Citroen has chosen the Madrid International Motor Show (26-28 May) to unveil its adventurously styled and youthful C-Buggy off-road concept car alongside real-world innovation including a 173BHP HDi diesel engine destined for C5 and a 6-speed electronic gearbox system for C4.

A funky derivative of the C-Airplay concept, the C-Buggy is Citroen’s futuristic interpretation of a two-seater, go-anywhere car. The absence of a roof, windscreen and windows, adds to the C-Buggy’s carefree charm, whilst wide wheel arches, big wheels, glass door portholes and sump guard hint at its off-road credentials.

The wraps are also off Citroen’s brand new 173BHP HDi diesel engine. Later this year drivers of the Citroen C5 will be the first to experience the benefits of the company’s latest generation powerplant. Advancements include the fitment of a high performance parallel dual turbo and new combustion and injection systems that ensure the engine sets new standards in flexibility, driveability and fuel consumption.

Also on display will be Citroen’s innovative C4 with a new 6-speed electronic gearbox system that combines electro-hydraulic gearbox control for smooth, fast gear changing with automated gear and clutch management. It offers economy advantages and represents a real cost-conscious alternative to manual and automatic transmission.

Showcasing its commitment to the environment, Citroen’s fuel saving and emissions reducing C2 Stop & Start plus a C4 Hybrid HDi demonstration vehicle will also be on display at Madrid.

In addition, visitors to the show will get a close look at the C4 Citroen Sport, the forerunner to the future C4 WRC that will be defending Citroen’s title in 2007, with Sébastien Loeb at the wheel.