Citroen unleashes its X6 beater

Here’s one model that’s sure to send car fans into a trance! Called the Citroen Hypnos, it’s a coupé-SUV crossover that will tackle competitors such as the BMW X6 and forthcoming Infiniti FX head-on. And as our pictures show, the company has used bold brush strokes to create the newcomer!

Bulging wheelarches house striking alloys and gold brake calipers, while a steeply raked windscreen, frameless windows and aerodynamic mirrors are pure coupé. But look down, and the high ground clearance reveals the off-road side to the car’s split personality.

At the front, the Citroen genes are obvious, although the air intake is reminiscent of that on the Mitsubishi Evo X. Our interior shot reveals a novel seating arrangement – but it’s the psychedelic-coloured cabin lighting that is likely to wow occupants most!

Under the skin, the new machine is just as cutting edge. Hybrid technology – likely to be based on the diesel-electric system seen in the C-Matisse coupé concept – ensures the car is green. It emits only 120g/km of CO2 and returns 60mpg fuel economy.

Yet the Hypnos still packs a powerful 200bhp punch, and so promises strong pace as well as impressive efficiency.

The wraps will be taken off the concept at the Paris Motor Show next month, although top brass have yet to confirm a date to put the Hypnos into production.