FIRSTLOOK

That's because they're sister models belonging to the PSA Group. Yes, the profiles of the Citroen C-Elysee and Peugeot 301 look the same, but the front ends are different for the sake of differentiation.

Like the 301, the C-Elysee is aimed at offering class-leading cabin space in the B-segment, thanks to a lengthy 2,650mm wheelbase, which even matches some C-segment cars.

No engines have been revealed by Citroen yet, although Peugeot has already announced that the 301 can take motors ranging from 1.2 to 1.6 litres. It's a potential rival for the Nissan Almera.

The strategy for the C4 L is the same, right?

Exactly. With the C4 L Lounge, Citroen hopes to rattle C-segment contenders with its 2,710mm wheelbase to topple rivals like the Honda Civic.

The C4 L mirrors the Peugeot 408, which is currently in Thai showrooms with a 1.6-litre petrol-turbo engine priced at a high-ish 1.3 million baht despite coming from Malaysia tax-free.

As you well know, the French are still relatively new to industrialisation in Asean, so that explains its higher production costs than established players from Japan.

So these two Citroens are doomed here?

More or less, yes. Although saloons are highly popular in this part of the world, Citroen hasn't mentioned their sales prospects here.

What it has, though, is that this new duo will go on sale in other emerging markets like China, Russia, South America and some countries in the Mediterranean area.

These markets also have high demand for four-door sedans and China, in particular, loves cars with lots of interior legroom.

The Middle Kingdom is still the baby for most car manufacturers due to the high sales volume, so don't expect either the C-Elysee or C4 L to come to Thailand.

Instead, you might wish to just cherish the DS cars that Citroen is trying to convert Mini punters with.

C-Elysee, top, and C4 L have class-leading space in their respective segments.