THE elegant design lines of the C-Mtisse, the latest out-of-this-world concept car from Citron, will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show.

The firm says the concept proves that a high performance car can also be green, combining a top speed of 155mph with the ability to cover about 45 miles per gallon on the combined cycle.

Crammed with hi-tech innovations and neat touches, it combines coup styling with four-door practicality thanks to the show-stopping gull-wing front and rear doors.

In particular, the C-Mtisse has been developed to offer outstanding environmental credentials.

It boasts an economical HDi V6 diesel engine, coupled with an diesel particulate filter system, and two separate electric motors on the rear wheels.

Around town the new concept car can even run in Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mode.

It is also exceptionally low for a grand-tourer of its size, at just 1.24 metres high, which contrasts with its length of 4.74 metres and width of two metres.

With its long bonnet and virtually non-existent rear overhang, its design is classically Citron.

The front doors open gull-wing style, while the rear doors spin round to provide outstanding accessibility for a car of such a low height. The large, eye-catching alloy wheels have been specially designed, with central wheel nuts hinting at the model's sporting nature.

Once inside the aircraft-style cockpit, occupants are enveloped by individual white leather seats, and are surrounded by leather trim and aluminium inserts.