Citroën chose the Paris Motor Show today to roll out its updated C5 sedan and estate (Tourer) models. The French firm’s VW Passat rival has been refreshed for the 2011 model year with some modest styling changes and technology upgrades.

Since the C5 has only been out since early 2008, the cosmetic updates were kept to a minimum and concern the front headlamps that gain a strip of LEDs and the revised tail lamps that receive a new “Dark Crystal” treatment with clear glass in the central section.

There are more important changes under the hood with the introduction of a new e-HDi engine and a new generation 2.2-liter turbo diesel unit.

The e-HDi marries a 110HP four-cylinder diesel to Citroën’s ‘micro hybrid technology’ featuring a stop-start system and a smart alternator able to recover energy during braking. This model also gets an EGS6 electronic gearbox system with steering-wheel paddles and low rolling resistance tires. According to the French automaker, the C5 e-HDi returns a combined fuel economy figure of 4.6 lt/100km (51.2 mpg US) and emits 120 g/km of CO2.

The second new engine in the range is a 2.2-liter turbo diesel producing 200-horsepower and a maximum torque of 450 Nm. Mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, this engine offers the C5 a top speed of 230 km/h (225 km/h for the Tourer), a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 8.3 seconds (Tourer: 8.6) and a combined cycle fuel consumption of 5.9 lt/100 km or 39.9 mpg US (Tourer: 6.1lt/100km). The saloon emits 155 g/km of CO2 and the Tourer 159 g/km.

Citroën said the new C5 model range will go on sale across Europe in the fourth quarter of the year.

The first official photographs and details of the all-new C3 were published today ahead of the French supermini’s public debut at the Frankfurt motorshow in September. Aimed squarely against the likes of the Ford Fiesta and Renault Clio, Citroen’s C3 will go on sale in most parts of Europe in early November with the UK following in the beginning of next year.

Like its predecessor, the new C3 will be offered exclusively as a five door hatch with Citroen planning to introduce a more premium three-door version of the car called DS3 in 2010 that will compete against the MINI.

On the outside, the new C3′s styling is an evolution of the previous design, albeit more dynamic with a tauter profile and many new details including the front fascia that is inspired by the DS3 concept.

A unique feature of the 2010MY C3 is the oversized glass windscreen that extends well past the A-pillars offering plenty of light inside the cabin. According to Citroen, the progressively tinted windshield smoothes the transition from the strong sun protection above the front passengers to the standard clear glass for looking forwards.

If you’ve seen the interior shots of the DS3 pre-production concept, then you will be familiar with the C3′s dashboard which is identical sans the trendy trim decor and leather surfacing. Overall, the C3′s cabin looks funkier and much more upscale than the current model

At just 3.94m long and 1.71m wide, the new C3 is slightly larger than its predecessor and about the same size as the latest Ford Fiesta (3.95m and 1.72m), offering 300 litters of boot space along with numerous storage areas throughout the cabin.

From launch, the new supermini will be offered with a 90HP HDi diesel engine emitting just 99g/km C02 making it the first full production Citroen to emit less than 100g/km.

Citroen did not disclose details on the rest of the range but the French automaker said that it plans to introduce a new generation of engines incorporating a second-generation Stop & Start system in 2011 that will include diesel versions emitting as little as 90g/km C02 and three-cylinder petrol engines with less than 100g/km C02.

Citroen announced plans earlier this week to revive the DS nameplate for a line of mid-range premium models based on the new C3, C4 and C5. Germany’s AutoBild decided the world couldn’t wait for the Geneva Motor Show debut of the Citroen DS3, and published a few images of the concept a few weeks early.

What you see here is more than just a styling exercise. According to early reports, the concept, which is officially called the DS3 Inside, is very close to the production version due to arrive in Europe as a 2010 model. With underpinnings pulled from the new C3, Citroen is likely to offer a range of gasoline and diesel powerplants ranging from 1.2- to 2.0-liters.

Expect more information to follow in the coming weeks, but in the meantime, check out the gallery of the Citroen DS3 below.

The countdown has began for the announcement of the European ‘Car of the Year 2009′ winner as the organizers released the shortlist with the seven finalists. The cars that made it to the final round of the 2009 COTY are: Alfa Romeo MiTo, Citroen C5, Ford Fiesta, Opel/Vauxhall Insignia, Renault Megane, Skoda Superb and Volkswagen Golf VI. The COTY jury, which is made up of 59 senior motoring journalists from 23 countries around Europe will reveal the winner on November 19.

The COTY’s organizing committee also released a statement in concern of recent news stories that gave the result of a ‘European Car of the Year’. According to the committee, this contest was a national one staged by the Italian Motor Journalists Association and had no connection whatsoever with the ‘Car of the Year’.

COTY PREVIOUS WINNERS

• 2008 — FIAT 500
• 2007– FORD S-MAX
• 2006 — RENAULT CLIO
• 2005 — TOYOTA PRIUS
• 2004 — FIAT PANDA
• 2003 — RENAULT MÉGANE
• 2002 — PEUGEOT 307
• 2001 — ALFA ROMEO 147
• 2000 — TOYOTA YARIS
• 1999 — FORD FOCUS
• 1998 — ALFA ROMEO 156
• 1997 — RENAULT MÉGANE SCENIC
• 1996 — FIAT BRAVO / BRAVA
• 1995 — FIAT PUNTO

Last month we noted that Citroen was gearing up to celebrate the 60th anniversary of its most iconic model, the 2CV. For those not familiar with the 2CV, it is to France what the Beetle was to Germany or the Cinquecento was to Italy. Although some suggested that Citroen could be preparing to resurrect the model with a retro throwback of its own, it now appears the French automaker has had its hands full preparing the Hypnos concept, the C6 Office and the new C3 Picasso. So to mark the 2CV’s birthday, Citroen is launching a special edition of its quirky little convertible called the C3 Pluriel Charleston.

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