Frankfurt Motor Show 2005 - Citroen

What's the star of the stand?

The C-SportLounge is Citroen's big new concept car at the show. It's certainly striking to look at, with the large front air intake and the elongated headlights that seem to be a current styling theme for many manufacturers. It's also got a very large expanse of glass, with both windscreen and sunroof giving the cabin an airy feel.

The steering wheel rotates around a fixed hub containing minor switchgear with fixed central controls – as seen on the C4 – and there are gearshift paddles.

The driver's seat is – very unusually – physically joined to the centre console, so that all the key controls are always at hand, no matter where the seat is positioned.

Another distinctive feature is the reverse-opening rear doors, which are designed to make access to the back seat easier.

They say
'With its distinctive combination of powerful, sleek lines, two-plus-two comfort and refinement, the C-SportLounge captures the true essence of a 21st century Grand Tourer.'

We say
Confusing name, confusing concept car. It's certainly interesting to look at, but we'd rather the company give some clues about what next year's Picasso could like.

Anything else?
The Citroen C6 – the company's answer to a BWM 5-Series. Starting at close to £30,000 and rising to nearly £40,000, it will be on sale in the UK in February 2006. At a quarter of the price, also on the stand is an updated, curvy C3 which comes with a new 1.6HDi 110bhp diesel engine for the first time.