Citroën has revealed a concept that showcases the French brand’s ‘Advanced Comfort’ programme.
The CXperience Concept will make its public debut at the Paris motor show on 29th September.
According to its creators the car ‘brings a fresh new approach to the hatchback segment’ thanks to a distinctive body style and rear-hinged doors. New styling treatments include the front end, the grille and an update to the headlight signature design.
Measuring up at 4.85 metres long and 2m wide, around the same footprint as a C6, the concept boasts a very low roof height, of just 1.37m. The 3m wheelbase features short overhangs, creating more interior space, and the car sits on 22in diameter five-spoke wheels.
The powertrain is a plug-in hybrid unit, the CExperience said to offer power outputs between 250 and 300hp and an all-electric range of around 60km (36 miles).
The car boasts an eight-speed auto gearbox between the petrol engine and electric motor, and its 3kW battery, placed under the floor, can be recharged in 4.5 hours using a domestic socket or in under 2.5 hours with a specific charger.
Inside the design follows the requirements of Citroen’s Advanced Comfort programme that seeks to meet the changing needs of travellers as new technology and styling formats come on stream.
The air suspension is designed to filter out all bumps during travel, while the seats are made from shape-memory foam, the front versions boasting open headrests to improve visibility for rear-seat passengers. Wide windows and full-length sunroofs ensure the interior is light and airy.
Dominating the driver console is a 19-inch rectangular touchscreen that can be configured in various modes – so for example passengers can listen to music or watch video on two-thirds of the screen while the driver uses the remainder for navigation.
The car has no wing mirrors, these replaced by door-mounted cameras feeding screens on the inside of the doors, while further technology available to the driver includes a range of connected services, such as opening gates or garage doors while still some distance away or accepting home deliveries.
Also seen for the first time on a Citroën is ConnectedCAM Citroën, a camera mounted just behind the rear-view mirror to record everything the driver sees on the road.
In the rear passengers have their own mobile tablet that they can use to adjust the seats and air conditioning, and access media such as games, files or music and video through a new app called ‘Share with U’.
Technology premiered on the Citroën Aircross concept in 2015 improves sound performance, with loudspeakers and microphones in the headrests allowing passengers to listen to something in private or have private conversations with others in the car. Cameras are also built in allowing front-seat passengers for example to keep an eye on children in the back.
Many elements of the Cxperience are expected to find their way into future Citroën production models.
