Click to enlarge.

Yes, another special edition, this time from Citroën; over in the UK, the company has introduced the C3 Picasso Code, which replaces the previous Blackcherry special edition. The Code edition is effectively a HDi 90 manual VTR+ version, with added equipment.

The base car already has a fair amount of kit, but the C3 Picasso Code gains a ‘Look Pack’ that features more dress-up bits, like 17-inch ‘Clover’ alloy wheels in either Polar White or Cherry Red, depending on body colour, chrome lower bumper inserts and shiny black painted door handles, again featuring chrome for the inserts.

There are also Obsidian Black painted front/rear bumpers and door mirrors, the latter tarted up further with a shiny black surround and base plate, as well as longitudinal roof bars. A choice of four external shades – Polar White, Cherry Red, Belle Ile Blue and Thorium Grey – round off the list.

Wacky and out of the world concepts are not as common as before, as more carmakers put their resources where it matters. Many concepts these days are already “on the way” or very near production when they hit the motor shows. But trust Citroen to faithfully churn out machines that can drop jaws. After all, how many companies have the word “Creative” in their motto?

This odd looking toaster on wheels is the Tubik Concept. The word Tubik came from the word “TUB”, the nickname of Citroen’s WW2 era delivery van. The TUB’s successor, the Type H, sold half a million units in 34 years on the market. If you know how TUB and his son look like (Google Citroen H Van), you’ll understand why the Tubik has such a snout and a separate head – the old timers look quite cute as well!

But the link is just for the looks. While the H Van was mainly used as a goods delivery van, the Tubik Concept is more like a moving apartment based on one key idea: travel should be fun. The Tubik can ferry nine people max, but when that’s not needed, the cabin can be turned into a lounge style cocoon.

The modular seats, designed to be arranged in different ways (semi-reclined, face-to-face, etc.) and the onboard technology (including a giant, semi-circular screen, and high-definition spatialised sound) turn the cabin into an area “for living and sharing.”

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 two by two meters, or be folded out completely to create a “meridienne-style” seat. Passengers become spectators here, directed to the large multimedia screen in a semi-reclined position.

The “moucharaby” and large two-way panoramic window are an original way for passengers to see out easily, without others looking in. Shady businessmen and amorous couples will love it!

More pics of the van of tomorrow is after the jump.
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Citroen has unveiled the third model in its DS line in Shanghai, and this one is pretty much targeted at the executive segment. The DS5, as it’s called, is based on the C-SportLounge concept, and completes the intended Different Spirit range, the other two being the DS4 and DS3 hatch..

It’s the first model from the brand to feature HYbrid4 diesel hybrid technology, and in this case there’s 200 hp on tap in the four-wheel drive vehicle, which is encapsulated in a 4.52m long and 1.85m wide body.

You get five real seats, four doors and all the access and modularity of a hatchback, as well as a driving position worthy of a Gran Turismo coupe, so says Citroen. There’s good cargo space too, with up to 465 litres to be had in this one.

External design elements include an oversized air intake, a large chrome-finished grille that houses the chevrons, a new LED light signature and chrome-finished ‘sabre’ inserts that stretch from the top of each headlamp to the windscreen.

At the back, key strokes of a very meaty tail include twin tailpipes built into the rear bumper and a rear signature featuring six light guides. A sizeable range of alloy wheels, from 16- to 19-inchers, adds to the flourish.

Inside, the driver-focused cockpit features a coupe-like driving position with a near-vertical steering wheel and a wide central console. Plenty in the way of switchgear too – an array of buttons, switches, scroll wheels and toggles are grouped on two central consoles, one low down and one above the driver’s head, aircraft-style.

There’s also push-start ignition, a colour Head-Up Display and lots of premium materials and design cues on call, from fine-grain Club leather to the watchstrap-pattern seat upholstery.

For its Shanghai debut, the DS5 on show appears in a one-off livery known as the Citroen DS5 White Pearl, wearing 20-inch alloys. The cabin on this one features ebony-coloured full-grain leather contrasted with silver-flecked overstitching, and interior detailing includes decorative inserts in Markassa ebony and a highly reflective, multi-layered lacquer fascia.
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