Appearing on the Cactus concept in 2013, the double-decker headlights characterised Citroën for more than 10 years before giving way to the single-decker headlights. While this change in style is significant, another change has developed over the years to the point of marking a break with the Oli concept without actually being one.
In 2013, Citroën unveiled the Cactus concept, which would become the C4 Cactus, introducing the double-decker headlamps made up of LED bars surrounded by chrome bars that joined the chevrons and the classic headlamps a little further away. This new style marked the front of Citroëns for more than 10 years and inspired other brands that adopted the concept in their names.
In addition to these headlights, Citroën has evolved its visual signature, which initially consisted of upper LED bars before evolving, from 2016 on the CXpérience concept, into a Y-shape with two ends that rise and fall to frame the headlights. This new light signature appeared on the third-generation C4 in 2020 and then on the C5 X in 2021.
But in 2022, under the leadership of Pierre Leclercq, Citroën made a complete stylistic break with the presentation of the Oli concept, which went beyond the style of the cars themselves to become a manifesto of what future Citroëns would be. This concept, with its numerous innovations, also gave rise to a revised light signature, which was introduced in series with the new C3 and which is gradually being introduced throughout the range in a version adapted to each model.
After the C3, C3 Aircross and C4, the next C5 Aircross will continue this trend by offering a light signature made up of three elements, the central one being represented by two superimposed squares framed by two horizontal LED bars.
However, if we could see a completely new signature and a break with previous models, on closer inspection it is more of an evolution than a real break, according to Pierre Leclercq.
And indeed, on closer inspection, we find the same elements that make up the signature, only horizontalised, but we have two bars that are no longer connected to the logo, but which still "point" to it or, in any case, draw the eye to the brand's new emblem.
To sum up, Oli marked a turning point in Citroën's style, putting an end to the chrome bars that extended from the logo and hinting at new stylistic directions where horizontality plays with verticality. However, despite this break, the visual signature seems, on the contrary, to continue an evolution compared to the previous one, which, despite appearances, is a clear break. Moreover, this visual signature is "alive", it adapts to the models, making it possible to emphasise a characteristic or correct it, as on the C4, where the elements are horizontal in order to visually widen the car.
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