The idea was to put pen on paper on the 2007 MINI. Having sold 800,000 MINI-One in just 5 years for a car that definitely was not of the utilitarian kind is stupendous. Helped mainly by being faithful to the handling characteristics and the design essence of the iconic ‘59 classic. With a high brand value the MINI-One possesses today, BMW are up with a Mark 2 for Paris. But with a design change as little in difference as the Porsche 996 and 997 the Citroën C- Métisse made more writing sense. She is arguably the most beautiful concept car this century yet.
Citroën called up images of the DS with its beautiful C6 production car. And over the last few years it has been a design revival with the C3, C2, C8, C4 and soon the new Picasso (worthy of the name unlike the present model). All thanks to the concept cars preceding the production models, the C-air lounge for one.
The C- Métisse carries a ‘station wagonish’ sedan body style, while musing a coupe. More akin to the ‘shooting brake’ type pioneered by coach built Aston martins in the 60s. Typified by a long bonnet and slim DLO (Day light opening or side window graphic). However the long bonnet is characteristically Citroën along with the absence of any rear overhang. Contemporarily complete with the trademark Citroën cheveron front grille, broken graphics, and queer DLO. Flowing rearwards to terminate sharply at the rear wheel arch bulge. But the eye travels onto the tail lamps, which perfectly compliment the headlamps. The low roofline, fast raked windscreen, crouching stance on a lengthy but well proportioned car has all the ingredients of leading the way in style. The design makes a stationary car seem dynamic, while actually pursuing for dynamic efficiency.
Verily the C- Métisse has explored a different route in car design. A pair of front gull wing doors and rear scissors with their opposing arcs should be a spectacle in itself. The fabulous exterior is appreciated by an interior complete with the four seats attractively appointed in white leather and finished with impressive detailing through aluminium inserts. Not to mention the ambience created by lights as is typical in a Citroën show car. Suffice to say enough for a car designer to be awe inspired. Which is a welcome in the ever-challenging field to be different.
Not only can we expect a higher standard in the styling of future Citroën production cars but also the technology packed from engine bay to the cabin of this Grand Tourer. On the one hand we have the Americans and Japanese inclined towards gas and electric on the other the Europeans seem to be emphasising on cleaner diesels. And the C- Métisse intends to marry both the ideas. "C-Métisse" literally translates to "cross-breed" or "hybrid" a design study is a diesel-electric hybrid.
This is a car manufacturer that has always been ahead technologically since the 30s with their family car Traction Avant. Followed by the successful DS. Perhaps this decade Citroën wants to prove its mettle once again. Featuring innovative technology and design in its concept cars and showing off its innovative pedigree.
An automobile designed to lead, not follow.