“WOULD YOU LIKE TO DRIVE IT?”
An hour into our enthralling, enthusiastic one-on-one chat, Citroën chief Vincent Cobée proves that the best-laid plans can always be subject to a whim.
It’s been set out in writing that under no circumstances am I to drive the Oli, the one-off, £1 million concept car set to go on a nation-tonation tour to energise dealers and customers prior to anyone outside the firm getting behind the wheel.
But who does the person who set it out in writing report to? Well, Monsieur Cobée, of course, and as he’s the one asking, who’s to argue? Everyone hurries to prepare the Oli. Autocar has an exclusive.
Of sorts. Full disclosure: we’re in an empty show hall in the NEC, Birmingham, not on the open road. But it is a special opportunity, for both giving us an early insight into the Oli’s capability and underlining Cobée’s reputation for forging his own path.
The overwhelming impression as I weave round the pillars, stopping, going, turning and only slightly aware that Cobée is in the passenger seat watching over me, is just how remarkably normal the Oli feels to drive. It may look, feel and be remarkable for how it challenges conventions in almost every way, but it’s clear that, with the benefit of a well-sorted electric platform to sit on, there’s no hint of a compromise in how it drives as a result.
The view? Terrific. The seats? Comfortable. The minimalist interior? A perfect statement of the point the Oli makes. Not all will make production soon, but they hint at a process that is likely to drip feed into showrooms, starting with the upcoming C3 Aircross. Acceleration is ample, steering alert, progress silent even on what are presumably rock-hard tyres, and ride impossible to judge on a show hall floor.
“How long can I keep going?” Nerves fade and enjoyment rises as we drive round and round. “As long as you like: it’s just you and me now. Do donuts if you want!” Cobée laughs, sensing my rising enjoyment and awe, if not the head-scratching my continuing lappery is evidently causing the assembled team.
I don’t donut but I do complete a few more runs. Why not? If this is the future, I’m all in.