Citroen's iMiEV-derived C-Zero city car

Recognise this? It's the first progeny of PSA Peugeot Citroen's European EV deal with Mitsubishi.

Which is to say, it's a Mitsubishi i-MiEV badge engineered and bodily modified for release in the European market, scheduled for Q4 2010.

The Citroen C-ZERO is an i-MiEV capable of accommodating tighter European design rules on pedestrian protection and rear-end impact.

The name reflects its value proposition: zero local emissions, zero fuel consumption, zero engine noise.

The compact four-seat city car's 47kW electric motor puts a peak 180Nm to the road through a single-speed reduction gear transmission.

It accelerates from 0-100km/h in about 15 seconds and on to a top speed of about 130km/h. Driving range on a full charge is expected to be up to 130km.

Its 88 lithium-ion battery cells generate 330 volts and deliver about 16kWh.

Like the i-MiEV, its handling benefits from a low centre of gravity, the result of having the entire powertrain mounted beneath the floor and between the axles.

Citroen says that while charging the C-ZERO's battery pack from empty will take about six hours, the battery is made to tolerate top-up charges, and an 80 per cent charge can take as little as 30 minutes, albeit using a 400 volt, 125 amp non-domestic charge point.

The base C-ZERO will go to market with six airbags, power steering, ABS, traction and stability control, electric windows and air conditioning.

Bootspace is a modest 166 litres.