Citroen C4 Cactus convertible to be previewed with Mehari-inspired concept

Citroen's latest concept car will invoke the spirit of the classic Mehari, and could preview a convertible version of the C4 Cactus

Citroen will unveil a “bold and creative” concept car at the Frankfurt motor show, which is believed to invoke the utilitarian look of the 2CV-based Mehari, which was built between 1968 and 1988.

Beyond revealing that it will showcase “its vision for the future of the automobile through a strongly designed concept car” Citroen has officially offered no further details.

However, Autocar can reveal that Citroen recently applied for the trademark on the e-Mehari name, suggesting the car could have an electric or hybrid powertrain.

In addition, an insider has suggested that extreme concept ideas could include a clip-on canvas roof, an open load bay and another variation on the Airbump theme launched on the C4 Cactus. As such, it also invokes the open-topped Citroen Lacoste concept, which was the original concept for the Cactus.

It has been suggested that the car, once stripped of its concept extremes, will show how a convertible version of the C4 Cactus could look. While that car is expected to be a more conventional interpretation of a convertible, insiders say Citroen is eager to spark memories of the Mehari in its concept as part of its push to remind people of its new philosophy of building cars with a simplicity of purpose at their core.

In addition, the Mehari weighed less than 600kg and was powered by a 602cc two-stroke engine; both lightweight design and low capacity but capable powertrains are at the core of Citroen’s future product plan.

The Mehari was sold around the world as a mild off-roader and light truck. Around 150,000 were sold in the 20 years it was built, including in the US. It took its name from a fast-running camel that was at one time used by the French cavalry in desert warfare.

The e prefix to the Mehari trademark raises the possibility of a production car getting an electrically assisted four-wheel drive system. The original Mehari was sold as a 4x4 between 1979 and 1983.

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