Geneva show: Citroen shocks with the SURVOLT

AFTER presenting the feminine, curvaceous modern-era 2CV concept – the REVOLTe – at the Frankfurt motor show last September, Citroen has recast it into a much more masculine and sporting creature it calls the SURVOLT for the Geneva motor show.

The compact two-seater EV concept was joined at Geneva by the DS3 Racing and DS High Rider concepts, which hint at further derivatives of the French brand’s all-new DS3 premium small car, which goes on sale here - alongside the redesigned C3 upon which it is based - in August.

Again using an unspecified eco powertrain (this time all-electric rather than range-extending plug-in hybrid), the SURVOLT is said to take the “essence” of the three-seat REVOLTe – that is, performance, technology and luxury – and added an “assertive sporting dimension” into the mix.

In a similar vein to Nissan’s new Juke micro-SUV also shown at Geneva, Citroen has decided to “buck current trends” with light cars – its own C1 and C2, for example – and create, with the SURVOLT, a “new breed of styling, sporting and elegant supermini” which is said to combine sporting passion with sophistication.

The compact, low-slung concept measures 3850mm long, 1870mm wide and 1200mm high, and features a long bonnet for this class, overblown wheelarches, slimline horizontal headlights, oval grille, large glazed areas and a garish rear spoiler.

Whereas the REVOLTe was finished in purple paintwork, the SURVOLT has a more serious streak albeit based on the same palette, with two-tone shades of fuchsia and charcoal grey.

The cockpit is meant to resemble a piece of jewellery, designed “like a glass setting” between chrome-finished rollbars.

“SURVOLT takes inspiration from sportscar styling, then casts convention aside to form an entirely new and revolutionary concept design,” Citroen said.

“SURVOLT’s aerodynamic, flowing lines convey agility, precision and vitality – with a powerful, muscular character contained in its refined and luxurious frame.” It is certainly a different take the potential styling cues and themes under consideration for Citroen’s next-generation C1, which is due to reach production in 2011.

As GoAuto has reported, the all-new C1 (and sister brand Peugeot’s equivalent) should feature a variation of the diesel-electric hybrid drive system that will be used in a range of models from both brands, including Citroen’s next DS models.

The current C1 is built in a joint venture between PSA Peugeot Citroen (which also includes the Peugeot 107) and Toyota Motor Corporation (Aygo). Peugeot has already revealed that its 107 successor will be known as the 108 when it is launched globally late this year ahead of an expected Australian release in 2011.

Citroen importer Ateco Automotive is still to confirm whether the C1 successor will be sold in Australia.