With the ELO study model, Citroën presents its vision for the future of the family car. It is not just a means of transport, but also a place to relax. And all this in a compact package, because the ELO has the same exterior dimensions as a C3 Aircross! However, there are also some nods to Citroën's past. Citrovisie lists them for you.
The driver is positioned in the middle. Citroën experimented with this years ago in the design of a compact city car and in the Karin concept car. You have a better overview in the middle, but getting in does require some agility.
The front and rear bumpers have (identical) interchangeable inserts made of a type of polystyrene, so that any damage can be easily repaired. Citroën has previously used identical parts in the Cactus and Oli concept cars. The Ami even has identical front, rear and side panels!
All functions are located on the steering wheel, so that the driver can keep their hands on the wheel. This was also the philosophy behind the dashboard of the CX, Visa, GSA and BX at the time. Incidentally, the steering wheel has only one spoke. This type of steering wheel made its debut in 1955 on the DS and disappeared in the early 1990s. It is a nice tribute to the past that this steering wheel is now back.
The tyres and rims were developed in collaboration with Goodyear. Gone are the days when Citroën worked with Michelin... The Pilote tyres from that brand made their debut in 1938 on the Citroën Traction Avant, while the 125 x 400 size was developed especially for the 2CV.
The orange colour of the bodywork contrasts beautifully with the dark windows. This gives it an almost graphic look, compared to the dark side window that used to be in the C-pillar of the BX.
Citroën's familiar light signature: at the rear, the light wings of the C5 Aircross; at the front, the two horizontal light strips are combined with two blocks that are close together. Am I the only one who thinks this is a bit reminiscent of the TUB?
The ELO is not a redesign of an iconic Citroën from the past. However, there are a few references to the icons of yesteryear. For example, as a nod to the 2CV, the rear half of the roof can be opened so that you can carry long items. The driver's seat, which is constructed from a simple tubular frame, and the removable seats for a picnic on the side of the road are also hints at the 2CV.
The ELO is full of practical, well-thought-out solutions. That's typical Citroën: think of the TUB and the 2CV, or more recently, the Berlingo and Ami.
Typical automotive design elements, such as a rising window line or curves in the doors, are completely absent. The design is different from what we are used to seeing in car designs, and everyone has an opinion about it. Whether you think it's beautiful or ugly, it's certainly daring. We have often seen this polarising design in Citroëns in the past.
