PSA Signals New Family of Crossover Vehicles

PSA Peugeot Citroen's Citroen Aircross concept hints at an upcoming family of crossover vehicles to meet growing demand for such vehicles in Europe and Asia.

The Aircross, unveiled at the Shanghai auto show, sits on the same EMP2 platform PSA intends to use in all its midsize and large vehicles.

The concept's dramatic styling is intended to show how the radical look of the C4 Cactus could be adapted to other PSA models. Says Citroen brand chief Linda Jackson, "If we want stand-out cars, we have to be bold."

Citroen's goal is to offer boldly designed vehicles that are instantly recognizable and evoke strong reactions among consumers. "It's no good being everybody's third choice," she tells Autocar.

The Airpower combines a front-drive, 1.6-liter gasoline engine, rear-axle electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack that can be recharged in less than four hours via a household electrical outlet. The system produces 313 hp and only 39 g/km of carbon dioxide emissions. PSA says the car has a fuel economy rating of 166 mpg on the European test cycle.