Citroen has confirmed that it will produce an all-electric compact SUV, called the e-Mehari, and it is set to launch during 2016.
The announcement of this car follows Citroen’s reveal of the Cactus M concept back during the Frankfurt Motor Show earlier this year. During that show, Citroen presented a buggy-style, roofless and waterproof off-road vehicle. Now Citroen has decided to upgrade this into a production model with an electric powertrain.
Both the original concept and e-Mehari are inspired by the original Citroen Mehari, a classic utility off-roader which ceased production in 1986.
The choice of an electric powertrain for the e-Mehari is one of its major differences compared to the earlier Cactus M concept, which was fitted with a 109bhp petrol engine.
The e-Mehari instead uses an electric motor charged by a 30kW lithium-polymer battery pack. This gives the small SUV a projected travel range of 124 miles and a top speed of 68mph.
Other differences with the e-Mehari compared to the earlier concept include a new roof arrangement with B and C-pillars, an even taller ride height and the removal of Citroen’s airbump technology on the side. The latter feature is found on the C4 Cactus and appeared on the Cactus M concept.
Features which the e-Mehari does carry over from the Cactus M include the plastic doors and waterproofing for all the materials, making it possible to hose out the interior.
France will be the first market to receive the new e-Mehari, where it will go on sale next spring. At present, it is unclear whether Citroen will bring the e-Mehari over to the UK market, but how much interest it garners and how it performs in other markets could determine its faith.
