With the OLI concept, Citroën breaks current automotive codes to project itself into the future, a future that the brand aims to be responsible, sustainable but also joyful and optimistic. The OLI concept is intended as a manifesto, a laboratory on wheels, full of details, ideas and tips to offer a vehicle that is family-friendly, adapted to the needs of a whole family, but also light in order to reduce its consumption while by being recyclable and sustainable to limit the impact on the environment. Faced with the many ideas integrated into the concept, here is a detailed review of the ideas provided by OLI.
Exterior design
The first observation when discovering the OLI concept for the first time is its attitude. Its straight windshield, horizontal lines give it a completely new look which may seem confusing at first but which then turns out to be interesting and clever. Inevitably, the part taken from the right windscreen, which we will see how useful it is, imposes a particular style, especially since the bonnet is flat and you will also see why. This clear break between the windshield and the hood gives OLI a style reminiscent of a Hummer, it brings in any case an indisputable feeling of robustness and a strong personality.
The horizontal and vertical surfaces surprise on OLI, the side windows are flat on the front doors and vertical on the rear ones, a nod to the C2 but, in the end, OLI is not very far from the current Citroën style. Indeed, on closer inspection, we find a design without edge lines, like the current range, and a fairly smooth style, without exaggerated lines. The multiple reminders of the chevrons scattered on the bodywork, in particular on the bumper, are also present on the models in the current range. After OLI's confusing first look, looking at the details, it is part of a logic of evolution in Citroën design, as evidenced by the lights and projectors that emerge from the bodywork and that we already find on the C5 Aircross restyled. Finally, also note that the airbumps are back on OLI in a simpler formula but they are there.
Regarding the lights, OLI presents the new front and rear of future Citroëns. From now on, the projectors will be composed of two horizontal LED strips in which the headlights will be wedged in a vertical position. On the concept, the lights and projectors are very worked but take up certain elements already present on C5 X or C5 Aircross restyled like the piano keys.
The new logo puts an end to the chrome bars that extended to the headlights forming a Y to give way to much more simplicity. The logo, verticalized, stands alone in the center of the grille and is much more elaborate than that appearing on the official communication. In addition, it stands out slightly from the bodywork giving it a floating appearance which should also be found on future Citroëns.
Durable, the OLI concept is also based on new materials that are harder than steel while being significantly lighter. This is the case of composite panels made of honeycomb cardboard covered with plastics which are extremely hard, capable of withstanding the weight of a man. These panels have the advantage of being light, durable, extremely strong and scratchproof, so they can easily withstand use. On the other hand, at the moment they can only be perfectly flat, which is why the combination of vertical windshield and flat bonnet is so amazing. This material is used for the bonnet, the roof as well as the dumpster since OLI takes up the idea of pick-ups by abandoning the tailgate for a dumpster. This allows easier access to the trunk and reduces weight but, for all that, OLI has folding rear seats and large dimensions for the trunk.v
Regarding the windshield, the brand wanted to be as efficient as possible, and the use of air conditioning is particularly energy-intensive. The flat windscreen, in addition to being easier to produce, has the advantage of reducing the occupants' exposure to the sun, without reducing visibility, and therefore the entry of heat into the passenger compartment. This contributes to reducing the use of air conditioning and reducing its impact on vehicle range by 17%. In the same spirit, the side windows are rounded, in order to reduce exposure to the sun's rays and therefore the entry of heat into the passenger compartment. As for AMI, the panes are pantograph, they do not fit in the door, but are raised like some interior furniture. The rear door windows remain fixed but are vertical in order to bring in more light, but they have specific hidden vents that allow air to enter.
The OLI concept tires mark the third collaboration between Citroën and Goodyear. For these tires, the idea was to have a longer life cycle, with an ambition of 500,000 km including 150,000 km for the first tread since the Eagle GO tire can receive up to three treads successive. It is therefore a retread tire, used very frequently in trucks and which is perfectly resistant to long distances. These tires are equipped with sensors that detect the state of inflation, the accelerations undergone by the tire and even the geolocation, which then allows the algorithms to detect if the sidewalls of the tire are able to leave with a new tread. . In addition, the tread is made up of 92% recyclable or natural products (silica is made from rice, for example), which contributes to the recyclability and durability of the OLI concept. Also note that the tires take up the design of the chevrons.
Finally, Citroën has opted for white for the color of OLI, a particularly ecological color since it considerably reduces volatile organic compounds, which can be evacuated during the heat and pollute the soil. Note that OLI was designed to be available with only one color! Indeed, this makes it possible to reduce the logistics costs of the suppliers, therefore to lower the final costs but also to reduce the emissions.
In conclusion, the exterior style choices were dictated by the technical constraints of the materials used or aerodynamics. The right windscreen is not a problem since OLI is limited to 110 km/h and it is not designed for lightning accelerations, especially since Citroën has designed guides that pass the flow of air, hence the holes in the headlamps, from the top of the bonnet to the top of the windshield, thus limiting air resistance. However, despite these difficult constraints, the style of OLI remains faithful to the Citroën spirit while providing a recognizable line among all, an objective of the style teams.