2CV FLASHBACK, DUDE; CITROEN takes the dare and builds an idea that's so crazy it just might work.(News)(Product/Service Evaluation)

Byline: MATT DAVIS

CITROEN'S ORIGINAL 9-HP 2CV cost the French less than $1,000 when it first came out in 1949. It was a unique, bare-knuckled little steel putt-putt car intended primarily for country folk going to market in the hard times following World War II. But it lived on and on, becoming a thoroughly hip set of wheels by the time production ceased in 1990. As a symbol of Frenchness, it's right up there with berets and Mr. Eiffel's tower.

Now Citroen would like the same funky notoriety to strike for its C3 Pluriel, the beach-going version of the popular compact car that we awarded Most Fun at last year's Paris show. Our drive in it proved they might just be on to something.

The new C3 has been wildly well received in all its markets, single-handedly doubling Citroen's first-quarter sales for 2003 vs. 2002 in several countries outside of France, so the Pluriel should do well by association. But to say the Pluriel is just a C3 variation is a bit of a stretch. The Pluriel itself is a bit of a stretch for that matter. For one thing, it's longer, wider and taller than the C3.

We're still hard-nosed skeptics when it comes to claims that any vehicle is "four vehicles in one!'' Citroen is saying the Pluriel is a sedan, a convertible, a spider and a pickup. As it sits on the lot, yes, the Pluriel is a sedan. Electrically retract the fabric roof a la 2CV and, yes, it's a wide-open convertible. Painstakingly remove all the bits and pieces above the shoulder line and, well, it's really more an even wider-open convertible than it is any kind of spider. Pickup? Even with all the bits off and all seats folded down, not really.

That said, we've got to say the sucker is cute and flexible, and that we had a really good time in it. Pluriel curb weights range from 2500 to 2595 pounds, depending on the configuration and engine/tranny combo. It drives lighter, however. Bad roads are not a good place to take the B-pillar-less Pluriel, as it shakes and shimmies and side-hops through turns at will, regardless of the configuration. And dreams of sporty driving, as in the Ford Streetka, Mazda Miata and Smart Roadster, will go unsatisfied. The C3 Pluriel is for smooth roads and easy motoring while on vacation or shopping. It ...