Citroen C-Buggy
The C-Buggy on show at the Citroen stand at the London motor show is, appropriately, the work of British designer Leighanne Earley, a graduate of Coventry University. Her first complete concept car (she previously specialised in interiors), it's a sister concept to the C-Airplay first seen in Bologna last year: both models were inspired by the Nike Air trainer, as can be seen by the cutaway section at the bottom of the doors, which replicates the 'bubble window' on the heel of the trainer.
The two models share the same architecture and proportions, but, as Earley told 4Car: 'They have totally different characters.'
So while the C-Airplay is an urban car, for use during the working week, the C-Buggy is very much a weekend car, designed for mucky, 4x4 fun.
'It's a car that you're supposed to be a little bit naughty in. We've designed it to go places that it shouldn't go to, but can. It's a car that's all about the experience,' Earley said.
'It's a car that you're supposed to be a little bit naughty in. We've designed it to go places that it shouldn't go to, but can. It's a car that's all about the experience,' Earley said.
Starting with a clay model, Earley said that the more the process of designing the car went on, the more the design team wanted to do something different. So while there are many similarities with the C-Airplay, the form language is very different. This is apparent when comparing the rear ends of the cars and in the finish of the C-Buggy, made from unfinished metal that is continually oxidising, resulting in the patina-like effect that can be seen on the show car.
Underneath, the C-Buggy has fully-working mechanicals, with a chassis built by the Citroen Sport team and a 155bhp, 850kg Citroen Saxo Sport engine.
'It's as much fun to drive as it looks - I know because I went out in it with my boss, even taking it off-road. And yes, it really works,' Earley said.
