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The Citroen Pluriel concept car. Photograph by Citroen. Click here for higher resolution picture.
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Story by Citroen: 25th February 2000

CITROËN UPS THE TECHNOLOGY AT GENEVA

A car that automatically adjusts its height on the move to optimise aerodynamics; a car that looks normal on the outside yet hides two engines under its bonnet and a car that responds to spoken instructions are all unveiled by Citroën at this year's Geneva Motor Show.

This trio of new technology complements the stylish Pluriel design study, the latest in a series of stunning concept and prototype cars from Citroën. These showpieces clearly demonstrate that the Company has an exciting future ahead, both in terms of style as well as technology.

The mould breaking Pluriel is a 3 in 1 vehicle that can change from a saloon car to a convertible to a stylish Spider pick up. The design study forms the basis of a modular car that will take its place in the Citroën range at some point in the future.

Citroën is displaying a full scale working model of the very latest third generation of its computer controlled Hydractive suspension. This actually lowers the car at speed to improve aerodynamics and reduce the effect of side winds whilst automatically changing between "comfort" and "dynamic" driving modes to suit the individual driving style and road conditions.

With both a 75 HP petrol engine and a 34 HP electric motor, coupled to an intelligent automatic gearbox, the Xsara Dynactive prototype car can achieve zero emissions in urban driving whilst the car has a potential range of over 600 miles. Unlike some other hybrid vehicles, the Xsara Dynactive provides seating for five occupants in a conventional hatchback style without sacrifice in boot space.

Now going on sale in France, the Xsara Windows CE includes voice control for both the In Car Entertainment system and the Satellite Navigation System, together with the ability to receive E-mails and record messages. This advanced technology - only just becoming available in executive cars - is, for the first time, available in a mainstream model.