Stellantis aims to revive iconic MPVs, like the legendary Citroën Picasso

Minivans, those monstrous creatures of the automobile, continue to fascinate. In the atmosphere of a fierce competition marked by SUVs, Stellantis stands out by planning to resurrect minivans, starting with those legendary Citroën Picasso models that have brought joy and good intentions to families. Who would have thought that one day we would still talk about these vehicles, often referred to as the forgotten heroes of our roads?

Minivans: an enchanted interlude for families?

Before the world became addicted to SUVs, minivans ruled, holding 19% of the French market twenty years ago! For those who haven't noticed, these true iconic vehicles were mainly the domain of large families, happily transporting children, cousins, and even the neighbor's dog on vacation. The family cars of yesteryear symbolized a way of life, not just a simple neighborhood pretentiousness.

• My space, your space: everyone finds their place.
• Seating capacity: up to six people, or kids and their friends on an outing.
• Smart design: optimized space for coolers and board games.

So, when did things go wrong? Minivans suffered from a bad reputation, deemed too utilitarian for the taste of thrill-seekers. But today, with this bold project of automotive revival, Stellantis seems to say, "These vehicles, we haven't made fun of them enough yet!" As if to counter the jealousy of SUVs, Gilles Vidal, the design director, does not hesitate to affirm: “I believe in the return of minivans.” And it seems enticing, the promise of a car design that reinvents itself while keeping the very essence of their genius: maximum space for minimum footprint.

An awaited resurrection: the C3 Picasso version 2025

On December 9, magic happens, and Citroën pulls out all the stops by unveiling a new concept of minivan. The C3 Picasso rises like a phoenix from its ashes, promising to rekindle the flame of the past. This compact model, just over four meters long, focuses on efficiency: maximum seating in minimum space. It’s high time these optimization talents were brought back to life!

• Redesigned to offer maximum interior space.
• Design adapted for a modern and dynamic drive.
• Versatile appearance for vacations or errands.

All of this brings smiles, in the face of this absurd trend that would have us believe that an SUV is more "in style." Electrification enthusiasts will be rubbing their hands together, as with the arrival of this new generation, the minivan will be equipped with an electrified heart – and why not?

The revival of minivans: a necessary madness?

Squeezed by the SUVs that today dominate over 52% of the market, minivans find themselves in the shadow of pretentious design. Who would have thought that an automotive revival could rhyme with a return to basics? Environmentalists are starting to catch wind of these unloved cars, and the elevated position of SUVs, although attractive, does not compensate for the advantages of a good old minivan in terms of practicality.

• Habitability: often greater, despite similar dimensions.
• Practicality: boxy like a chocolate, but without the slave-like aspects of SUVs.
• Less CO2: electrification is our friend.

Times are changing, and with the clutch of the combustion engine on its way out, the fascination for these four-wheeled machines could rise from the ashes of the SUV trend. In full evolution, Stellantis might well prove that automotive innovations can resonate with history without distorting it. Has the French automotive industry, already fond of novelties, made the right choice by returning to basics? Time will tell.

Source: www.auto-infos.fr

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