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The small MPV, it would seem, is dead - killed by the increasing ubiquity of the small but spacious SUV, and this Citroen C-Aircross concept is proof that the future is more Cactus than Picasso.
The Aircross will take a bow at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, and just as Opel is replacing the Meriva with an SUV-style Crossland X, so Citroen will replace the C3 Picasso with this C-Aircross. Thanks to a collaboration between General Motors and PSA Peugeot Citroen, those two cars will actually share a chassis.
"The C-Aircross Concept demonstrates Citroën's pursuit of its international product offensive. Based on the state-of-mind of New C3, it illustrates a different vision for the compact SUV segment, full of confidence and boldness. This concept also embodies the ambitions of the Citroën Advanced Comfort programme, making its interior space a source of well-being" said Linda Jackson, Citroen's CEO.
At 4.1-metres long and and 1.65-metres tall, the C-Aircross should be pretty spacious when it eventually goes on sale in production form. Style-wise, it looks more or less production-ready right now, but we'd expect the rear-hinged back doors, the 'floating' seat design and the high-tech all-screen dashboard to be at least a little toned down by then. Basically, if you have a look at the cabin of the new C3 hatchback, and imagine it being about six inches taller, you'll get a good idea of what the inside of the C-Aircross will look like. No bad thing, that.
That big 12-inch central screen can be customised by the driver into displaying information in three separate panes, and the connectivity system includes a 'Share With U' app that allows those in the car to easily exchange games, photos and videos between their various devices. It also has the forward facing digital camera as seen in the C3 hatch.
Citroen says that the C-Aircross has some off-road capability, as befits its looks. With only front-wheel drive models on the horizon for production, that means a version of the existing high-tech 'Grip Control' traction control, including modes for road, sand, off-road and snow.
Storage and space should be a strong point for the production model too. There's a big full-width storage area right across the dashboard, a central bin that's big enough to hide handbags and small backpacks away and roomy door pockets.
Best design bit? The (almost) single-spoke steering wheel, which is a pleasing throwback to Citroens of yore.
We'll find out more details about the C-Aircross at the Geneva show in March.