citroen 2cv

citroen 2cv

The Duck is back. Well, not officially, at least not yet. But Auto Express has images of an advanced concept design for a new 2CV that seems pretty polished. While the overall look is instantly recognizable as an homage to the original, this is a thoroughly modern looking machine. Similar in some ways to the Citroen Evoque concept of 2005, this new concept appears much more production feasible. With its open umbrella shape, it has a lot of character and would be a wonderful new entry in the retro-everyman's car category. There's a New Beetle (heck, there's even a new New Beetle), a new Mini Cooper (ditto), and a new Fiat 500 out there, so a new 2CV seems natural. And just like its contemporaries, rather than aiming at being the cheapest wheels on the road, the successor seems to be headed a bit upmarket.

[Source: Auto Express]


Auto Express says it has "insider information" about the vehicle, which will be Citroen's first foray into the prestige segment. The nouveau 2CV should share its fwd platform with the C3 supermini and C4 hatch, but be priced above the C3. Whereas the C3 and C4 are handsome, the 2CV is unique. It has the same curved nose, slab sides, rear wheel covers, louvered hood, and chevroned grille, but should be a lot greener than its forebearer. Expect innovative touches like plastic body panels and a hybrid diesel engine. The interior should be fairly spartan with a large, thin-rimmed steering wheel, a fixed central hub, a retro speedometer, and the familiar dash-mounted shifter. But you can't sell in this market without some bling, so iPod connectivity and navigation should also make their way into this new tin snail. While the concept is all silver, it's likely Citroen will go with a smart-like customization option that will allow two-tone body panels, different interior materials, and maybe even a full-length canvas sunroof. Citroen wouldn't confirm their plans, but AE is saying a concept should appear in 2009. We say, "Build it!"

citroen 2cv

citroen 2cv

citroen 2cv

citroen 2cv

c4

c4

c4

c4

c4

c4

The new five seat C4 Picasso benefits from the same forward thinking that shaped the design of the recently launched Grand C4 Picasso, with outstanding all-round visibility, a light and airy interior, leading cabin and boot space, incorporating a new version of Citroën’s Modubox folding trolley, and the use of high quality materials. The easy-to-use and flexible interior lay-out combines with the uncluttered interior space and the highest levels of comfort to ensure that travelling is a pleasurable experience.
Citroën’s newest model sports a fresh, dynamic look, with a body style that is at once compact, flowing and eye-catching. The assertive-looking front end features a new-style bumper with oversized air intakes covered in black mesh, while the unique wave of the waistline, highlighted in chrome, creates an attractive side profile.
However, it is at the back where the five seat C4 Picasso’s distinctive personality and styling really shines through. The rear pillars are masked by the quarter-lights and, combined with the rest of the huge glazed area, give the impression that the upper half of the vehicle is completely surrounded by glass. The saloon-style rear end features lights with a unique horizontal design.
The interior of Citroën’s newcomer is refreshingly light, with outstanding visibility provided by the huge windscreen, slim pillars and optional panoramic sunroof. Artificial lighting also plays a major role with the availability of various useful features, such as automatic welcome lights under the door mirrors, a portable torch in the boot and reading lights on the back of the front seats, all designed to make journeys easier.
The exterior dimensions (4.47m long, 1.83m wide and 1.66m tall) give the C4 Picasso an extremely spacious interior. This feeling of space is enjoyed by all passengers, with those in the front benefiting from the simple, uncluttered design of the dash, and those in the back from three individual, full-size seats and a flat floor. The innovative seating design, first seen in the Grand C4 Picasso, allows the rear seats to be quickly and easily folded flat into the floor.
When all five seats are in use, the new model leads the class with 500 litres of boot space underneath the luggage cover, extending to a maximum 1,734 litres once the rear seats are folded down. Helping to keep the boot tidy, the five seat C4 Picasso can also be equipped with a new version of Citroën’s renowned Modubox. This innovative, removable trolley makes it easy to divide boot space and to transport objects outside of the vehicle.
The new five seat C4 Picasso provides a relaxing journey for all occupants. Suspension comfort can be further enhanced by the optional pneumatic rear suspension, while laminated acoustic side windows can be specified to make it even quieter inside. An automatic electronic parking brake and Hill Start Assist are fitted as standard and make everyday driving easier.
Thoughtful extras such as individual air flow controls for back seat passengers, an air quality sensor and a scented air freshener can all add to the pleasant onboard atmosphere. A high quality stereo system and folding video screens in the back of the front seats are also available to keep passengers entertained.
Developed on the same platform as the Grand C4 Picasso, which scored five stars in Euro NCAP tests, the new C4 Picasso meets the most stringent criteria for occupant protection, offering the likes of four Isofix seats, audible seatbelt warnings for all seats and seven airbags as standard.
The five seat C4 Picasso is available with a choice of four fuel efficient engines: 127hp 1.8i 16V and 143hp 2.0i 16V petrol units, and 110hp 1.6HDi and 138hp 2.0HDi diesel powerplants, both fitted with Diesel Particulate Filter Systems. Dependent on engine there is a choice of gearboxes: manual, automatic or a 6-speed electronic gearbox system with paddleshift gearchange.