In looking at the big picture, Citroen realised that something was missing - a vehicle was needed that was more than a taxi and more flexible than a limousine. The Citroen Tubik is that solution.
It has been fashioned using the latest technologies to be uber-comfortable with a flexible interior adaptable to carry a group of people or a single person and luggage.
To make Tubik look even more protective, Citroen designers combined two contrasting colours: the metal grey of the body shell envelops the pearlescent white at either end, marking the position of the combustion engine (at the front) and electric motor (at the rear) used by the full-hybrid diesel drive train.
With this simple but attractive exterior, the large two-way panoramic window and two large doors giving access to the driving position and living area are barely visible. The driver's door is rear-opening while the side door runs in a circle to free up the entire side of the vehicle.
When you get behind the wheel of Tubik, you enter a high-tech world designed around the driving position. This area is dominated by what Citroen designers call the "cyclotron", a system that groups - in one circular line - the seat, pedal assembly, steering wheel and circular head-up display The aluminium grey of the bodywork is also present on the cyclotron, to accentuate its robust, protective looks.
Installed in the black full-grain leather seat, the driver is identified by a system of fingerprint recognition. Around them, on the head-up display and the screen positioned in the centre of the steering wheel, is all the information required for navigation. To see what's happening behind the vehicle, a screen shows the pictures from the reverse and rearview cameras.
The living area is a lounge-style cocoon. The living area features materials borrowed from the worlds of architecture and interior design: felt seats, silken backrests and door panels, and a leather floor. The light ambience of the cabin brings out the nuances in the colours and materials. To see without being seen, the moucharaby and large two-way panoramic window are an original way for passengers to see out easily, without others looking in.
Passengers can arrange the three rows of seats as they wish. Each seat is independent for maximum comfort. The first row of seats lets two people sit facing the road or facing the other passengers. The middle row can seat up to three people or, alternatively, it can be converted into a small table, be folded onto the last row to free up an area of almost 2m², or be folded out completely to create a meridienne-style seat. This configuration is ideal for relaxation. Passengers become spectators, taking advantage of the large multimedia screen in a semi-reclined position.
The Tubik uses a diesel-electric Hybrid4 technology to keep CO2 emission levels close to those of a conventional saloon. This increases the vehicle's range over that of a traditional internal combustion engine and also maximises traction with its four-wheel drive mode, the front wheels being driven by the combustion engine and the rear wheels by the electric motor.
Tubik is fitted with 22-inch wheels equipped with tall, narrow tyres with very low rolling resistance, in order to optimise fuel consumption. For a better compromise between comfort and roadholding, Tubik features hydractive suspension, a technology exclusive to Citroen. Vehicle height is controlled in real time and so remains constant, regardless of load. At high speeds, the car is automatically lowered to promote aerodynamic performance and contribute to cutting fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Entertainment units fold from the roof and privacy is guaranteed.
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