Francoise Nielly does the 'art car' thing on Citroën's Survolt concept

As if the Citroën Survolt didn't have creative enough a color scheme going on as it was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, the French automaker has offered up the diminutive, conceptual electric sportscar as a canvas for an even more colorful interpretation.

A collaboration between Citroën and French artist Francoise Nielly, the resprayed Survolt just may be expressive enough to give all those BMW art cars a run for their money. The one-of-a-kind vehicle is set to displayed at C42, Citroën's flagship showroom on the Champs-Elysées in Paris, but if your Air France frequent flier miles isn't up to the job just yet, you can take the shorter trip to our own gallery below for a closer look.

Citroën reportedly considering producing Survolt, Metropolis concepts

If you were disheartened by reports last week that Citroën had shelved plans to build the GTbyCitroën concept, we've got better news for you this week. Much better news, in fact.

First of all, follow-up reports claim that Citroën hasn't killed the program, so the proverbial jury is still out on whether it will get built or not. But that's not even the good part, as Britain's Autocar magazine has it on good authority that the French automaker is working on bringing two more recent concepts into production.

The first is the pint-size Survolt concept unveiled in Geneva, a model that more recently ran the Circuit de la Sarthe at the Le Mans Classic... with a more appealing paint scheme, too. According to reports, Citroën is evaluating putting the little electric sportscar into limited production, and even launching a one-make spec racing series (like the Porsche Supercup or Ferrari Challenge) specifically for the Survolt. Sounds enticing, and we've put together a nice big fresh image gallery of the concept at Le Mans for the occasion.

That's not the end of it, however, as the Chevron marque is also reportedly evaluating production possibilities for the Metropolis concept, a car that could halo the company's premium line with a DS9 nameplate. The sleek limousine was unveiled in concept form at the Shanghai Motor Show, and if for the Chinese market alone could be worth putting into production. With the German luxury marques forging into the supermini category, Citroën is rearing for a fight, and launching a luxury sedan back at 'em could be just what the docteur ordered.

THE NEW CITROËN C4: FIRST DETAILS REVEALED

Citroën has released first details of the brand new C4. Designed to exceed the highest expectations, the New Citroën C4 boasts a real positive energy - with exceptional levels of quality, style, interior space and occupant comfort, as well as rePromising precise controlsponsive handling and impressive environmental credentials.

As with the New C5 in 2008 and New C3 earlier this year, the New Citroën C4 once again demonstrates the expertise of the brand in creating stylish and innovative vehicles with relevant technological advances.

With its sculpted lines and high quality finish, New C4 cuts a distinctive profile, striking an impression of strength, stability and balanced proportions. Defined and flowing surfaces, such as the purposeful front end and rear spoiler, hint at the model’s optimised aerodynamics. The tasteful addition of chrome detailing combines with the dynamic headlight styling and sculpted alloy wheels to give the new model a premium presence.

Promising precise control and accomplished handling, New C4’s driver focused cabin environment combines with impressive acoustic comfort and soundproofing to deliver a true impression of on-road confidence.

New C4 features compact exterior dimensions and generous internal volumes that make it spacious and thoroughly versatile. At just 4.33m long, 1.79m wide and 1.49m high, New C4 is just 5cm longer, 2cm wider and 3cm taller than the current model. The 408-litre boot is the biggest in its class, with practical square dimensions and a lower sill that makes loading even easier.

In addition to optimised accessibility and practicality, the New C4 offers a genuine feeling of well-being on-board

- with spacious, comfortable seating and impressive occupant headroom. Personal comfort in the New C4 can be tailored to suit individual requirements with users able to adjust the colour of the driver’s instrument display, select their own ‘polyphonic’ sound alerts, finely adjust the intensity of the air-conditioning and even immerse themselves in the rich surround-sound of the new audio system. Some models even come with a new massage function on the front seats.

Alongside existing range technologies, such as EGS (Electronic Gearbox System), hill start assist, automatic electric parking brake, Lane Departure Warning System and Xenon dual-function directional headlamps, New C4 will be available with convenient and useful new technologies - some of which are unique to the segment. These include a new blind-spot monitoring system, a cornering light function, cruise control and speed-limiter with road speed memory settings, and an innovative new service called eTouch.

As well as offering on-board emergency assistance, Citroën’s eTouch system enables drivers to monitor their driving patterns and fuel consumption, and receive advice on how to improve their fuel economy. The system also allows drivers to consult their vehicle’s technical status and monitor any necessary maintenance or servicing requirements.

Designed to be an environmentally respectful family car, New C4 uses the latest Citroën technology to reduce its environmental impact. New C4 will be available with Citroën’s new micro-hybrid e-HDi powertrains, which feature the latest generation Stop & Start system that helps deliver CO2 emissions as low as 109g/km at launch - and 99g/km on future models. Michelin Energy™ Saver tyres are also specified to help achieve these low emissions and to boost fuel economy. The control of the car’s overall weight - in spite of the increased dimensions and added equipment - has been achieved using new technologies, such as laser welding, in the model’s construction. The use of 15% ‘green’ materials - for example, re-cycled polyamide components - also enhances New C4’s environmental credentials.

The New C4 will be produced at the Mulhouse PSA Peugeot Citroën plant in France and will premiere at the Paris Motor Show in September.