Frankfurt motor show: Citroen Revolte

Citroen's Revolte has been badged as 'DS' at the Frankfurt show, hinting towards a new model. Citroen says the concept is unlikely to reach production, but has recently kick-started a range of niche products carrying the 'DS' brand with the new DS3.

The Revolte borrows 2CV styling and is similar in size to the Citroën C2 hatch, with a wider footprint but a lower roof line for chunky, toy-like proportions.

See the Citroen Revolte picture gallery

Officially the C2 will not be replaced and Citroen says there is no place for the Revolte in its current range. "The Revolte is a car to excite Germany and make an impact at the show," Carlo Bonzanigo, head of concepts at Citroen, told Autocar. "The 2CV was very popular in Germany in its last years but the C2 won't be replaced and the Revolte is not a teaser for production."

Reaction at this week’s Frankfurt show will tell Citroën whether there’s a market for a modern interpretation of the iconic 2CV in a smaller, city-friendly package.

Key to the 2CV styling theme are the bulging front and rear arches, narrow-waisted body, circular door openings and the contrast-colour roof, a nod to the folding fabric roof of the original.

The rear doors open rearwards like the Mini clubdoor to reveal a three-seat interior, featuring a single driver’s seat and a rear ‘lounge’ bench for two passengers.

Citroën claims that the car’s mix of luxurious and technical materials, such as woven black leather, velvet and aluminium, creates a luxury car interior.

The Revolte is powered by a petrol/electric dual-model hybrid set-up, but it can also run as a pure electric car if needed.

Dan Stevens

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