Citroen has released images and details of its latest concept car, called the Aircross. It will make it first public appearance later this month at the 2015 Shanghai Motor Show. The Aircross concept gives hints to the design of a possible all-new production SUV from Citroen, which could rival the likes of the Nissan X-Trail and Honda CR-V.
Last year, Citroen ventured into the crossover market segment with its distinct-looking C4 Cactus. A production version of the Aircross would sit above the C4 Cactus in Citroen’s model range but the concept’s design has some similar design quirks to the smaller Cactus.
Higlights of the Aircross concept’s design includes the two-tier light signature at the front, first seen on the latest C4 Picasso. Like the C4 Cactus, the Aircross also sports airbumps on the side for safety benefit, although on this concept they are lower down on the car compared to the Cactus.
The Aircross also features rear-hinged doors and striking 22-inch alloy wheels, but neither of these features are likely to feature on a production version of this SUV.
Powering the Aircross concept is a petrol-electric plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a 218bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine with a 95bhp electric motor. Citroen says that with this the SUV can cover the 0-62mph sprint in a supercar-rivalling time of just 4.5 seconds. It also reports an average fuel economy above 166mpg is possible, while CO2 emissions are at just 39g/km. The Aircross can also travel for 31 miles when driven by the electric motor alone.
Interior features in the Aircross concept include leather seats and two 12-inch high-definition touchscreens on the dashboard. These screens not only display data about the car while driving, but can also run internet-based apps and display navigation instructions.
Whether the Aircross concept will make its way to production is unconfirmed for now. It does at least, however, demonstrate some of the performance and technological feats Citroen hopes to achieve with its future cars.
