2012 & 2013 Citroen Hatchback Reviews & Ratings

The French-based PSA Peugeot Citroen group is headed by its namesake auto manufacturing brand Citroen and dates back to the year 1919 when the company was established by Andr?-Gustave Citroen. As the first mass production auto company outside of the United States, Citroen became known for creating and establishing new technologies and breaking conventions with its vehicles. The company continues this reputation to this day with its groundbreaking automobiles. Some of the most impressive are t... (full review continues below)

The French-based PSA Peugeot Citroen group is headed by its namesake auto manufacturing brand Citroen and dates back to the year 1919 when the company was established by Andr?-Gustave Citroen. As the first mass production auto company outside of the United States, Citroen became known for creating and establishing new technologies and breaking conventions with its vehicles. The company continues this reputation to this day with its groundbreaking automobiles. Some of the most impressive are the 2012 Citroen hatchback models, which include the Citroen C-Zero hatchback, the Citroen C4 hatchback, the Citroen C1 hatchback, the Citroen C3 Picasso hatchback, and the Citroen C3 hatchback. The 2012 sporty, luxurious DS ("Different Spirit") range also debuts several new models this year: the Citroen DS3 hatchback, the Citroen DS3 racing edition hatchback, the Citroen DS5 hatchback, and the Citroen DS4 hatchback. Citroen has always been known for its technology-driven, fuel-efficient hatchback models, and the 2012 editions are sure to keep that tradition going. Citroen predominately competes with other European auto companies such as Renault and internally with Peugeot.

One of the most popular current Citroen hatchbacks is the supermini C3. The C3 was first produced in 2002 and comes with a choice of a variety of inline-four engines. The mini MPV version of the C3 is named the C3 Picasso, and it first debuted in 2008. The C3's first generation ranged from 2002-2009, so it is now in its second generation. With a starting price at a little less than $20k, the C3 is both affordable and practical. Its standard features are impressive as well.

The C4 is also another popular hatchback from this year's line-up. This C4 model was first launched in 2004, but its "C4" name dates all the way back to the 1920s.The 2004 C4 replaced the Citroen Xsara and is very similar to the Peugeot 308 which was launched three years later. The 2008-2009 model years saw a refreshed version of the C4 debut with an updated design, and while the Coupe version was discontinued for production of the Citroen DS4, the hatchback version continues to this day. In the UK, the C4 has a starting price around 15,750.

As far as the premium luxury DS line goes, the DS5, which is new for the 2012 model year, really steals the spotlight as the fresh face in the lineup. The DS5 went on sale in late 2011 and is available as a compact executive car or a 4-door hatchback. The DS5 hatchback features a stylish, aerodynamic design, a sporty feel, fantastic fuel economy, and luxurious features, such as a glass roof.

The 2012 DS4 supercompact hatchback is just as impressive, as it was Citroen's second model and was introduced for the 2011 year. (It went on sale shortly before the DS5). Based on the Citroen C4 II (but with more leather and chrome), the DS4 has been called one of the most beautiful cars on the market today. It is known as having a pleasant day-to-day driving experience, while staying stylish, luxurious, and technologically-advanced. It also has excellent safety features, and it comes in hatchback and estate variants.