2CV leads Citroen into new era

Vive la difference! Crowds flocked to Citroen’s stand at the Frankfurt Motor Show to see one of its most exciting concepts ever – the Revolte.

And while the French firm says the 2CV-inspired model – which carried the badge of its premium DS range on its bonnet – won’t make it to production, its styling cues and innovative hybrid technology will.

Boasting plenty of curves, particularly around the rear, and a retro rollback roof, there’s much of the 2CV in the Revolte, but Citroen says the study is all about looking forward. “The point of this car is to get people to talk about Citroen as a luxury firm,” explained head of concepts, Carlo Bonzanigo. “The new DS range started this process, and the Revolte is another step down the road.”

Inside, the dramatic cabin is supposed to bring to mind a jewellery box with its velvet lining. The luxury theme continues with a rear seat that’s modelled on a chaise longue, allowing a passenger to stretch out in comfort.

Under the skin, the MINI-sized Revolte boasts a hi-tech range-extending plug-in hybrid drivetrain. Similar in concept to that of the Vauxhall Ampera, it can run purely on electricity or with assistance from a small petrol engine. Expect the system to debut in the DS range, possibly on the upcoming DS4, in the next few years. A diesel hybrid, which will power the flagship DS5 that arrives in 2011, is also in development.

Citroen also revealed the production version of the DS3 at Frankfurt. The firm has announced that 100 examples of the MINI rival have been made available ahead of the car’s official on-sale date of spring 2010.

The newcomer will range in price from £13,000 to nearly £20,000 and be available with a wide variety of options.