The Citroen Tubik had its genesis in the Citroen Multicity, an online portal that provides transport solutions by seamlessly bringing together all available means of transport from push bikes, through cars and trains to planes. The idea is that if you wish to travel from A to B, you log and the system provides a complete travel solution from your front door right to your destination. But there was a gap. A vehicle was needed that was more than a taxi, more flexible than a limousine and as much fun as a trip to beach. The Citroen Tubik is the solution. Its flexible interiors means it can carry a group of people or a single person and their luggage; the seats can fold down as a bed or swing around for a meeting; entertainment units fold from the roof and privacy is guaranteed.
The design lines of Tubik are a nod to the Citroen TUB (from the French acronym for Traction Utilitaire du type B) and its ingenious upgrade, the Citroen Type H, whose versatility and style made it a best-seller half a million units in 34 years on the market. Sporting a similar body shape to its illustrious predecessor, Tubik is big enough (2.08m wide, 2.05m tall, 4.80m long) to carry up to nine passengers.
The front end, which stands apart from the main body, brings to mind the corrugated metal of the Citroen Type H with its ribbing, while the windscreen pillars are reminiscent of the Type H’s two characteristic ridges.
To make Tubik look even more protective, Citroen designers combined two contrasting colours: the metal grey of the body shell envelops the pearlescent white at either end, marking the position of the combustion engine (at the front) and electric motor (at the rear) used by the full-hybrid diesel drive train.
With this simple but attractive exterior, the large two-way panoramic window and two large doors giving access to the driving position and living area are barely visible. The driver’s door is rear-opening while the side door runs in a circle to free up the entire side of the vehicle.
When you get behind the wheel of Tubik, you enter a high-tech world designed around the driving position. This area is dominated by what Citroen designers call the “cyclotron”, a system that groups – in one circular line – the seat, pedal assembly, steering wheel and circular head-up display The aluminium grey of the bodywork is also present on the cyclotron, to accentuate its robust, protective looks.
Installed in the black full-grain leather seat, the driver is identified by a system of fingerprint recognition. Around them, on the head-up display and the screen positioned in the centre of the steering wheel, is all the information required for navigation. To see what’s happening behind the vehicle, a screen shows the pictures from the reverse and rearview cameras.
The living area is a lounge-style cocoon. The living area features materials borrowed from the worlds of architecture and interior design: felt seats, silken backrests and door panels, and a leather floor. The light ambience of the cabin brings out the nuances in the colours and materials. To see without being seen, the moucharaby and large two-way panoramic window are an original way for passengers to see out easily, without others looking in.
Passengers can arrange the three rows of seats as they wish. Each seat is independent for maximum comfort. The first row of seats lets two people sit facing the road or facing the other passengers. The middle row can seat up to three people or, alternatively, it can be converted into a small table, be folded onto the last row to free up an area of almost 2m², or be folded out completely to create a meridienne-style seat. This configuration is ideal for relaxation. Passengers become spectators, taking advantage of the large multimedia screen in a semi-reclined position.
Tubik is not only an exceptionally spacious vehicle; it also has an eye on the environment. With the Hybrid4 technology, it is able to keep CO2 emission levels close to those of a conventional saloon. The full-hybrid diesel drive train increases vehicle range over an internal combustion engine and also maximises traction with its four-wheel drive mode (the front wheels being driven by the combustion engine and the rear wheels by the electric motor).
Tubik is fitted with 22-inch wheels equipped with tall, narrow tyres with very low rolling resistance, in order to optimise fuel consumption. For a better compromise between comfort and roadholding, Tubik features hydractive suspension, a technology exclusive to Citroen. Vehicle height is controlled in real time and so remains constant, regardless of load. At high speeds, the car is automatically lowered to promote aerodynamic performance and contribute to cutting fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
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