• 

  Citroen refers to the Revolte as being inspired by the iconic little 2CV, but ‘adopting a heretic stance’. Photo Gallery

The Revolte is an unfortunately-named concept, given that the moniker it could easily lend itself to being turned into unflattering nicknames.

But Citroen intends it to signify modern activism, which is apparently symbolised by a plush velvet sofa curving around from front passenger seat to rear row area, lurid colours and finishes intentionally mimicking make-up.

The little city-car also has a practical side, with the three-seater layout allowing a rear-facing child seat, the bonnet covered in photovoltaic cells that power airconditioning and other creature comforts.

And the bank of batteries that tie in with its small-capacity petrol engine are hidden under that expanse of red velvet couching, which is itself accessed by rear-hinged doors. Both are able to drive the car, although being a concept there are no real figures available on outputs or range. Citroen refers to the Revolte as being inspired by the iconic little 2CV, but ‘adopting a heretic stance’.

It’s clearly just intended to attract show attention, but it does highlight the French carmaker’s move into the electric arena, with an electric city car in the starting blocks for 2010 – and one of the first modern diesel-electric hybrids to follow some time later using the C5.