Citroen to celebrate centenary with two new concepts
Sadly, a spiritual successor to the 2CV isn't on the cards — but electrification isCitroen will celebrate its centenary next year with two special concepts — one that's claimed to predict the future of urban mobility, the other a car that's claims to demonstrate its forthcoming 'ultra-comfort' features.
Sadly, for those hoping the 100th birthday bash might be the ideal opportunity to wheel out a spiritual successor to one of the brand's most iconic cars — prepare yourself for disappointment, says the car-maker's CEO Linda Jackson.
Speaking to Australian journos at the Paris motor show, the global Citroen boss said: "Everybody asks me if we'll replace the 2CV but the short answer is no.
“I'm not keen on going retro, mainly because there are so many things to do for the future, so many things to launch, so many new models.
"To spend time and effort on doing a 2CV – which I love – no, I'm not convinced.”
Instead, as well as the two new concepts, Jackson says Citroen will push ahead with its plans to electrify its full range of vehicles.
The first plug-in vehicle to arrive will be in 2020 when a plug-in version of the C5 Aircross will arrive.
Interesting, instead of the all-wheel drive 220kW HYBRID4 powertrain that will be offered in the Peugeot 3008 GT, Jackson said the car-maker's first plug-in hybrid will mirror the system used in the 508 Fastback.
That means the C5 Aircross PHEV will combine a 132kW 1.2-litre PureTech engine with a single 80kW electric motor, plus a 13.2 kWh battery.
Combined, the system will channel 166kW to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic.
The more powerful all-wheel drive C5 Aircross will be offered, but only in the Chinese market.
Both cars will come with a pure-electric range of around 50km.
Once launched, Citroen will aim to have 80 per cent of its range available with either a pure-electric powertrain or a plug-in hybrid by 2023.
Just two years later in 2025, 100 per cent of the range will have the option of EV or plug-in powertrains.
Like sister brand Peugeot, Citroen small cars based on the CMP platform will be offered with the battery power, while larger vehicles underpinned by the EMP2 architecture -- like the C5 Aircross — get plug-in power.
Despite the push towards electrification, Citroen's CEO was quick not to rule out diesel-powered engines.
While others drop the controversial fuel from their range, following the fallout caused by Volkswagen’s Dieselgate emissions scandal, Jackson says Citroen will continue to offer diesels until consumer appetite for the fuel dies off.
That could come quicker than the brand thinks. In less than five years, sales of diesel-powered Citroens have dropped from 70 per cent globally to around 50 per cent.
As well as new, more efficient electrified powertrain, Jackson says autonomous driving aids will continue to be slowly introduced to core Citroen models and that, by 2025, the PSA Group will have developed full autonomous tech.
The only issue that concerns Jackson is the cost of the tech will rule it out for most Citroen buyers.
Pictured: 2009 Citroen Revolte concept
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