New Launches
Show Report: CV Show 2012
What a cracking event the 2012 Commercial Vehicle Show turned out to be, thanks in no small part to Ford… Read More
Mitsubishi L200 4x4 Long-Term Test 1
We has just taken delivery of a Mitsubishi L200 4x4 Club Cab for long-term appraisal… Read More
Ford Transit ECOnetic Brief Test
We’ve been putting a SWB 100hp 2.2TDi Euro 5 Transit 280 ECOnetic through its paces… Read More
Renault Kangoo ZE 2011 European Launch
Renault is at the forefront of manufacturers offering a mass produced factory-built electric van… Read More
Fuso Canter 2011 European Launch
Fuso has completely revamped its range of light and heavy truck Canter chassis and chassis crew cabs… Read More
Iveco Daily 2011 European Launch
Iveco has introduced new, latest generation diesels to its Daily range, along with detail changes inside and out… Read More
Ford Transit 2011 European Launch
Ford takes the iconic Transit to the next stage with an all-new range of 2.2-litre Euro 5 diesels… Read More
Volkswagen Crafter 2011 UK Launch
VW’s large panel van has undergone a serious makeover with changes to the front-end styling and the cab interior, as well as new Euro 5 diesels… Read More
Ford Transit Connect Electric Brief Test
We spent a day with the battery-powered Connect to get a better idea of what it’s like to live with in its natural, urban environment. Read More
Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL Brief Test
Currently undergoing trials with selected fleet customers in the UK, we managed to get behind the wheel of a battery-powered Vito E-CELL… Read More
Citroën Tubik harks back to classic Type H van
This year’s Frankfurt Motor Show (15 – 25 September) will see Citroën unveil its latest concept car, the Tubik, and its design draws heavily on the styling of the classic ‘TUB’ (from the French acronym for low front-wheel drive commercial vehicle) and its ingenious successor, the Type H, whose versatility and styling made it a best seller with half a million units produced over 34 years. Unfortunately the Tubik’s load compartment is full of seating, so it’s not much use as a light commercial.At 4,800mm long, 2,080mm wide and 2,050mm tall, Tubik is big enough to carry up to nine passengers. The front end, which stands apart from the main body, is reminiscent of the corrugated metal of the Type H van with its distinctive ribbing, while the windscreen pillars bring the Type H’s two characteristic ridges to mind.
Tubik is powered by Citroën’s Hybrid4 system with CO2 emissions close to those of a conventional saloon car. The full-hybrid diesel/electric drivetrain also offers more range than a stand-alone internal combustion engine and maximises traction in four-wheel drive mode — the front wheels are driven by the diesel engine and the rear wheels by the rear-mounted electric motor. The 22in wheels are fitted with deep, narrow, very low rolling resistance tyres to optimise fuel consumption.
It’s also fitted with Citroën’s Hydractive suspension technology which keeps the vehicle level regardless of load. At high speeds, Tubik is automatically lowered to maximise aerodynamic performance, further improving fuel economy and CO2 emissions.
