The Asian way
- Published: 23/04/2010 at 12:00 AM
- Newspaper section: Motoring
Design study reveals a potential saloon sitting on the top of the range instead of the current C6 hatchback.
- Wow! Is this Citroen for real?
Sure. This is the Metropolis, a concept car designed by Citroen's international design team based in China - the brand's second largest car market in the world. The showy car will be displayed at the Shanghai World Fair that runs from May to October this year.
- I mean, will it be made?
Nah, the Metropolis is more of an experimental car catered to to the taste of Chinese consumers like grandness, opulence and four-door package. Don't forget that saloon is still the preferred choice in China, as well as in many other Asian countries including Thailand.
- It looks pretty long...
Metropolis is designed by Citroe¨n’s Shanghai-based team.
Definitely, especially when you look at the dimensions Citroen has released for the Metropolis: 5.3m overall length, 2m width and 1.4m height. In other words, the Metropolis is longer than even a stretched S-class from Mercedes-Benz; it goes into uncharted territory for Citroen.
- Could it point to the new C6?
That's pretty much wild speculation. But such an assumption could hold because the C6 executive car is showing its age. Just to refresh your mind, the C6 is an XM-inspired five-door hatchback that tried to woo punters of the Audi A6 and its likes who're bored of traditional three-box saloon bodies.
- Sounds like the C6 isn't a true success...
If you take into consideration the Asian markets, then the answer might be yes. And that's exactly why Citroen could be mulling to make its new flagship a saloon. When was the last time you saw a C6 running on Thai roads, despite the several promotions at previous motor shows courtesy its Thai importer?
- Yeah. Could the Metropolis also point to other new Citroens?
Probably, it should could serve as a new pointer to the Citroen family of cars. The prominent front grille looks especially imposing, as well as the front and rear lights. But forget the bumpers, wheels and side-view mirrors which all look too garish to be true.
- And what's under its bonnet?
Citroen - and sister brand Peugeot - have done a lot of talking about hybrids in years past, so the Metropolis gets one: 2.0-litre V6 that produces 272hp. Together with electricity, total power comes to 460hp, roughly equivalent to a pure petrol 4.0-litre V8.
- Can it run purely on electricity?
Yes, and as such Citroen claims the power range to be between 55-95hp. That's also one of the reasons why the Metropolis has CO2 emissions of just 70g/km. Which sounds fairly futuristic, but that's just the way the whole concept car has evolved in the first place.
About the author
- Writer: Richard Leu
- Position: Motoring Editor
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