SUVs Pushed Out the Minivan, Yet Citroen Remains Unaware | Carscoops

      The Citroen ELO has been crafted for travel, leisure, relaxation, and work, showcasing a modular interior with a centrally located seating arrangement.

      **7 hours ago**

      By Thanos Pappas

      The ELO concept reintroduces the distinctive minivan aesthetic with a renewed purpose.

      The cabin accommodates six people with adaptable configurations and a striking orange theme.

      Designers describe it as a space for innovative, enjoyable, and practical concepts.

      Once upon a time, Europe’s roads were adorned with compact and subcompact minivans, designed specifically for versatility, spaciousness, and everyday functionality. That period quickly diminished with the advent of SUVs, nearly leading to the category's demise. However, Citroen is not yet prepared to allow the minivan to fade away.

      The French manufacturer has launched the Citroen ELO, a concept deemed a “laboratory of ideas,” merging a distinctly van-like shape with a modular six-seat interior that is predominantly orange.

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      While it does not serve as a direct precursor to a future production model, the ELO suggests potential directions for Citroen's design language and indicates the brand's ongoing belief in the future of utility-focused vehicles over purely fashionable designs.

      The name of the concept is derived from the words rEst, pLay, and wOrk, reflecting its intended use scenarios. With a length of 4.10 m (161.4 inches), it is comparable to the now-discontinued C3 Picasso and the earlier generation C3 Aircross, yet it bears no resemblance to these models, showcasing a single-box design.

      **Reimagining the Urban MPV**

      The name is essentially an acronym formed by the words rEst, pLay, and wOrk, denoting its envisioned functions. At 4.10 meters (161.4 inches) long, it approximately matches the dimensions of the discontinued C3 Picasso and previous C3 Aircross.

      However, in terms of design, it represents a significant departure, embracing a single-box configuration that has little in common with those predecessors.

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      At the front, the ELO features squared LED lights and a prominently illuminated Citroen emblem, flanked by a practical front bumper that is mirrored at the rear. The windshield has a unique curve complemented by a small glass roof. The side view highlights a large greenhouse along with sliding doors that create a 1.92 m (75.6-inch) wide opening.

      The concept is equipped with 21-inch wheels featuring futuristic covers. There are horizontal cutouts above the fender along the beltline, while the roof slopes towards the rear. The back is characterized by an asymmetrical door and glass, with split LED taillights echoing the design of the headlights.

      **Four or Six Seats**

      Inside, the ELO is designed as a “modular living space,” able to accommodate four or six passengers. The seating arrangement is unconventional, with the driver’s seat located at the center, two removable passenger seats placed slightly behind, and a three-person bench in the rear.

      The front seat is capable of swiveling, allowing the space to function as a living room or workspace for meetings. The rear section can convert into a sleeping area equipped with two inflatable mattresses, made from a resilient material known as Dropstitch, which can be stowed in the trunk. Additionally, a drop-down screen transforms the EV into a home theater.

      The ELO does not feature a traditional dashboard; instead, there is an open area in front of the driver and a sleek display positioned beneath the front windshield.

      The steering wheel extends from the front wall in a futuristic style, equipped with two joystick-like controls alongside conventional stalks, eliminating the need for a touchscreen. The door panels and side sections incorporate clever storage solutions, fitting for a van designed with practicality in mind.

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      The concept is built on a fully electric framework, beneficial for space management. While Citroen has not disclosed details about the electric motors or battery system, they have stated that the concept’s ideal setting is urban environments.

      **Could Lead to a Subcompact Model**

      The ELO will make its debut at the Brussels Motor Show in January 2026. Although it is unlikely to enter production in its current form, the French publication L’Argus reports that it may influence a future subcompact model anticipated for 2028, which would fit between the C3 hatchback and the C3 Aircross SUV.

      Pierre Leclercq, Citroen’s Design Director, referred to the ELO as “a burst of energy,” describing it as a design experiment focused on practicality, efficiency, and a hint of playfulness. CEO Xavier Chardon echoed these sentiments, calling the concept both “a laboratory of