Evidence that the Bologna Show is growing in importance was provided by Citroen using it to debut its latest concept car. The C-AirPlay takes its dubious name from the considerable use of glass in the upper section of the car, as well as the 'portholes' in the lower section of the doors, apparently to increase the sensation of speed.

It will only be a sensation though, as the C-AirPlay is only powered by a 110bhp petrol engine, though its habitat is the urban jungle, so it should be sufficient. The concept is fitted with Citroen's fuel-saving Stop & Start technology, where the engine is shut down when at a standstill.

Technology aside, the C-AirPlay is all about style, and that it has in spades. Despite appearances to the contrary, the concept is actually shorter than the diminutive Citroen C2. The exterior style is funky and actually quite sporty, with a four-square stance on its large alloys and central exhaust. The removable centre section of the roof hints that this concept could lead to a replacement for the Citroen C3 Pluriel, though the lack of rear seats could dramatically reduce potential sales.

As contemporary as the exterior is, the interior steals the show in the C-AirPlay; it manages to be futuristic and yet very much a Citroen. The impressive looking steering wheel contains two spherical dials, with ultra cool markings for engine revs and vehicle speed. Most controls are touch-sensitive and moulded into the swooping dashboard. The seats are actually part of the same silicone moulding, and it is all finished in eye-catching red, pink and white, complementing the iridescent white bodywork.

Now that this car is out in the open, we can't help but wonder what surprise Citroen has up its sleeve for us at the Geneva Show in March 2006. Watch this space.

Shane O' Donoghue - 19 Dec 2005