The inimitable Frenchman

The French have always built quirky vehicles, and Citroën is often the frontrunner when it comes to distinctive cars. There was, however, a period around the millennium when this manufacturer got really boring, especially with regard to its C range of vehicles. The C5 family sedan (2000 to 2017) was the epitome of conformity and the C3 hatchback (2002 to 2009) looked cute with its bubble roof, but it was otherwise unremarkable.

Citroën’s had bigger problems in South Africa than bland appearance, though: its reputation for a serious shortage of available parts. Things got so bad that