Citroën unveiled three concept car versions of the new Berlingo at the 1996 Paris Salon. A sporty two-seater "Beach Coupe" designed by Citroen & built by Bertone for leisure was equipped with a pair of integrated beach chairs with reinforced pillars.
Built-in cooperation with Bertone, the Coupe de Plage was intended for younger crowds frequently visiting the beach. Powered by a 103-horsepower 1.8-liter engine from the Citroen Xantia, the Coupe de Plage's top speed was 102 miles per hour. The rear pickup bed could be equipped with two beach reclining chairs for sunbathing after the rear window could be electrically lowered. The speedometers incorporated ocean wave designs and blue needles. The roof could be fitted with a surfboard rack. Folding shelves supported the cooling supplies while the external loudspeakers distilled the soft music of the car's radio.
Coupé de Plage was styled in a manner evocative of the ZX Rallye Raide. In concept. It was not too dissimilar to the Méhari - while also drawing on the success of "leisure pickups" in North America. Perhaps a Berlingo pickup is on the cards. This car was powered by the 1.8-liter engine from the Xantia, developing 103 bhp and offering a top speed in the region of 165 kph (100 mph).
Source: www.tokyo-motorshow.com; Concept Car Central; www.citroenet.org.uk
