New model Citroen 2CV was submitted on the Paris Auto Show at 1948. Due to the compactness, cheapness, practicality and nice design, the automobile became extremely popular in all Europe and was produced till recent time practically without variations.

Equally through a half of century in same place, in Paris, Citroen has shown the new compact conceptual automobile Ñ3 Lumiere . It is possible to name it as the ideological successor 2CV. You see they are in one market segment, which has varied for this time appreciablly, and the friendly design Ñ3 does not give to doubt in their relationship.

The present successor
Recently it became fashionably to show nostalgia feeling. The new machines often remind of the ancestors. Some competitors of 2CV, such as Renaut 4CV and VolksWagen Beetle, already have got modern successors Fiftie and New Beetle. However Renault Fiftie remain futuristic concept car. And the New Beetle, though is being produced in lots in far America, it is not so friendly, reasonable price car in Europe. The New Beetle is to aim at other class of the buyers, and it has nothing from functionality of legendary Beetle.
In other side, Citroen Lumier completely repeats idea 2CV, though it is not simpleton with uncomfortable interior and primitive side windows. Ñ3 promises to become same mass and all by the favourite automobile, which combined compactness and practicality stylish exterior.

New style Citroen
The rounded and soft shapes make Lumiere nice and friendly. The vertically located original headlights, the backup lamps of the unusual shape, which are built-in glass of the fifth door, curved waist-line and original radiator lattice integrated in a bonnet, and huge firm chevrons give unforgettable charm and exclusiveness to this car. The roof-line reminds those at 2CV, that emphasizes relations of these automobiles.
Thanks to preservation of spirit legendary 2CV and made in one style the exterrier and interior of new Citroen, Ñ3 is possible to name as the rather stylish automobile. Specially designed for Ñ3 the pearl-light-blue colouring emphasizes harmony of the shapes and style. Glasses are blacked out also by light-blue colour.
By the way, MPV Citroen Xsara Picasso has a similar shape of the roof. It is possible, that this element becomes now character of the corporation. Xsara Picasso also for the first time was shown in Paris and it is now representative of newest class of minivans (Renault Megane Scenic, Fiat Multipla, Opel Zafira).

Not only for monospace cars
Ñ3 - attractive, practical, safe and economical, and most of all multipurpose the automobile. It is specially developed for different use, in cities and on highways, for business trips and for rest. Ñ3 demonstrates the opportunity of transformation of interior is usable not only to monospace MPV.
Two couples of rails are made through all floor Ñ3. It is possible to move seats inside the automobile forward - back by on these rails. Rails are on equal distance from each other, and the seats can be arranged anywhere - on the right, on the left or in the middle.
But highlight of interior Ñ3 is that all 4 seats are identical, individual and also they are equipped with seat belts. Their seat bottoms are identical and are interchangeable with seat backs. The "road" position easily varies on a position for rest due to the special mechanism bending a seats on 90 degrees. In such position seat back becomes a bottom, and the forward and back passengers can sit by a face to face. Head restraints may be rearranged according to a position of seats. Besides, it is possible to adjust seats height on 90mm.

Above all - hospitality
Ñ3 is rather wide (1730mm) and high (1620mm), but it is little bit shorter than Citroen Saxo (3675mm against 3718ìì). Wheelbase - 2445mm. Wheels are placed on corners of the body. Such unusual proportions of the compact car make it extremely spacious. The doors open symmetrically and body have no the central support. With obtained doorway Ñ3 becomes amazingly accessible and hospitable. The instrument board surprises with the simplicity. All of the "equipment" is on the central console. A round device, located on top, with all indicators, necessary for such little car: speedometer, fuel indicator and indicator of coolant temperature, is looking like old alarm clock. Below is situated multifunction display, and under it was placed the rotating switch. It is one, instead of habitual three switches, which regulate a climatic system. Gear level is established in a bottom of the console. Its rather high arrangement liberates space between forward seats. Two rather spacious glove compartments are located under the forward panel on both sides of the console .
The front doors, instead of usual bins for road maps, are equipped boxes for small items in the shape of manual bags. By the way, such box, attached to an armrest, is being easily removed, becoming stylish ladies' case with the lock as Citroen's logo.
The fifth door due to an original construction folds double. Such construction allows to open trunk there, where the place behind or height does not suffice, for example, in underground garage.
The ceiling Ñ3 is made by glass. Glass strias are installed from a wind-screen up to the fifth door. The electrical drive can remove back or open them.

New furnish of interior
The interior Ñ3 indicates Citroen shows the attention to use of new furnish materials appropriate to spirit of the car. The modern, attractive and wear-resistant new materials emphasize innovative character of the machine. The seats, roof, armrests and upper part of doors are covered with turquoise synthetic water-proof upholstery, which it's easy to clean. A floor and bottoms of doors are gravel and light-blue colours. The dash panel is nice and it is tastefully combined light-blue and green colours.

Citroen without "X"
The beginning of manufacture Ñ3 is planned on 2001 - 2002. It will replace Saxo which is being produced now. For certain, the serial automobile will lose some original innovations of conceptual Ñ3. For the compact class cars these features are inaccessible luxury yet, however, its possible, that new small Citroen will be eminent among the contenders so, as far as nonconventional was 2CV.
On Ñ3 is established four-cylinders engine 1587cc and power 90 h.p. at 5600 rm. A torque 135 Nm at 3000 rpm. A mechanical five-speed gearbox and electronic control clutch.
Its strange that Lumiere - prospective name of new model. You see, there is no "Õ" char, which is the feature of all names of last Citroen's models.