Like the C-Cactus concept car that hit the show circuit six years ago, the new Citroën Cactus concept aims to avoid unnecessary features to focus on what makes motorists feel good.
Yet while its predecessor seemed to have its head in the clouds, the new concept looks much closer to a production reality and word on the street is that a production version will see light of day next year.
Citroën also admits that its design form, particularly the front end, will influence the next range of 'C' models in the marque's line-up.
WHAT'S WITH THOSE BUMPS?
The company describes the C-Cactus's styling as "original yet familiar" and apart from its 'floating' roof and C-pillars, a particularly distinctive feature is its collection of Lama grey 'Airbumps' located on the sides and bumpers. More than just an attention-seeking add-on, these protrusions actually resist scratches and absorb minor impacts.
The Cactus measures 4.21 metres in length and its 210mm ground clearance makes it a true crossover.
LIKE A LOUNGE INSIDE
A thermally-treated panoramic sunroof lends a light and airy feel to the cabin, which features a 'floating' dashboard that frees up the floor below to provide a large, easy-access storage space on the passenger side.
The interface is 100 percent digital, with all control buttons having been replaced by an eight-inch touch-screen, while a seven-inch screen makes the traditional instrument cluster redundant. Even the gear lever has been replaced by push-button controls on the lower dash and steering wheel paddles.
Aesthetically, the cabin design was inspired by modern furniture in order to create a stylish and relaxed atmosphere.
'AIR' HYBRID
With a name like Cactus you'd expect the concept car to be efficient and to that end it incorporates the PSA Group's Hybrid Air drivetrain that mates a compressed air and hydraulics system to a PureTech three-cylinder petrol engine to achieve combined consumption of less than 3.0 litres per 100km.
The system cuts urban consumption by 45 percent, when compared to conventional petrol-engined vehicles, and it's simpler than today's petrol-electric hybrids in that it eliminates the need for heavy and expensive batteries.