Citroën has revealed its latest concept, proving that innovation is still alive and well within the brand.
In its quest for affordable mobility Citroën has turned it’s attention to the multi purpose vehicle (MPV) segment. Building on the success of their Ami electric, that enables 2 people to scoot about town, the ELO concept will make its formal debut at the Brussels Motor Show on January 9.
Why call it ELO you ask? In a truly confusing manner, the name is taken from ‘Rest, Play and Work’. Now, before you think that would make the name to be RPW, Citroën determined that forgoing the first letters and capitalizing on the second — as in ‘rEst, pLay and wOrk’ extracts ELO, and that sounds cool — a sort of homonym to ‘hello’. even though one might be more inclined to conclude that there is some sort of association with Electric Light Orchestra. There is not, and we can just attribute ELO to Citroën reaching beyond the obvious.
The company emphasizes that ELO is more than just a means of transport; it is designed to facilitate all aspects of life on the move: travel, leisure and work. Billed as a fun, clever, accessible, spacious and responsible mode of transport the press release says; ’Bold, creative and focused on well-being, it perfectly embodies Citroën’s values.’
Citroën goes on to state that, in an era of rapidly changing lifestyles, the new ELO ‘opens a new chapter’: ‘With its daring and expertise, Citroën is now exploring disruptive solutions to reinvent versatility and reinterpret the spirit of the MPVs and leisure activity vehicles that have shaped its history.’
Many may think that Citroën looked within Stellantis brands to evolve what Fiat had achieved in packaging innovation with the 600 Multipla, introduced in 1955 and considered by many to be the first true minivan on the market.
However, one concept vehicle that was introduced by Citroën to address the similar marketing objectives was the Kar-A-Sutra, built for the 1972 MoMA exhibition, “Italy: The New Domestic Landscape”.
Add 50 years of evolving vehicle technology while conforming to today’s safety standards and voila — you have the Kar-A-Sutra transformed to ELO.
Like the Kar-A-Sutra, ELO purports to not just be a vehicle that you drive somewhere, but a useful space once you get there.
Central Steering Position
It has a central driving position, allowing it to become a spacious six-seater. Amenities on board enable it be transformed into a media lounge, sleeper or comfortable mobile office.
The steering wheel, back in a single spoke ‘classic Citroën” manner, has been moved forward as far as possible, to provide interior space and it’s central driving position gives increased visibility. Two joystick-shaped buttons on the wheel allow access to and control of all the digital functions. Key driver information is projected onto a special transparent screen equipped with a reflective film. First shown as a ‘Smartband’ in the Oli concept in 2022, vehicle status appears to float across the entire width of the windshield, allowing the driver to stay focused on the road and while not driving it serves to display video conferences, meeting schedules and managing calls.
Citroën claims that the new display needs far less expensive technology in terms of development and potential production than a conventional head-up display.
The driver’s seat has a cushion and backrest with different thicknesses and foam densities, adapted to different configurations, with a tablet table to hold a laptop phone or tablet. It also rotates 360° to adapt to the different configurations available on board, whether for driving, working or interacting with other occupants.
Maximum Space Efficiency
The ELO, has been designed to be compact on the outside but spacious on the inside. It’s boxy shape is both practical yet distinctive. You won’t spot anything else like it on the road, at least not until the vehicle manufactures in Asia attempt to clone it.
At 4.1 meters long and 1.7 meters tall it’s about the same size as a Citroën C3, but appears to be larger as Citroën has pushed the wheels to the corners.
Behind the driver are three seats that fold and lift out – like on early 2CVs. Citroën likens them to the folding camping chairs. Hidden under the outer rear seats are two extra pop-out chairs. Set them up just behind the driver and ELO becomes a six-seater without losing rear storage space.
Special bags have been designed for easy storage in the front, and hooks have been added to all four doors so that an awning can be stretched out on either side of the vehicle.
Innovations Abound
Dual sliding doors on each side, like those on subways, provide interior access.
Tucked in the rear are two fold-out inflatable mattresses, with a compressor built in to the car. Bring them into the cleared-out interior and you have a two-person sleeping space with the rear lights serving as bedside lamps. For entertainment there is a screen and an adaptor for a small overhead projector to create an in-car cinema, while cleverly integrated pull-out trays can store phones or headphones.
The rear opening has been designed to provide seating to change into your walking boots, or shed them before mudding-up the interior
Bumpers have been thoughtfully integrated and along with flat ‘wing’ pads are made to absorb minor impacts while also acting as little resting shelves when you stop.
There are hooks in the doors to mount an awning and you’ve got V2L electric power to run your gadgets and equipment off the car.
Citroën acknowledged creative input from design and technical teams at sports and outdoor activities specialists Decathlon, while Goodyear developed new ‘smart’ tires for normal driving and off-road use.
The front and rear bumpers are the same part, much like the front and rear sections of the Citroën Ami — a measure to help keep owner insurance costs down (and more importantly — production costs).
The ELO is environmentally friendly — made of 30% recycled materials and is itself 100% recyclable.
Production Ready?
Unlikely, but then again the Ami concept was thought to be just that — a concept. If Citroën found a market for the two-seater micro-car, then a six-seater MPV may be equally appealing to those who view vehicle mobility in a different light.
Citroën CEO Xavier Chardon said:
‘Elo It ticks all the boxes of what has been the brand’s DNA for more than 100 years and what I want to nurture in the coming years.
It is creative, bold, accessible, responsible, ingenious and dedicated to well-being. It is totally in tune with the times and offers concrete, innovative solutions to promote freedom of movement and a better life.
Its style expresses friendliness and joie de vivre. Its ultra-modular interior is designed as a living space in its own right. It is full of clever features and simple technology to make everyday life easier.
Elo sends a strong message that conveys our vision of what Citroën should be.’
