PARIS, Feb 5 — Citroen is dueting with French pop group Hyphen Hyphen on a new concept car for Geneva, but will it be a hit?

Based on the company's latest real-world MPV, the SpaceTourer Hyphen, created with inspiration from the group, is an incredibly colourful and vibrant concept car.

And as well as raising the volume, Citroen has raised the car's ride height and added huge 19-inch alloys so that the SpaceTourer adopts an SUV stance. But as well as off-road looks, emphasized by wheel arch mouldings and big anodized aluminum bumpers, it also boasts a proper four-wheel-drive system so that it can head off the beaten track or move away from the mainstream.

Inside, Citroen claims the theme is meant to be MPV for VIPs. So, each seat has its own colour scheme to emphasise individuality. The palate of greens and orange tones selected for dressing everything from the roof liner to the dashboard were chosen to enhance occupants' positive energy.

As for comfort, there is plenty of sound insulation for optimising acoustics, whether for conversing or listening to music and natural materials such as wool are used for floor mats and nappa leather for the seats.

The cabin is also full of natural light thanks to the panoramic glass roof.

The concept might not be to everyone's tastes, but the real-world SpaceTourer, which is also debuting at Geneva, just may offer something for everyone.

It won't have the same multi-colour interior but it will come with a choice of three lengths and a choice of five, seven or nine seats and will offer a wide range of well-considered tech features. They include automatic sliding doors that can be opened or closed simply by moving a foot under the car's body — ideal for when hands are full with shopping or children. There are also plenty of USB charging ports and the front glove compartment has a refrigerated section.

Then there's the smart suspension system that automatically stiffens or softens based on whether the car is empty or full so that it always offers a smooth ride.

As for active safety the SpaceTourer will come with adaptive cruise control, road sign recognition, autonomous emergency braking assist and lane departure warning systems as standard.

The SpaceTourer Hyphen concept and the production SpaceTourer will both be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show on March 1. — AFP-Relaxnews