Paris motor show 2010: Citroen C-Zero

Citroen has shown off its all-electric city car, the C-Zero, at the Paris motor show.

The Citroen C-Zero is the firm’s version of the Mitsubishi iMiEV and has been developed as part of a collaboration between the two manufacturers.

See pics of the Citroen C-Zero at the Paris and Brussells motor shows

The car was originally seen at the Brussels motor show in Belgium and its PSA stablemate Peugeot has already shown off its version of the iMiEV, the iOn.

The C-Zero is due to go into production in the second half of 2010 and is part of the firm’s strategy to lower emissions across its range. Sub-100g/km of CO2 versions of the DS3 and C3 will be available from launch in 2010, while the firm will also introduce its hybrid DS5 in 2011.

Power comes from a permanent magnetic synchronous motor, which produces 47kW (64bhp). It produces 133lb ft of torque between 0 and 2000rpm and power is sent to the rear axle by a single-speed reduction gear.

A centre-mounted 330-volt lithium-ion battery pack powers the motor and has been included as it is lighter and more durable than nickel-metal hydride batteries, while offering equivalent performance.

A full recharge of the battery pack takes six hours by plugging the car into a conventional 220-volt socket, while an 80 per cent fast charge takes 30 minutes when using a 400-volt socket.

It has a claimed range of 80 miles and a top speed of 80mph. Its 0-62mph time is 15secs and it can get from 37-56mph in 6secs.

A Citroen spokesman told Autocar that the car is expected to be available in UK showrooms in the year's final quarter, although whether the car would be able to buy outright or be available for lease-only has yet to be determined. The source also said no pricing had been decided at this stage.

Citroen is offering anyone who places a pre-order for a C-Zero an exclusive test drive in the car before it reaches showrooms.See all the latest Citroen reviews, news and video