Citroen C-XR concept (2014) first official pictures

By Ollie Kew

First Official Pictures

22 April 2014 15:34

Citroen has unveiled its headline act of the 2014 Beijing motor show: the C-XR concept. It's a compact SUV (what else, these days) that's taller and more stout-looking then the cheeky little C4 Cactus lightweight. Officially a concept car, but looking only a set of numberplates away from showrooms, the C-XR is especially notable for being the first SUV co-developed between Citroen and its Chinese brand partner, Dongfeng motor corp.

Most likely, like the new DS 6WR Citroen unveiled last week. Compact SUV sales in China are booming, up 49.4% to almost three million in 2013 as trendy Chinese buyers jump onto Europe's crossover bandwagon. Small wonder this is one of many unveiled at the 2014 Beijing show, and Citroen's second in a fortnight.

Cues are dripped in from across the Citroen range: note the DS3 Cabrio-style '3D' rear light graphics, wide-chinned C4 face and C4 Cactus silhouette hints.
Although the car has raised ground clearance, short overhangs and all-season 17in tyres, Citroen has stopped short of equipping the C-XR with all-wheel drive – instead, variable traction control systems provide the grip. Citroen says this decision was taken to save weight and improve the efficiency of the 157bhp petrol engine on board.

All sounds plausible and thoroughly ready to drive, doesn't it? Expect to see Chinese buyers doing just that as Citroen strikes while the market is hot in 2015.

By Ollie Kew