Citroën to launch three ‘innovative’ saloons
CITROEN WILL LAUNCH three new saloon cars in the next two years, starting with a reinvented C6, marketing director Arnaud Belloni has confirmed to Autocar.
The move – in line with the firm’s heritage but against the trend of rivals’ plans in the face of declining saloon sales globally – is described as “unique but not risky” by Belloni, who hinted that the styling won’t follow established saloon conventions. The design study for the new flagship saloon was initially kick-started by the 2016 Cxperience concept.
The flagship saloon will be unveiled at next year’s Paris motor show. Brand sources tell us it will revive the spirit of the C6 – and the CX of the 1970s – and rival conventional saloons such as the Skoda Superb.
However, Belloni said two more saloon models will follow in 2021 and both will be unveiled in full production form rather than as concepts.
“It’s our belief that there’s still a space for the saloon,” said Belloni. “When you factor in our pledge that all our cars will have either electric or full plug-in hybrid options from next year, and the platform changes that brings, that allows for us to innovate stylistically.
“What I will promise you is that these will be cars in keeping with Citroën’s heritage for innovation. The rise of the SUV cannot be undone, but that gives us room to reimagine the purpose and look of the saloon.”
Previously, the brand’s product planning boss, Xavier Peugeot, told Autocar that now SUVS such as the C3 and C5 Aircross are established, Citroën’s attention will switch back to other bodystyles.