Saipa, the second biggest Iranian carmaker, plans to manufacture Elysee in a joint venture with France's Citroen.
Not long ago, it was announced that Iran Khodro, the top Iranian automaker, was to produce Peugeot 301. These two companies operate as part of PSA Peugeot Citroen and since the two cars share a similar platform, IKCO and Saipa, who have not yet officially collaborated on any product, are to start a joint venture in which IKCO will provide auto parts, TINN News reported.
The Elysée was designed in China and is derived from the Citroën ZX, with many parts (including the dashboard) taken from the Citroën Xsara and Citroën Saxo.
Its VIP version was launched in 2005 and the face-lifted C Elysée was introduced in April 2008 at the Beijing International Motor Show.
Fitted with the new VTi 72 engine, the car is designed for optimal performance (72 bhp, 110 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm), fuel consumption and durability, though critics bemoan its slow speed and poor uphill traction.
It is available with a manual or semi-automatic 5-speed gearbox.
The ride quality of both vehicles is bordering on old-school Peugeot, so it is comfy with just a vague hint of firmness, according to Auto Car UK.
The handling is firm but slow to respond and the electric power-steering is not exactly full of feel.
There is no set date for the release of the vehicle, but its release is expected in Q4 2015 or Q1 2016.
