Citroën CJ4 and Peugeot P44, these were the internal code names of two future small 100% electric urban SUVs. Developed on the basis of “smart cars” of the future Citroën C3, they were to be released in 2025 but the race to reduce costs within Stellantis got the better of these projects.
In view of the changes in the automotive industry and its current context, as well as the over-sizing of the Stellantis group, Carlos Tavares leads a drastic cost hunt. Consequently, the directors of the 14 brands have had to sacrifice a project in their future product plan in recent weeks. Regarding Citroën and Peugeot, the respective CJ4 and P44 projects have paid the price.
Electric in Europe …
These two urban SUVs, about 4.15 m, were to take place at the entry level in Europe. At Citroën, it would have positioned itself between the new C3 (2023) and the future C3 Aircross (CC24) which will see its size approach 4.40 m in 2024. In the other camp, the Peugeot e-1008 would have made it possible to have an electric vehicle less expensive than the e-208 and e-2008. Because the two cousins were based on the “low cost” CMP base, inaugurated by the new Citroën C3 in South America and India. And only in electric for the old continent. Under the hood, the new 70 kW (95 hp) Nidec-PSA engine powered by a 37 kWh battery whose cells will be supplied by the Chinese Svolt.
… multi-energies in other latitudes
These European versions were an opportunity made possible by the scope of this program which concerned South America as well as the Middle East at Peugeot. Therefore, the CJ4-P44 program also provided for a gasoline version. In these latitudes, the two manufacturers saw in this vehicle the successor to the C3 Aircross (our old C3 Picasso) and the first generation Peugeot 2008 which will be restyled once again in 2022. Led since May 2019 by Bernard Hesse, this project ended in October 2021. Since that date, the father of the current Peugeot 508 (R82-R83) has taken charge of the UV5 (compact SUV) project at Fiat.
TO READ. The future Peugeot until 2026
Reasons for stopping the project
There are many. Firstly, the profitability of the European component of this program was deemed insufficient. On the other hand, because of its positioning within the Stellantis group, Peugeot intended to offer an “entry-level” vehicle which is more the responsibility of Citroën and Fiat. Finally, the Italian manufacturer also weighed in this decision since it takes on the role of technical leader on the South American continent and imposes its choices.
TO READ. The future Citroëns until 2025
