One of the highlights of any international auto show is the inevitable avant garde offering from a French manufacturer. Delightful cars from the Argosto the Hypnos, often surrounded by models that look like backup dancers at a Grace Jones concert, never disappoint.
Apparently it was Citroen's turn to blow minds this year. The the company went retro with the Revolte hybrid concept, hearkening back to the days of the famed 2CV with a concept so faithful it even has a canvas roof.
If the retro minicar revival worked for Mini, Volkswagen and Fiat, what's wrong with the Revolte? Nothing, aside from its unfortunate name and striking resemblance to the Chrysler PT Cruiser.
To be fair, the view from the front and back authentically and attractively reinterprets the original 2CV. Parallel parked, however, the Revolte lives up to its name. While the original had simple yet elegant curves that echoed the era of art-deco, the new car looks jarring and fierce.
Prominent fenders accented the original's lines. The Revolte's C-pillar blends into the rear fender, while the curvature of the greenhouse echoes our least favorite Chrysler station wagon. The chrome wheels and purple paint on the concept don't make the resemblance any less obvious, and had us thinking of that god-awful Scythe custom Galpin Auto Sports built last year.
If the styling doesn't make you queasy, perhaps a ride in the passenger seat will. It faces the back. Other unique styling touches include rear suicide doors, a steering wheel that's clearly a rip off of Strong Bad's face and computer screens. There isn't much in the way of details about the drivetrain, but it's a gas-electric hybrid with a small internal-combustion engine.
And then there's that name. If your new car was produced in a country that begat Robespierre, you don't name it "Revolte." What's next, the Fiat Fascista? The BMW Blitzkrieg?
Photo and renderings: Citroen
