Less is more from Citroen

Jan 25 2010 Maurice Glover

Less is more from Citroen

DON'T laugh, but a car like this could soon be on its way to a showroom near you.

Bosses at Citroen have confirmed that work is under way on a new kind of car designed to save fuel by taking weight-reduction to the extreme.

Based on the C-Cactus concept revealed at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show, the radical eco model is likely to do away with equipment most drivers take for granted in the quest for maximum operating efficiency and high miles per gallon figures.

Items like air conditioning, power windows and central locking look set to be dropped and capping engine performance could restrict top speed to 80mph.

'Our research shows many motorists would be interested in basic, simple transport that is devoid of luxuries or frills. But we don't regard the minimalist model we want to create as a French rival for the Tata Nano - that would be too extreme,' said company chief executive Frederic Banzet.

According to M. Banzet, the back-to-basics Citroen could be ready for global markets by 2014.

Executives on the company's stand at Frankfurt described the C-Cactus as showing how a design that was 'extremely sensitive' to environmental considerations was feasible at the price of a conventional car.

'It is our ambition to market an ecological hatchback with cheerful, attractive styling and hybrid diesel power at the same price as an entry-level C4 model. Drastically cutting components and maybe even doing away with the conventional dashboard and bonnet would help it return more than 80mpg average economy,' said a spokesman.