GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Citroen C-Aircross Concept

It's not quite as exciting as the swoopy CXperience Concept shown at last year's Paris motor show, but the new C-Aircross Concept is a far more important model for the French brand, because it will spawn a production crossover model that will go global.

Expected to preview the next C3 Picasso crossover, the concept design has an adventurous, futuristic look, combining a raised ride height with avantgarde design cues such as the staggered brake light bezels and slim-line grille and headlight cluster.

Pumped wheel-arches give the car a bigger look than its short 4.15-metre length would suggest and bold 18-inch alloy wheels combine with bright roof-rails to attract attention.

The interior is even more space-age, dominated by a trendy ultra-modern steering wheel and white-grey-orange colour scheme. It's a fairly minimalistic interior and although many of the flourishes are unlikely to make it to production the simplified layout could translate.

A large 12.0-inch touch-screen and a storage shelf that runs the width of the vehicle attract the eye, and the seats feature integrated bags for extra storage functionality. A tack-on head-up display shows road speed and vital info for the driver.

"This concept also embodies the ambitions of the Citroën Advanced Comfort programme, making its interior space a source of well-being," said Citroen CEO, Linda Jackson.

The new C-Aircross Concept "demonstrates Citroën's pursuit of its international product offensive," said the Citroen boss.

There's no word on the new C3 Picasso's Australian availability, but considering the existing model is not currently sold here and Citroen's annual sales are pitiful, numbering less than Chinese importer LDV, it's certainly not a slam dunk for this country.

In total Citroen sold 965 vehicles in Australia in 2016 -- a year in which more than 1.2 million new cars were registered in Oz. It was also down 12.7 per cent on 2015. Citroen's top selling car Down Under was the Berlingo, a small van.

Based on the new same platform as the new Citroen C3 hatch, which is coming to Australia this year, the C-Aircross Concept could find favour in Australia if it was priced right.

The French importer offers one of the strongest new-vehicle warranties in the country at six years and if the compact C-Aircross Concept's production twin had a strong features list it may pique the interest of mini people-mover buyers wanting something that stands out.