Citroen plots return of the multi-purpose ‘folks mover’: Meet the Elo six-seater EV with an onboard cinema

Citroen has reinvented the multi-purpose ‘people mover’ for the 21st century.

The French giant has unveiled a compact six-seater vehicle that rekindles memories of the popular family transporters and multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) of the mid 1990s – and even earlier – as it plots a path to their return in modern and electric form.

The boxy electric car resembling the shape of a loaf of bread is called ‘ELO’ – a play on ‘hello’, and not to be confused with the British rock and pop band the Electric Light Orchestra. It takes its name from the second letters of the main purposes for which it has been designed: r’e’st, p’l’ay, and w’o’rk.

Bosses at the car maker said it expressed a real ‘joie de vivre’ – a joy of life – and is ‘our vision of what Citroen should be’.

It will influence future Citroen models in the same way the concept Oli SUV became the template for the new C3 and C5 SUVs.

It also marks a return of Citroen’s classic single-spoke steering wheel.

The new Elo is unveiled ahead of making its New Year world debut at the Brussels Motor Show on 9 January.

Having once dominated roads in the 1990s, ‘people carriers’ fell out of fashion with the rise of the all-conquering SUV (sports utility vehicle) and crossovers which followed in its wake.

But the new Citroen Elo people carrier could be set to change all that with a modern and updated take on an old classic.

Measuring just 4.10 metres long and 1.70m high with a footprint similar to a Citroen C3 hatchback, the Elo’s interior is designed as ‘a modular living space’ or living room on wheels capable of accommodating up to six people. 

The EV’s flat floor – with the batteries underneath and the absence of an engine up front – makes the interior space much more flexible.

In its standard configuration the new Elo has four seats – three in the back and a sole centrally positioned driver’s seat up front, offering great visibility behind a 180-dregree windscreen.

Rear passengers enjoy immense space and can stretch out their legs.

The central driver’s seat sits on a special mounting and can be turned around for conversation or work.

However, two additional and cleverly stored removeable seats can be added to carry a total of six people.

The car can also be transformed into a bedtime sleeping space for two, a home cinema room, a power supply, a base for picnics, and even a mobile office.

Citroen also had creative input from design and technical teams at sports and outdoor activities specialists Decathlon, while Goodyear developed new ‘smart’ tyres for on- and off-road use.

Citroën describes its Elo concept car as ‘an ideas laboratory’ that embodies innovation, creativity and future thinking about an accessible, spacious and functional vehicle that answers modern challenges ‘positively and ingeniously’.

It said: ‘Elo is small but it thinks big. Compact in size, its surprisingly spacious interior and modularity makes the most of its 100per cent electric architecture.’

But the Elo also gives a nod to the past. 

There are echoes of Citroen’s Xsara Picasso of the late 1990s, but also of the early Ford Galaxy and Volkswagen Sharan of that era, the quirky six-seater Fiat Multipla, as well as farther back in time to the classic Fiat 600 Multipla of the 1950s which is arguably resembles most in modern form. 

Both Citroen and Fiat are now part of the giant Stellantis international car conglomerate.

The new Elo is designed on a dedicated 100per cent electric platform, with wheels pushed out to the four corners and the EV motor on the rear axle, to free up ‘unexpected’ interior space from the limited exterior size.

In more detail

The novel central driving position gives increased visibility: ‘The steering column has been moved forward as far as possible, freeing up remarkable interior space. 

‘The driver’s seat rotates 360° to adapt perfectly to the different configurations available on board, whether for driving, working or interacting with other occupants.’

The clever modern, ergonomic cockpit projects key driver information onto a special transparent screen equipped with a reflective film. Details appear to float across the entire width of the windscreen, allowing drivers to keep their eyes on the road.

‘This new display needs far less expensive technology in terms of development and potential production than a conventional head-up display, ‘ says Citroen.

A return to a single-spoke steering wheel, introduced first time on the 1955 DS, means dashboard information is easier to view:

‘In a nod to Citroën’s history, the single-spoke steering wheel has been reinterpreted using 3D textile printing technology.

‘Comfortable to hold, it comes with two joystick-shaped buttons that allow access to and control of all the digital functions.’

Modular seating offers maximum flexibility. The three rear seats are easily removed to be used as outdoor seating for reading or an impromptu picnic. Two additional seats (concealed under the second-row side seats) can be unfolded simply to sit either side (but slightly behind) the driver’s seat, offering generous legroom. In this six-seat configuration, boot space is unaffected.

The car’s four side doors open in opposite directions. The absence of a central pillar means easy access with a width of 1.92 metres and a completely flat floor inside.

ELO’s ‘friendly face’, vibrant orange shading and cheery design is designed to provoke a smile.

Cabin walls feature three-dimensional storage compartments inspired by sportswear.

Seats feature Citroen’s ‘chocolate square’ patterned foam padding.

Two inflatable mattresses – folded into special storage compartments in the boot – can be used to turn the car into a camper van. An on-board compressor inflates them and can also be used for paddle boards or bicycle tyres.

From the roof, 4.5 m² of glass bathes the cabin in light. A portion of the roof can also be opened to increase the loading height or allowing an unobstructed view of starry skies while sleeping.

On board electricity allows the vehicle to power an electric BBQ or speaker. For entertainment there is a screen and an adaptor for a small overhead projector to create an in-car cinema.

The boot opening has been designed to provide a seat on the sill so you can change your shoes after a hike.

Special bags have been designed for easy storage in the front, and hooks have been added to all four doors so that an awning can be stretched out on either side of the vehicle.

ELO can even be transformed into a comfortable mobile office. The driver’s seat has a cushion and backrest with different thicknesses and foam densities, adapted to different configurations, with a tablet table to holds a laptop.

The windscreen can even adapt to relay video conferences, display your meeting schedule and manage calls.

Cleverly integrated pull-out trays can store phones or headphones.

The French car-maker said that, in an era of rapidly changing lifestyles, the new ELO ‘opens a new chapter’: ‘With its daring and expertise, Citroën is now exploring disruptive solutions to reinvent versatility and reinterpret the spirit of the MPVs and leisure activity vehicles that have shaped its history.’

It explained: ‘ELO is more than just a means of transport; it is designed to facilitate all aspects of life on the move: travel, but also relaxation, leisure and work. It is a fun, clever, accessible, spacious and responsible mode of transport.

‘Bold, creative and focused on well-being, it perfectly embodies Citroën’s values.’

Citroën Style Director Pierre Leclercq said: ‘We are very proud of ELO. It is a bubble of energy in terms of its colourful and endearing personality and its modernity, but also because of all the possibilities it offers for enjoying an intense and rich life.

‘The Citroën design team had a lot of fun coming up with a model designed down to the smallest detail to be practical, fun and clever.’

Citroen CEO Xavier Chardon said: ‘Elo It ticks all the boxes of what has been the brand’s DNA for more than 100 years and what I want to nurture in the coming years.

‘It is creative, bold, accessible, responsible, ingenious and dedicated to well-being. It is totally in tune with the times and offers concrete, innovative solutions to promote freedom of movement and a better life.

‘Its style expresses friendliness and joie de vivre. Its ultra-modular interior is designed as a living space in its own right. It is full of clever features and simple technology to make everyday life easier. 

‘Elo sends a strong message that conveys our vision of what Citroën should be.’