Citroën announces new design approach and plug-in hybrids

French car manufacturer Citroën is making a significant strategic shift, announcing new priorities under the leadership of its newly appointed CEO, Thierry Koskas. The main premise is a return to the brand's roots, understood as a focus on specific, real customer needs, rather than visionary concepts detached from the market. Koskas, during a presentation in Milan, clearly stated that the era of designing vehicles that look "like spaceships" is coming to an end. Instead, Citroën wants to build cars that are primarily pleasant to drive, offer exceptional travel comfort, and remain affordable. The new philosophy is to be embodied in a special concept car, whose premiere is scheduled for 2026. Citroën, founded in 1919, has built its identity for decades around innovative suspension solutions ensuring comfort, an iconic example being the DS model from the 1950s. In recent years, the brand experimented with bold, avant-garde design under the slogan "Inspired by Tech," which met with mixed reception. Parallel to the change in design vision, Citroën confirms and develops its powertrain strategy, emphasizing electrification. The current flagship product in this area is the Citroën C5 Aircross Hybrid 225. This plug-in hybrid SUV boasts 225 horsepower and, according to manufacturer data, can travel up to 55 kilometers in pure electric mode, a value tailored for urban use. The company declares that from now on, every new model launched on the market will have a low-emission powertrain version, be it a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or fully electric. This is a response to growing regulatory requirements and customer expectations. The model range is also set to expand, particularly in the lucrative compact SUV segment, where Citroën plans to double the number of available variants within the next 24 months. „We want to design cars that are pleasant to use, not just nice in pictures. No more cars that look like spaceships.” — Thierry Koskas The change in course is also a reaction to internal and external criticism of the brand's previous direction, described as too extravagant and inaccessible. The new management openly admits that projects from the era of the previous CEO, Vincent Cobée, may have deviated from the expectations of the average buyer. Despite this criticism, the company does not intend to abandon its hallmark feature: driving comfort. The suspension system with Progressive Hydraulic Cushions hydraulic dampers, promoted under the "Citroën Advanced Comfort" banner, remains a key element of the offering and will be further developed. In summary, Citroën is trying to find a middle ground between technological innovation and common sense, offering vehicles that are simultaneously modern, eco-friendly, and above all – practical.