Citroën Pluriel
The Citroen Pluriel. The concept doesn’t sound too bad on paper. It’s a small roadster/convertible with room for four people (just), and with diesel engines on offer, it’s even economical. However, the roof has to be manually detached, which takes an eternity in itself, and then you can’t even bring the detachable parts with you since they don’t physically fit in the car. This means you have to either drive your car out of the garage with the roof on, or of. Basically, if it ever rains, you’re done for.
Manufacturer Citroën
Model Pluriel
Doors 3
Production 2002–present
Base MSRP n/a
More Info Link
This is misleading nonsense. I bought this car for my daughter for university and we still have it some years later. It is great fun. Quirky, and economical with the diesel version. Inspired by Citroen 2CV I suspect.
The roof does not have to be manually detached. It can slide back electronically to varying degrees of openess. It can also slide all the way over the rear window which then swings around as a cassette into the boot with the roof arches left in place. With the windows down it is an open convertable. Potential buyers should be aware that it is essential to grease the rails with silicone oil each year, and to treat the rubber seals (as for any convertable) with Gummi Pflege Stift . Our car works perfectly after 12 years.
A further optional action, which is what the reviewer is referring to, is to remove the roof arches completely and leave them at home. This of course is not a practical solution in the UK climate except for short journeys, and ideally with a garage to park in. Without the arches the roof cannot be retracted.
I suspect the reviewer has seen the amusing but misleading Jeremy Clarkson video, and essentially does not know what he or she is talking about.