologies if this has been linked before - I did a search first and couldn't find it...

Here's a link to an article in French and English about efforts Citroen were making in the 1980s to research fuel-efficient cars. The prototypes look strangely familiar - even though this is now over 30 years old:

Citron ECO 2000

Citron ECO 2000 page 2

All these "old" cars who do such good mpg's are great. But it still is strange that the big companies have such "huge" problems to make them with even beter tech. Or are they fasing in the eco cars. Each year a new one with only a bit better mpg. Because cars as the VW xl1 are posible for all companies i believe.

Btw a nice car this citroën

People don't care enough about economy to make that happen.

Reference: The Geo Metro, the Audi A1, the new Mitsubishi Mirage...

Manufacturers release non-hybrids with fantastic economy from time to time, but the cost savings versus "ordinary" cars isn't high enough to encourage the bulk of the car-buying public to choose these cars over more "normal" looking/sized cars.

Hybrids and EVs, fromthose same manufacturers, on the other hand, even if they also suffer poor sales, can be justified as a marketing expense, giving the manufacturer a "green" halo.

I think the problem is that most people don't use their brains to control their driving, if you see what I mean. Judging by the standard of driving here, most are content just to floor the gas, and not think about the cost of fuel. The current lower price of petrol doesn't encourage that.

Motor manufacturers are catering to this market.

A pity, but on the other hand I'll look at getting a Citroen when I replace Noddy (whenever that is). I have been reading the amazing results some have been getting with the AX 1.5 D. I would like to get (eventually) a C4 Coupe HDI 1.6 which has an advertised Cd of 0.28 and 4.5l/100km, which should be easy to exceed.
I've always liked French cars - particularly Citroens. (Though my first was a Peugeot 205.)

Indeed. I have enough examples of crazy driving here to. Like pulling behind me on full trottle on the off ramp to get in front of me and then full on the brakes not to crash. I had the prerunner of the c4 coupe. The xsara coupe 2.0 hdi 90hp. I got a simple 5L/100km. With only grillblock and high tire psi. To bad i totalled it in winter. But i think 4L/100km would be possible