Citroen’s has unveiled the first images of its new C3 Aircross due here in Q4 of this year, writes Trish Whelan.
The new Milano will now be called the Junior, resurrecting a 1960s nameplate for the brand's sports coupes of the era designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro.
The Italian government complained about the name of the new car because it is not to be produced in Milan but in Poland. Italy's industry minister Adolfo Urso cited a 2003 law that says using Italian-sounding names for products not manufactured in Italy misleads consumers.
The Junior is a B-segment SUV that will be the sporty brand's first EV. Petrol engines will also be available later.
Alfa Romeo, which started in Milan, previously used the Milano name in America when it sold the Alfa Romeo 75 saloon there.
The vehicle has larger dimensions than the outgoing one, and will have choices from five powertrains outputting 150hp-204hp. There will be a PHEV engine with a claimed EV range of 100km. All powertrains will be automatic. AWD will be available in the range.
A ChatGPT integration with the voice control system will bring Artificial Intelligence improvement to the facility.
The self-charging hybrid technology incorporates a 1.2 136hp petrol engine with a 6-speed automatic that has the electric motor integrated. The battery is under the floor, so boot capacity isn't affected.
The hybrids offer improved acceleration in both models, and in use in urban driving can operate in EV mode for more than 50pc of the time.
Irish market availability and pricing will follow.