2005 Citroën C-Airplay Concept

The 2005 Citroën C-Airplay was another whimsical and playful concept car from Citroën, following in the footsteps of its predecessors like the C-Airdream and C-Airlounge. Designed by the English designer Mark Lloyd, the C-Airplay was a compact city car aimed at those who prioritize enjoyment and emotion over practicality, embodying a breezy and lighthearted approach to automotive design.

The car was designed with a quirky, almost cartoonish aesthetic. Its profile is shaped like a near-perfect semicircle, with wide, splayed wheels and bulging "eyes" that add to its whimsical appearance. As a convertible, the C-Airplay has a partially removable roof; instead of a traditional hardtop, the car’s central roof sections can be removed, allowing for an open-air experience. The rear window could be lowered entirely, further enhancing the sense of freedom and fun while driving. The transparent roof panels give the car a sense of airiness even when the top is closed, and the glass components contribute to the C-Airplay’s light, breezy character.

In terms of design details, Citroën didn't shy away from unconventional features. For example, the car’s front had three striking air intakes, crossed by a bumper strip, while the bottom of the doors featured transparent inserts that allowed passengers to see the road beneath them. This unique touch also allowed people to peek into the car's door pockets. Inside, the cabin was a futuristic and experimental space, with the steering wheel integrating the dashboard. The speedometer and tachometer were centrally located in the hub of the wheel, which was a unique and surprising departure from traditional car designs. Other controls were also reimagined, with a set of buttons located between the front seats for the transmission selector and other functions.

To access the rear seats, a clever folding mechanism allowed the front seats to move, making the rear more accessible. Interestingly, the seat belts were integrated into the seats themselves, and the trunk area was especially unconventional. Instead of a traditional trunk lid, the C-Airplay had a rear window that could be lowered to reveal hinged doors behind the seats, providing access to a small luggage compartment. Larger luggage could be placed in the space between the front seats or in the back area.

Despite its eccentric exterior and playful concept, the C-Airplay was built on the Citroën C2 platform, shortened by 8 cm. It featured a 1.6-liter engine producing 110 horsepower, coupled with a robotic SensoDrive transmission. A notable inclusion was the Stop & Start system, which automatically shut off the engine while idling in traffic and restarted it when needed. This tech-focused feature was part of Citroën’s commitment to practicality, even within a fun, design-driven concept.

In essence, the C-Airplay was a car that perfectly blended Citroën’s emotional and rational sides. While its design was whimsical, it represented a potential future mini-convertible with distinctive flair and personality. Although the C-Airplay didn’t evolve into a production model, it showcased Citroën’s continued focus on combining creativity, emotion, and fun in their concept cars.