Madrid Auto Show: Citroen C-Buggy live shots!

Alberto, our compatriot over at Autoblog Spanish, snapped a bunch of shots of the Citroen C-Buggy concept car, an off-road interpretation of the Citroen C-Airplay. While obviously not destined for production, the C-Buggy could well provide a glimpse into design themes for Citroen's small cars.

In the absence of a windscreen (the black panel is opaque), the C-Buggy's driver will need a more robust set of eye protection than the sunglasses adorning the model. Perhaps the best feature of the car is the integration of the roll hoops into the rest of the body, which is even better-looking in person than it appeared in the pre-show press release. Another nice feature are the LED taillights modeled after the Citroen chevron badge.

The interior is dominated by the rather unfortunate yellow-green color scheme, but the instrumentation in the center of the steering wheel is an attractive concept well worth developing further.

More pics and the official press release after the jump. More pics, including hi-res versions can be found at Autoblog Spanish, here.

Official Press Release

Citroen C-Buggy: All-Terrain Driveability

Unveiled at the 2006 Madrid Motor Show, C-Buggy is a fresh take on the leisure supermini.

C-Buggy is Citroën's vision of a small off-roader with a strong personality. A car that makes no concessions, it places the focus squarely on performance, modern design and its environment.

A car of original architecture, C-Buggy combines a high-performance chassis and engine, with taut, flowing body lines.

C-Buggy is the cheerful, go-anywhere sidekick to C-Airplay, a car to which it bears a clear resemblance. C-Airplay, unveiled last year at the Bologna motor show, is a neat and friendly urban runabout, while C-Buggy is for those looking for freedom and adventure.

Looking for new sensations of space and freedom
 
The architecture of this two-seater is very much open to the outside world. The absence of a roof and windscreen provides new sensations of total freedom. The occupants are in direct contact with the air and the elements. They can take full advantage of the vehicle's environment, since their field of vision is unhampered. Rather than conventional doors, C-Buggy features wide openings on the body sides. The objective is to bring passengers a new visual perspective, in direct contact with the ground, so that they can better understand its characteristics. These cut-outs in the body sides also make it possible to integrate sills for easy vehicle access.

Essential on-board information is placed directly in the driver's line of vision, with fixed central controls on the steering wheel. The instrument cluster, of graphic modern design, groups the speedometer, rev counter, fuel gauge and indicator lights.

A digital personal stereo, placed at the front of the gearbox console, is connected to loudspeakers positioned under the dashboard using Bluetooth technology. Passengers can thus listen to music on board or take it with them when they set out on their explorations.

Studied design, playing on materials and contrasts

C-Buggy plays on contrasts. A first glance reveals several facets of its character. Although the look of its untreated metal bodywork brings to mind the shiny shell of an insect, the cabin, although minimalist, is astonishingly light, luxurious and functional. The acid yellow cockpit, with grained leather on the dashboard, inner side panels and seats, is a response to the smooth metal reflections of the bodywork.

Extensive studies were conducted on the exterior finish of the bodywork. The idea was for the metal to evolve with time, and to play on the sheen of the material through oxidisation of the metal.

Compact and round, C-Buggy is powerful and reassuring, dynamic and friendly. Going straight to the essential, it creates an unusual complicity between man and machine, for the benefit of the driver.

A car without borders

Designed on a modular chassis with permanent 4WD and a limited-slip rear differential, C-Buggy is a real 4WD that is both nimble and powerful. Equipped with a 1.6l petrol engine developing 155 bhp at 8,000 rpm, mounted on generously sized 17-inch wheels, C-Buggy makes light work of all types of terrain, offering a level of driveability that is commensurate with its potential.

Weighing just 850 kg unladen, C-Buggy makes the most of the power transmitted by the engine to the four wheels.

A futuristic, go-anywhere sort of car, C-Buggy is the essential partner for all those looking for new forms of freedom.

The ideal partner for exploration and adventure

Although C-Buggy is an invitation to venture off the beaten path and explore new domains, it nevertheless sets high standards of safety for the occupants. The two seats are fitted with harnesses, airbags and a roll cage. These features, along with the grab handles and robust, enveloping bodywork, all help to ensure maximum safety, whatever the conditions of use. To further illustrate the ability of C-Buggy to strike out in discovery of unchartered territory, a compass is clearly visible on the top of the dashboard, in front of the passenger.

C-Buggy is also practical and functional. Its stiff foot wells feature a central plug for easy cleaning and drainage of water. The sills and honeycomb-structure mats provide strong grip while effectively cleaning the soles of passengers' shoes. Last, a boot is provided to safely store all the equipment required by passengers for their expedition.