A quiet show for Citroen, to be honest…
What’s new on Citroen’s London motor show stand?
Not a great deal at all, sadly. There’s the UK debut of the C-Cactus concept car – which we originally saw at the 2007 Frankfurt motor show. It’s a snappy bit of design that focuses on intelligent lightweight tech, but we can’t help wishing there was something newer to look at, like the C3 Picasso.
In this industry, any concept older than six months is horribly dated. The C-Crosser concept smacks of last-minute stand-filling panic. Looking like a Max Power special with its aftermarket alloys and lurid paint job, the one-off model is rammed with gaming technology. There’s a Wii in the boot along with screens and a thumping sound system. Yawn…
CAR’s Citroen highlight
That’s a tricky one, to be honest. Without sounding jaded, C-Cactus aside, there’s little here that you couldn’t see at your local Citroen dealer.
What were they thinking?
We don’t know, really. It may be a bit of a lacklustre display, but at least Citroen decided to exhibit at the 2008 London show. Which is more than can be said for BMW, Volkswagen, Audi…
In a nutshell
Nil points. It may sound harsh, but unless you’re gagging to see a moded C-Crosser or an oldish concept car, you’d be better spending your time elsewhere.
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Size surely matters?
Not sure if this is an indication of shrinking budgets but Citroens stand was not what you’d call large nor blessed with much product. Only 2 C5’s versus the fleet of Insignias across the hall and the rather hackneyed Cactus concept on show again.
Quality rather than quantity?
Well there was nothing really to discuss. Where was the new C3 Picasso? ‘Ah this will be displayed at the Paris Motor Show.’ So that just left a C-Crosser in garish surfing livery, the aforementioned Cactus going round in circles, one of each of the little uns, a Picasso and my favourite, the C6. Four ashtrays, three cigarette lighters and reclining rear seats, now that’s a proper French car.
It’s just not Paris
The only conclusion that I can draw is that Citroën doesn’t see the British Motor show as an international event, and sadly they are not alone. Instead it is a brand awareness exercise in recognition of a fairly important market for them. At least they turned up.
Click here to go to CAR’s London motor show A-Z homepage