Future Citroën concept: towards a return of the minivan?

An illustration of the Citroën Oli concept

During his first major address, Citroën CEO Xavier Chardon skillfully built suspense. He indicated that the "double chevron" brand was preparing a significant surprise for December, without revealing its nature. This announcement left the community of enthusiasts and observers in anticipation. Today, the veil is beginning to lift. The latest rumors, relayed notably by our colleagues at the French newspaper Les Échos, no longer point to a simple facelift or a special series, but to a brand-new concept car. And not just any concept: it is rumored to be a bold proposal that evokes one of Citroën's richest histories—that of the monospace, or MPV.

The december surprise: a concept car reviving the Picasso spirit

Three years after the Citroën Oli concept, which acted as a true manifesto for the brand by laying the groundwork for its new identity (new logo, vertical design) and a philosophy focused on essentials and sustainability, Citroën is preparing to strike again. While Oli was a study in lightness and efficiency, this new concept car expected in December seems to focus on another of the brand's historical obsessions: interior architecture.

The objective, according to initial information, is to offer maximum interior space within a minimal footprint. This is a fundamental quest for Citroën as it seeks to solve the complex equation of urban family mobility. In doing so, this concept would take up the torch from an illustrious lineage of compact monospaces that brought glory to the brand.

It is impossible not to think of the Xsara Picasso or the various generations of the C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso. These vehicles revolutionized their segment by offering unparalleled modularity, visibility (the famous "visiospace"), and a feeling of spaciousness for their size. They defined what a modern "voiture à vivre" (a car for living) should be. By re-entering this territory, Citroën is not just engaging in nostalgia; the brand seems to want to reaffirm that, in the face of the SUV wave, another path is possible. A more ingenious path, more focused on the real needs of families and less on appearances.

A shocking proposal: 6 seats in the footprint of a C3

Where this concept car promises to make a major impact is with its central proposition. Rumors speak of an ability to transport six passengers in an extremely compact footprint, close to that of the current C3, measuring just 3.94 meters (12.9 feet) long. If this information is confirmed, it would be a true feat of architecture.

To achieve this, the solution is reportedly as radical as it is ingenious: two rows of three seats (3+3). This configuration, extremely rare in automotive history (one recalls the Fiat Multipla or the Honda FR-V), offers obvious social and practical advantages. It allows a parent to sit between two children, or three adults to travel side-by-side in a more convivial atmosphere. Fitting this into a car under 4 meters long is a significant technical challenge.

This philosophy perfectly aligns with the vision expressed by Xavier Chardon. Recently, during a visit to the Rennes La-Janais factory, he reaffirmed that a Citroën "gives more for an attractive price, with more interior volume than generalist competitors." This concept would be the purest embodiment of that doctrine. In fact, the brand has already begun to apply this principle with the new C3 Aircross, which manages to offer up to seven seats in a B-SUV format of only 4.39 meters. This new concept car would push that logic to its zenith.

Style and philosophy: the Oli legacy as a guiding thread

At this stage, very little information has leaked about the vehicle's actual styling. However, it is almost certain that it will follow the new design language inaugurated by the Oli concept and brilliantly put into production on the new C3 and C3 Aircross. We can expect to see the new oval logo, a strong light signature, and likely a more vertical stance to maximize interior space.

A concept is never created without purpose, and this one could provide valuable clues about the brand's future styling, as well as its future interior packaging solutions. It will serve as a laboratory for testing ideas that could eventually find their way into future production models. More than just a styling exercise, this concept questions the relevance of today's vehicles, which are often heavy and bulky. It proposes an alternative: a light, ultra-compact vehicle that is incredibly spacious.

A december milestone and a rich 2025 for Citroën

Rumors suggest an official unveiling around December 10th. This new Citroën concept would thus cap off a particularly eventful 2025 for the brand. A year marked by the launch of a rejuvenated range, from the restyled C4 to the new C5 Aircross, including the restyled Ami and the second generation of the C3 Aircross. An extremely busy year for new releases and news, including the brand's return to Formula E.

This concept car wouldn't just be a year-end "surprise," but the culmination of a clear strategy: a return to Citroën's core values—useful innovation, comfort, and bold design—all at an accessible price.

This future concept, which is already generating a lot of buzz, will of course be explored in detail on Passionnément Citroën. Rest assured that I will be back with more information as soon as it becomes available so we can analyze this already exciting proposition together.