Citroën goes to extremes in Frankfurt
Citroën is going to extremes at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show (11-21 September), unveiling a large, spacious and adventurous concept car - the C-Airlounge - as well as giving its new small car, the exciting and innovative three-door C2, and its rallying sibling the C2 Super 1600, their first public outings.

Taking centre stage on the Citroën stand, the C-Airlounge concept introduces a stylish approach to grand touring, with a striking look that incorporates an imposing V-shaped bonnet, chrome strips that run along the waistline of the 4.88m body and swivelling headlamps. Thanks to its aerodynamic design, and with particular attention paid to air-flow, with specially designed wheel rims and 'Blade Vortex Generators' at the rear, the C-Airlounge has a drag coefficient of just 0.26.

Powered by a 210hp 3.0i V6 engine, the C-Airlounge also benefits from Citroën's ultra-comfortable Hydractive 3 suspension. Additionally, this technologically advanced concept features a fixed hub steering wheel, incorporating controls for the electric parking brake and hands-free phone, as well as a multimedia centre in the central console and two notepad-size PCs under the rear side armrests.
The modern styling reveals a cabin covered in white leather and silk, whilst the pillarless side window design and enormous glass sunroof flood the interior with light. For added ambience, an intriguing lighting system uses fibre optics and video-projectors to bathe the interior in a range of mood-setting lighting, from 'Intense' red to 'Convivial' candlelight. The highly practical, power-assisted seating arrangement can accommodate five or, with the middle seat retracted under the floor to give more space, four occupants, while the large boot holds up to 650 litres of luggage.

The other star of the Citroën stand will be the compact new C2, appearing just in advance of its UK launch. This daringly styled, bold three-door supermini displays a combination of wicked looks, innovative practical touches, such as sliding and folding rear seats and a split tailgate, and high levels of equipment, with four airbags, variable power-assisted steering, remote control locking and trip computer standard across the range.

Raring to go, and seen in its definitive rally-going form for the first time in Frankfurt, is the C2 Super 1600, demonstrating Citroën's commitment to motor sports. The Xsara WRC, which is also at the show, has already set the rallying world alight in 2003, its first full year in the World Rally Championship, and currently sits equal first in the manufacturer's table with three wins, and is second in the driver's championship. Now, the 155hp pocket powerhouse that is the C2 Super 1600 is ready to compete in rallies from next year.

The stunning C-Airdream 2+2 coupe concept, with its sleek, futuristic design, vast panoramic sunroof and luxurious interior, will also be making an appearance. Thanks to its drive-by-wire design, gone are the traditional pedals and gearlever to be replaced by a fixed central hub and steering wheel mounted controls. And ensuring top-class handling, the technically advanced C-Airdream features variable-ratio electric steering and a vehicle dynamics controller.

Shown as a concept at the last Frankfurt Show, the 235hp 'C5 by Carlsson' returns in production-ready form. Built by German tuning and modification specialists, Carlsson, this luxurious and high performance version of the C5 Estate is set to go on sale in selected European markets, featuring a substantially re-engineered engine and numerous styling changes, including 17" alloys, aerodynamic front, side and rear mouldings, twin exhausts and blue/black leather seat trim.
Alongside these eye-catching cars will be a selection of models from the rest of Citroën's highly popular range, including the just-launched, 5-cars-in-1 C3 Pluriel, the C8 people-carrier and models from the Xsara family, which recently broke the two million sales barrier, all helping to fuel Citroën's increasing sales, up 10.7% worldwide in the first half of this year compared to 2002.