Citroën to present concepts based on C1 and C4 Cactus

At the Paris Motor Show, visitors to the Citroën stand will find all of the new cars released this year as well as two concepts based on the C4 Cactus and the C1.

Over the past year, Citroën has launched no fewer than four new models, all of which will go on display in the French capital next week. Probably the most iconic of these is the C4 Cactus crossover, which is positioned as an alternative to a compact sedan. The model stands out namely for its Air Bumps, flexible air cushions embedded into the sides to protect from scratches and bumps -a feature first introduced on the Cactus concept. The model is available from €13,950 in France (around R197,651.58).

In Paris, Citroën will debut the C4 Cactus Airflow 2L, a prototype the brand says consumes just 2 liters of fuel per 100km. This exceptional efficiency is made possible thanks to the vehicle's optimized design and aerodynamics, reduced weight (down by around 100kg) and reduced tire friction, in addition to the introduction of the Hybrid Air technology, which is said to reduce fuel consumption by around 30%.

Visitors to vote on the C1 Urban Ride

Also launched earlier this year, the latest iteration of the C1 is based on the same platform as the latest versions of the Peugeot 108 and Toyota Aygo II. Priced from €9,950 (around R139,300) in its home market, the city car is available with a standard metal roof or with a power rollback fabric roof for a version dubbed the Airscape.

Like the C4 Cactus, the new C1 has also inspired a concept that will premiere in Paris. The C1 Urban Ride, based on a five-door model with a rollback roof, is designed to showcase the car's customization potential and its more adventurous side, namely through the addition of style elements usually seen on SUVs. At interactive terminals on the stand, visitors will be able to vote for or against turning the concept into a future production model.

The Citroën C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso, released just under a year ago, will also be on display. Among the minivan's numerous driver aids are parking assist with automatic maneuvering (the driver only has to control the brake and accelerator) and a 360 Vision system with four exterior cameras, which provides a view of the car's surroundings on all sides. The Citroën Grand C4 Picasso also offers a driving interface based on two central displays, a 12-inch HD screen and a 7-inch touchscreen.

Finally, racing enthusiasts will be able to pose on the stand with the Citroën C-Elysée driven by Sébastien Loeb, Yvan Muller and José María Lopez in World Touring Car Championship races.

Paris Motor Show runs from October 4 to the 19th.