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Citroën · Compact · 2012–2020 Custom Search

Citroën C-Elysée 1

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
1.0 / 5.0 · Based on 3 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

90–120 PS

1.6L VTi Benzin

Solid touring saloon in the budget segment

Decent
Problem Engine

68–83 PS

1.2L PureTech Benzin

6 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Engine Overview

The Citroën C-Elysée 1 is available with 3 engine variants — from 68 to 120 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

1.6L BlueHDi 100 · Diesel· 99 PS
2016 2020
Stay Away! 6 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.2L PureTech · Petrol· 72–73 PS Engine Change
2012 2020
Stay Away! 6 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2017 2020
Stay Away! 6 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.6L VTi · Petrol· 115 PS
2012 2017
Stay Away! 6 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Citroën 1.6L BlueHDi 100 (Diesel, 99 PS) has the DV6-BlueHDi100 (1.6L BlueHDi 100) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.

The Citroën 1.2L PureTech (Petrol, 72–73 PS) comes with 2 different engines: EB2-NA (2012–2020, Stay Away!) and EB2-NA (2017–2020, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.2L PureTech!

The Citroën 1.6L VTi (Petrol, 115 PS) has the EP6-VTi (1.6L VTi) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.

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Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Suspension and shock absorbers: noise and poor response

Owners of C-Elysée models from 2017/2018 report excessive road noise and poor bump absorption. Shock absorbers and suspension components lose effectiveness noticeably after 80,000–100,000 km.

Symptoms: Excessive noise over bumps, vague ride, slow response to steering inputs
from 80,000 km
Ad C-Elysée shock absorberCitroën C-Elysée strutC-Elysée Fahrwerk
 Medium

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 23 weaknesses have been documented for the Citroën C-Elysée 1 (2012–2020) — 18 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. 3 problem engines: EP6-VTi (1.6L VTi), EB2-NA (1.2L PureTech), DV6-BlueHDi100 (1.6L BlueHDi 100). Typical issues affect Suspension, Steering, Electronics, Gearbox.

C-Elysée (DV6-BlueHDi100, 2016–2020) — Stay Away!: AdBlue tank sensor faulty — engine start lockout imminent, Turbocharger bearing damage from oil sludge, DPF clogging in pure urban use. Power: 99 PS.

C-Elysée (EP6-VTi, 2012–2017) — Stay Away!: Timing chain rattle due to tensioner wear, Chain tensioner failure — timing chain rattles, Torn oil separator diaphragm in valve cover. Power: 115 PS.

C-Elysée (EB2-NA, 2012–2020) — Stay Away!: Wet belt disintegration in oil bath (timing belt in oil), Fuel entry into engine oil (oil dilution), Oil-bathed timing belt — belt disintegration. Power: 73 PS.

C-Elysée (EB2-NA, 2017–2022) — Stay Away!: Wet belt disintegration in oil bath (timing belt in oil), Fuel entry into engine oil (oil dilution), Oil-bathed timing belt — belt disintegration. Power: 72 PS.

What to watch out for with the Citroën C-Elysée? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Citroën C-Elysée 1 have? +
The Citroën C-Elysée 1 has 18 known engine weaknesses and 5 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Citroën C-Elysée 1? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
None of the available engines are rated 'Good Choice'. Stay away! The most fun to drive is the EP6-VTi (1.6L VTi). Problem engine: EB2-NA (1.2L PureTech) — stay away!
Which Citroën C-Elysée 1 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Citroën C-Elysée 1 — rated: "Decent". {description} The 1.6-litre VTi with 115 hp moves the C-Elysée smoothly and effortlessly; the six-speed gearbox shifts pleasantly. On the motorway the ideal cruising speed settles at 120–130 km/h — above that the engine becomes noticeably strained. A reliable, low-maintenance choice for commuters and high-mileage drivers.
Is the Citroën C-Elysée 1 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Citroën C-Elysée 1 — 3 of 3 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Citroën C-Elysée 1? +
The Citroën C-Elysée 1 is available with engine variants from 68 to 120 hp. Petrol: EP6-VTi (1.6L VTi), EB2-NA (1.2L PureTech). Diesel: DV6-BlueHDi100 (1.6L BlueHDi 100).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee