First look: Citroen Hypnos

This is the Citroen Hypnos, a sleek new concept that could become a new crossover model based on the C5.The Citroen Hypnos is due to be unveiled at the Paris motor show with a hybrid drivetrain that Citroen is calling HyMotion. The technology is fairly simple consisting of a diesel engine powering the front wheels and an electric motor driving the rear axle; the arrangement that Citroen’s production hybrids will use.Coupled with the electric motor, the 200bhp engine returns 62.7mpg and emits 120g/km of CO2. This set-up automatically gives the car four-wheel drive; it’s also cheaper and easier to produce than more complex in-transmission motors.The production version would use a version of Citroen’s PF3 platform, the mid-size architecture used for the C5. PSA Peugeot Citroen now uses just three platforms for more than 90 per cent of its output.Although the interior is pure concept car - it was created by young British designer Leanne Early - it will have an influence on future production Citroens. The firm is experimenting with the coloured lighting featured inside the Hypnos as a variation on the C4 Picasso’s mood lighting, itself influenced by the projectors from the C-Airdream concept’s interior.The front end of the Hypnos is also relevant to future production Citroens.Described as a development of the firm’s current corporate nose, expect the production crossover to use a very similar look.Citroen won’t reveal when the new crossover will be launched, but many previous Citroen concepts have become reality shortly after they were unveiled. Most recently, last year’s C5 Airscape became the current C5, indicating a launch date of late next year - possibly at the Frankfurt show in September.

Dan Stevens