Citroen's upcoming MPV is set to be a game-changer, blending the best of the brand's history with innovative concepts. The ELO, a rear-wheel-drive concept with a central driving position, is at the heart of this new model. While the production version won't mirror the concept's unique features, such as its rear-wheel-drive layout and central driving position, Citroen's design boss, Pierre Leclercq, is determined to bring as many of the concept's elements as possible to the road. This includes the giant glasshouse, which Leclercq believes will make the car lighter visually and provide better visibility for rear passengers.
Leclercq's commitment to breaking free from traditional car design is evident in his disdain for the word 'cute' when describing fun car design. He argues that not everything has to be sporty and aggressive, and Citroen aims to simplify and streamline its designs. The ELO concept, with its smiley face and mad wheels, is a testament to this philosophy.
However, the road to bringing the ELO concept to production is fraught with challenges. The flexibility required to cater to diverse customer preferences and market conditions makes it difficult to revolutionize the car industry. Leclercq acknowledges that while electric technology offers opportunities for innovation, it also presents challenges in terms of platform flexibility and market acceptance.
Despite these challenges, Citroen remains committed to pushing the boundaries of car design. The upcoming MPV is a prime example of this, blending the brand's history with innovative concepts to create a vehicle that is both practical and exciting. As Leclercq puts it, 'we try to simplify everything' and 'make sure we don't have overcomplicated design'.
In my opinion, Citroen's upcoming MPV is a refreshing departure from the homogenous, melty globules that dominate the market. It's a bold move that challenges the status quo and offers a unique blend of practicality and fun. While the road to production is fraught with challenges, I'm excited to see how Citroen navigates these obstacles and brings the ELO concept to life.
