Citroen Aims to Expand SUV Lineup

At the Shanghai Motor Show in China, which began on April 22, Citroen unveiled the "Aircross" SUV concept car. This model also commemorates Citroen's 95th anniversary and the achievement of 50 million cumulative global sales.

The body dimensions, announced as 4,580mm long, 2,100mm wide, and 1,730mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,800mm, are longer by 423mm, wider by 371mm, and higher by 200mm than the crossover model sold in its home market, theCactus(not available in Japan). The wheelbase is also extended by 205mm. However, since concept cars often omit single-digit figures, these may not be exact specifications, but the body size is generally about one size larger. It is reasonable to assume that this "Aircross" could be positioned as the flagship model in Citroen's SUV/crossover lineup.


Incidentally, Citroen already sells a model named "Aircross" in its home market, theC4 Aircross. The C4 Aircross is a compact SUV with a wheelbase of 2,670mm and a length of 4,341mm, based on the Mitsubishi "RVR" (current model) (the wheelbase is the same for both models). It is possible to consider this as a successor to that model.

However, considering that the Aircross's body design can be seen as an evolution of the C4 Cactus, and that Citroen's recent basic rule is to not include vehicle classes like "C4" or "C5" in the model name at the time of concept car unveiling, any easy assumptions about the name are meaningless.

Given Citroen's strategy of bringing concept cars to production, it is almost certain that the "Aircross" will be commercialized. However, whether it will be a direct successor to the "C4 Aircross" or become the "C5 Aircross" due to its size is known only to Citroen itself.

Massive and Powerful Exterior

The exterior design, exuding a decidedly massive, powerful, and tough image, is characterized by short overhangs and a narrow greenhouse. The smooth and harmonious front and rear bumpers fully convey Citroen's identity, with the new design double chevron, adopted from theC4 Picasso, integrated into the front face. The roof adopts a floating style, resting on a blacked-out greenhouse, a design also seen in the C4 Cactus.

The sides are equipped with "Alloy Bumps" to protect the body from lateral impacts. While the C4 Cactus featured "Airbumps" in a similar protective role on the lower door panels, perfectly expressing the vehicle's character, the Aircross incorporates a similar concept with new functions and expressions, albeit with different materials and placement. The tires are 275/45R22 size, from Continental. The wheels, with spokes extending to the rim, further enhance the impression of the already large size.

In terms of aerodynamics, the "Air Sign" and "Air Curtain" are key design elements that combine function and aesthetics. The Air Sign, a silver graphic component on the side windows, optimizes airflow over the body surface and emphasizes the rear door windows. The Air Curtain, located at the front air intakes, is a functional device that effectively draws air into the cabin. Furthermore, the shape of the front and rear wheel arches and the door mirrors, referred to as wing mirrors, are also tapered, contributing to improved aerodynamic performance, as announced by Citroen.

The doors are suicide doors, designed for easy entry and exit. The design, which initially appears to be a two-door, is also a distinctive feature.

Pop and Avant-Garde Design

The interior presents a clean and pop impression. Behind the small-diameter steering wheel is a meter panel composed of a 12-inch Panasonic HD LCD monitor, offering a refreshingly simple design with minimal switches. The various graphics displayed on this monitor are also entirely new. Furthermore, the right-hand monitor can slide left and right, allowing it to be centered for the driver or moved in front of the front passenger as a dedicated display.

The seats are four individual units clearly separated by the center tunnel, ensuring a sense of privacy for each occupant. The fabric used for the upper part of the seats and headrests provides a novel and stylish impression. The belt motif design used on the seats, center console, and doors is also a fresh idea that matches the car's character. Such meticulous interior design is unmistakably characteristic of Citroen's craftsmanship.

The powertrain is a plug-in hybrid system, combining a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder gasoline turbo engine, which Citroen calls the 1.6 THP, producing a maximum output of 160 kW (218 ps) and a maximum torque of 275 Nm (29.0 kgm), with an electric motor producing a maximum output of 70 kW (95 ps) and a maximum torque of 200 Nm (20.4 kgm). The rear wheels are driven by this electric motor, employing a 4WD system.

The vehicle can travel 50 km on electric power alone with a full charge of the battery. When acceleration is required, the boost function can deliver a combined power equivalent to 313 ps. While achieving a swift 0-100 km/h acceleration in 4.5 seconds, the "Aircross" also boasts an impressive fuel efficiency of 58.8 km per liter (MVEG combined cycle) and remarkably low CO2 emissions of just 39 g/km.

Citroen has a track record of bringing distinctive concept cars like the "C4 Cactus" and "C4 Picasso" to production, establishing itself as a manufacturer that "doesn't disappoint." While market reception at the Shanghai Motor Show may be a factor, expectations for its mass production are high. The day when the "Aircross," with its avant-garde design, graces our streets is eagerly anticipated, not just by devoted Citroen fans.