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Citroen's latest beauty


The famed DS was one, the 2CV another and the front-wheel-drive 1934 Traction Avant was something of an outstanding revelation in both looks and handling.

Next month it will continue to entrench its reputation as a leading designer by unveiling the head-turning four-seater convertible concept called the C5 Airscape at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Citroen says the Airscape is effectively the spiritual successor to the DS Decapotable convertible that was built from 1958-73.

Look closely, though, and you will see the new C5 sedan in the car's profile, and the front and rear design treatment.

The concept has a carbon-fibre folding roof and striking styling and is crammed with innovative technology. It has a high waistline, ribbed panels, C6-style concave rear window and sleek, aerodynamic profile.

The car is further enhanced by the 19-inch alloys, large air-intakes, twin chrome exhausts and long incisive headlights.

The automatic folding roof has an integrated sunroof and textile lining and is designed to look and feel like a conventional canvas roof.

Inside there is a sumptuous interior of dark-brown leather and chrome. The dashboard echoes modern-day Citroens and the fixed-centre steering wheel boss is taken from the C4.

Citroen has also made sure the car not only looks good but is also a showcase for innovation.

Fuel economy is managed by an UrbanHybrid system that includes a reversible alternator-starter and super capacitors.

This system allows on-board equipment, such as the airconditioning and stereo, to be powered by energy recovered during braking and deceleration. Engine torque can be temporarily boosted when required.

The UrbanHybrid system reduces CO2 emissions by 24g/km on the combined cycle. It also has stop-start technology that switches the engine off when the car is stationary, before starting it again once the accelerator is pressed.

The efficient 155kW/440Nm 2.7-litre HDi V6 engine can run on bio-diesel.

The engine is shared with other Citroen and Peugeot models as well as the Land Rover Discovery.

In the Airscape the turbodiesel has a particulate filter, further minimising any environmental effect.

The Airscape also has a traction control system called Snow Motion, which Citroen says delivers performance similar to that of a four-wheel-drive car.