29 Sep 06 09:39
Besides Citroen's sensible C4 Picasso compact MPV is a spectacular concept car. The C-Metisse has a coupe-like body with four gullwing-style doors, and a diesel-electric hybrid powertrain which combines the PSA 208bhp 3.0 V6 HDI engine (with particulate filter) with a pair of electric motors and a six-speed automatic gearbox.
It's theoretically capable of 155mph, 0-60mph in 6.2 seconds, 45mpg and 174g/km, and could run in an electric-only zero emissions mode. The electric motors, powering the rear axle, can add up to 40bhp and 295lb ft of extra torque to that of the front-mounted petrol engine, as well as giving four-wheel-drive capability - deployed automatically when the torque-boost function kicks in, or the ESP system senses slippage at the front axle.
A four-seater, the low-slung C-Metisse is just 1.24m high; at 4.74m long and 2m wide, it's a roomy grand tourer-type vehicle yet, thanks to a carbonfibre body, it weighs just 1400kg. The spacious cabin is fitted out with individual white leather seats, an aircraft-style dashboard, aluminium trim and individual controls for air conditioning and roof lighting. Its five-section central console contains information on the hybrid powertrain and lighting strips; an ignition button is sited on the roof console, and the steering wheel with fixed central hub contains further control switches and buttons.
A suspended head restraint helps the driver's view to the rear, and the front headlights have adaptive LED lighting for optimum night-time vision. Further neat touches include a fixed-fin rear spoiler and two retractable rear aerofoils for optimum aerodynamics - and when the aerofoils open, there are appropriate sound effects in the cabin.
Before we get too excited, the C-Metisse is unlikely to prefigure a production car; it does, however, remind us that PSA Peugeot-Citroen is working on diesel-electric hybrids and it will no doubt steal a fair amount of media attention at the company's home show. Some of its features - though probably not the sound effects - are also likely to find their way into Citroen's mainstream model-range.
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