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CITROEN has gone back to the future with a six-wheel version of its newly launched all-wheel-drive C-Crosser.
The prototype, unveiled at the Geneva motor show, recalls the half-track cars that company founder Andre Citroen built to make the first motorised crossing of the Sahara Desert in 1922. Five Citroen half-track vehicles drove from Algeria to French West Africa.
The six-wheel Cruise Crosser is an all-terrain car produced by the Espera Sbarro School in partnership with Citroen Styling. The concept is powered by a diesel/electric hybrid engine and, Citroen says, the large red compasses on each side underline its mission to travel anywhere.
It has an open rear deck space to provide third-row seating for passengers or, with the seat removed, a loading area for luggage. Step plates on both sides make access to the rear compartment easier, says Citroen.
Inside, there are leather seats with mesh-style hide for improved comfort and orange trim to match the exterior.
Cruise Crosser is fitted with high-performance off-road technology.
The third axle is operated by an electric motor under the rear deck.
It remains disengaged until extra traction is needed for the sticky stuff - unless the driver wants to shut down the diesel engine and drive on the third axle alone. This, says Citroen, introduces the Zero Emission Vehicle mode, which is almost silent, like a hybrid at low speed.
