File this particular news story under "didn't see it coming". But, according to our colleagues at Autocar, Citroen will launch a new large saloon in the next couple of years. And who doesn't love a big French four-door?
The news comes from an interview with Citroen CEO Linda Jackson, who stated that such a model "is a crucial part of being a big manufacturer." Moreover, it's crucial for success in China, Citroen's second-biggest market and, as we know, firm fans of the saloon car. BMW makes a 2 Series saloon just for China, don't forget.
But we admire a large French saloon as much as anyone else, particularly with such previous highlights as the Peugeot 605 and Renault 25, plus Citroen's own C6 and CX. The news is particularly exciting with the admission from Jackson that the new model will be inspired by the very suave
CXperience concept
of Paris 2016. "Like all concept cars, it was made to test reaction, and the car will evolve. But - and I know I'm biased - I loved it. It will inspire the production car and it gave a view of a luxury flagship without any of the traditional cues of chrome, leather or lacquered wood."
While the news may come as something of a surprise for Europeans - D-segment saloons have been perhaps the biggest victim of the SUV craze - the commitment to a production car derived from the CXperience shows Citroen's commitment to China. Naturally we know little about it now, so let's hope Citroen is open to some suggestions...
The new 'Advanced Comfort' suspension is already being suggested for whatever the Citroen saloon is; combine that with an electrified powertrain and you have the potential for a really refined cruiser. There could be both a four- and five-seat layout, one emphasising luxury and the other practicality. Bring those together with some expensive interior materials and whatever technology people will need to be connected to in 2020 and you have the makings of a very desirable Citroen. That nobody in Europe will probably want. But can we have a few here anyway, though? Please?
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