Citroën is to launch a second generation of its pioneering Stop & Start technology. iewed on a striking pearlescent white and orange C3 Picasso at the Paris motor show, the new micro-hybrid system will be introduced in 2010 and will be available on a range of petrol and diesel models.

The special show car offers even better economy than the standard model with almost 70mpg on the combined cycle as well as low CO2 emissions of just 110g/km thanks to the new Stop & Start technology and six-speed EGS (Electronic Gearbox System). When the new C3 Picasso is launched in 2009, diesel versions will be fitted with a Particulate Filter System and will meet the Company's green 'Airdream' criteria.

Citroën was the first manufacturer to introduce Stop & Start with combined alternator-starter on its C2 and C3 models, some four years ago. Independent testing proved it could give a 27% fuel saving in urban traffic by turning off the engine as the vehicle comes to a halt and then instantly restarting it as soon as the brake pedal is released.

The new-generation Stop & Start system will retain the combined alternator-starter unit, which provides quiet, smooth and almost instantaneous restarts, and will produce even better fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Improving the system's environmental performance further, the new generation Stop & Start will also recover energy during braking and deceleration to recharge the vehicle's battery without consuming fuel.