Citroën Unveiling New Plug-In Hybrid SUV At Upcoming Shanghai Motor Show

Citroën will be unveiling an entirely new plug-in hybrid electric SUV concept — known as the Aircross — at the upcoming Shanghai Motor Show, according to recent reports.

According to a recent press release, the Aircross concept will demonstrate the company’s international ambitions — expanding upon the company’s somewhat recent model, the C4 Cactus, with a body style better suited for international sales.

The new Citroën Aircross will, reportedly, be powered by a gasoline-electric plug-in electric system that features an electric motor mounted on the rear axle — with 95 bhp (70 kW) and torque of 200 N·m (148 lb-ft). This motor is driven by a lithium-ion battery pack that can be “fully” charged in around 3.5 hours with a 16A domestic socket. This electric motor is paired with a 1.6 THP gasoline engine offering 218 bhp (160 kW) and torque of 275 N·m (203 lb-ft). The all-electric range for the Aircross will be ~50 km (31 miles) — presumably, this is based on the European testing cycle.

Green Car Congress provides more information:

When the driver places strong pressure on the accelerator pedal and when torque is required immediately, a boost function combines the torque of the internal combustion engine with that of the electric motor, delivering 313 bhp (230 kW); fuel consumption is projected to be 1.7 l/100 km (138 mpg US), with 39 g/km of CO2(MVEG combined cycle). Citroën Aircross accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds.

Citroën developed a fresh take on the C4 Cactus’s Airbumps for the Aircross, adapting them to SUV requirements. While the Airbumps are designed to protect the body from everyday bumps and scrapes, the Alloy Bumps protect the vehicle from lateral impact with their visible padding. The Alloy Bumps are made up of a honeycombed structure in highly absorbent aluminium foam, a material originating in motorsport.

According to the company, the Shanghai Motor Show was chosen as the site of the unveil because of its symbolic value — the Chinese market is, after all, very important to the company, and accounts for roughly 25% of the brand’s total sales. With the growing nature of the electric vehicle market in China, the Aircross seems likely to do well.

Image Credit: Citroën