Citroen steals the show at Paris

Citroen is stealing all the headlines in Paris, announcing the return of the 2CV, pulling the covers off a new supercar and revealing its new C3 Picasso in the metal.

Top of the bill was news that the C-Cactus concept car, which is expected to make it into showrooms as the spiritual successor to the French firm’s legendary 2CV. Carrying over the less-is-more philosophy of the maker’s most recognisable model, the production ready C-Cactus will be affordable, basic and fun.

Along with the announcement, Citroen revealed an all-electric concept version of the C-Cactus. Bosses are tipping this green version to be offered alongside a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol model and a petrol/electric hybrid model.

While the C-Cactus is set to become a top-value Citroen, the other new model on its stand is designed to thrill! The GT is a supercar with a difference. Its name is borrowed from Sony’s Gran Turismo video game on the PlayStation 3, and players will soon be able to download the hot Citroen and race it in GT5: Prologue. However, the bad news is that the two-seater is unlikely to make the leap from cyberspace into the real world.

A concept car that’s closer to the showroom is the Hypnos crossover SUV. While a production version of the striking model hasn’t been ruled out, elements of its styling are set to appear on future Citroen models.

The new C3 Picasso went on display in Paris alongside concept versions showing styling alternatives and debuting Citroen’s second-generation Stop-Start system. This technology will be available in the new supermini-MPV when it goes on sale next summer.

People carrier fans have got plenty more to look forward to from the French firm. Designers have added another row of chairs to the Berlingo Multispace, but the seven-seater will add less than £1,000 to the list price of the standard version. Buyers after the ultimate in bargain basement family transport can wait for the Nemo Combi. Expected to be available for around £10,000, the five-seater will go on sale in the UK in the new year.