Citroen EGS Gearbox

[bernarddavey]

In the current edition David Motton has criticised the Citroen EGS gearbox. My own opinion of this gearbox is quite different. I have towed a Coachman 380 and currently tow a Sprite Alpine 4 with a Citroen C4 1.6HDI EGS. I consider this car to be one of the best tow-cars I have ever had. We have towed all over UK with this car and have just got back from a holiday in France with it. The car behaved perfectly and returned 31 MPG towing. The gearbox is good and there is always the availability to manually overide the automatic with the paddle controls on the steering column to ensure maximum engine performance.
We are that impressed with the EGS that we have this week changed to a C4 Grand Picasso 2.0HDI EGS. I have not had a chance to tow with this car yet, but see no reason to believe that it will be any different to the C4 Hatch Back. The reason for going for the 2.0 HDI Grand Picasso is the higher tow-ball limit (70kg) and the higher towing limit (1500kg) and we needed a bigger car to go long term touring.
I have to say that I disagree completely with the comments in the magazine.

 

[JohnGriffiths]

I haven't seen the article but we owned a 2.0 Grand Picasso Es but unfortunately with the 2 litre petrol engine. There were no problems with the geabox other than a slight hesitancy between 1 and 2, my main concern was the poor pulling and terrible fuel consumption when towing. When not towing it was smooth and quiet, a lovely car.

 

[Brian_374234561]

I agree with David Motton. We owned a Grand Picasso diesel with the EGS gearbox and towed an Abbey Expression 550 at the max weight of 1500kg. The gearbox was awful driving solo, but actually improved slightly when towing as it didnt lurch as much with the 'van on the back. The engine was good, not bad power and 25ish mpg towing with 3 kids and kit in tow. It was bad in traffic at low speeds as its very jerky and was useless at slow speeds on any inclineor reversing. I'm glad we sold it and have a Sorento now which is bloomin' brilliant for towing