Paris show: Citroen reveals its Cxperience

CITROEN has ripped the covers off its striking plug-in hybrid Cxperience concept that could preview a replacement for its C5 mid-sizer that will shortly end production or its former flagship, the C6.

The uniquely designed concept will make its public debut late in September at the Paris motor show and previews the company’s Advanced Comfort technology, while giving a sneak peek at the look of future Citroen models.

At 4850mm long, 2000mm wide, 1370mm high and with a 3000mm wheelbase, the Cxperience concept sits somewhere between the outgoing second-generation C5 sedan and the short-lived C6 that was sold in Australia for six years until late 2012.

Given the downturn in sales in the mid-size and large segments globally, it is unlikely that Citroen would offer more than one model passenger sedan, meaning a possible production version of the concept could be the company’s mid-to-large passenger car offering.

Citroen chief executive officer Linda Jackson said the concept provided a fresh take on a large sedan and highlighted the company’s corporate mantra.

“The Citroen Cxperience concept car challenges convention to express a new vision of executive saloons. It also fits in perfectly with the ambitions of the ‘Citroen Advanced Comfort programme.’ “Cxperience concept illustrates the brand’s capacity to deploy its ‘Be Different, Feel Good’ promise in this segment.” Designed by Citroen Styling at the car-maker’s Velizy Design Centre near Paris, the concept features bold lines and a smooth and rounded front end that, combined with the massive 22-inch five-spoke wheels, gives the concept the impression of a sportscar.

The bold front end design features the famed double chevron badge front and centre that spreads at the edges into unique V-shaped daytime running lights, while underneath a trio of LED directional headlights follow Citroen’s current theme of splitting headlights as seen on the C4 Cactus and C4 Picasso.

Air intakes that are designed to open and close are also integrated into the front bumper either side of the concept aiding aerodynamic performance and manoeuvrability, according to Citroen.

At the rear, Citroen’s familiar concave rear windscreen makes a return after being killed off with the quirky C6, while the V-shaped theme continues with the 3D tail-lights that feature laser fibre optics.

The tail-lights sit in a “black technical block” that follows the lines of the boot cut-out, highlighting the width of the car.

The Cxperience also has rear-hinged “autoclave” doors that rise to the top of the roof and open to a 90-degree perpendicular angle for easier entry and egress.

Citroen says the cabin was inspired by “architecture, decoration and furnishings”, and that the citrus yellow colour scheme is is reminiscent of a “fresh, optimistic mindset”. A single-spoke steering wheel references the brand’s long history, while the horizontal dashboard has a floating design and a single-piece tubular cut-out runs across the length of the dash.

The padded yellow mesh seats have walnut wood backrests that matches the wood used on the dash.

Citroen says the flat foam floor is covered in dark textured leather that leads to broad chrome-finish sills on either side of the car.

As part of Citroen’s Advanced Comfort program that includes a redesign of the company’s suspension system and a focus on improving noise, vibration and harshness levels and interior comfort levels, the Cxperience features loudspeakers and microphones in the front and rear headsets so occupants don’t have to yell at each other to be heard.

This was premiered in the Aircross SUV concept from last year’s Shanghai motor show.

In the middle of the dash is a huge 19-inch rectangular display screen that houses the vehicle’s control centre with access to functions such as air-conditioning, driving aids, sat-nav and media, ensuring no buttons or other controls on the dash and making for clean lines throughout.

The screen can be split into three sections to enable use by other occupants, or it can be used in full-screen mode.

There are also extensive connectivity features accessed through a induction-chargeable smartphone that can start the car and control comfort functions, while rear-seat passengers have access to a tablet that allows them to adjust the seats and air-con and access media.

A pair of small cameras replace the exterior mirrors that send pictures to two small digital screens that are positioned along the inner door panels and have the same trim as the audio speakers and air vents.

The driver has a 360-degree view of the car’s environment thanks to the ConnectedCam that made its debut on the new-gen C3 hatch that is expected in Australia next year.

ConnectedCam is an integrated high-definition camera fitted behind the rearview mirror that films whatever is happening on the road in front of the car.

The powertrain is made up of a 110-150kW petrol engine combined with an 80kW electric motor for a total system output of 220kW.

It uses an eight-speed automatic transmission that is placed transversely between the engine and the motor, while the compact battery is placed under the cabin for better interior and boot space.

The Cxperience has an electric-only driving range of 60km. The 3kWh battery can be charged in 2.5 hours at a fast-charge station or 4.5 hours with a standard charging system.

The concept will be revealed at the Paris motor show in late September and will share the Citroen stage with the new C3.