When a carmaker wants to project an image that say it is bold and forward-looking, there is no better statement than a concept car. A stunning concept with its futuristic design and features not only wows onlookers, but also delivers the message that a manufacturer has innovative and progressive technology.

As Citroën marks its 90th anniversary in 2009, the French carmaker is celebrating its history by looking forward. Here is a glimpse of the future of motoring with five Citroën concept cars.

To stamp its credentials as a forward-looking brand, Citroën created the Revolte. This ultra-chic urban compact takes a new approach to small car design by marrying luxury and technology with glossy colours and silky smooth textiles.

With an eye on the future, the Revolte is powered by a rechargeable hybrid drivetrain that makes maximum use of the electric mode. Photovoltaic cells on the bonnet carry out electric functions linked to onboard comfort, including when the vehicle is stationary, thus preserving the electric batteries.

As a key player in the small car segment, Citroën has made them its preferred medium of expression. The Revolte reflects the contemporary small car which allows its occupants to experience a new form of luxury with velvet and aluminium amid concerns about increasing urbanisation.

Citroën may call the C-Métisse a coupe of character but it has something no coupe has – four doors. Opening them is a ballet of metal and glass as the front doors swing out gull-wing style while the rear doors spin round.

Aerodynamics and design are key Citroën values and the C-Métisse's elegant proportions and flowing lines reflect these. The C-Métisse also seeks to be environmentally friendly. To achieve improved fuel economy and lower pollutant emissions, it has a specially designed high-performance V6 diesel hybrid drivetrain and two electric motors in the rear wheels - each with torque of 400Nm - mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

With its carbon body, the 4,740mm- long C-Métisse weighs just 1,400kg, including batteries. As a result, it can race from zero to 100kmh in 6.2 seconds.

When the GTbyCITROËN show car was presented at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, Citroën became the first car manufacturer to cross over to the virtual world. This is because the GTbyCITROËN can be found in the driving simulation game Gran Turismo 5.

In this PlayStation 3 title, the GTbyCITROËN features an electric drive train powered by a fuel cell with no pollutant emissions. Citroën had teamed up with Polyphony Digital, the creator of Gran Turismo, to come up with this special concept.

In the real world, the GTbyCITROËN is built for motor racing, with an oversized rear end to make it look faster.

With the C-Cactus, Citroën explores new vehicle design processes. During its development, the emphasis was on environmental technology and styling, with the designers abandoning any equipment that was not vital to passenger comfort.

As a result of the careful choice of materials and the simplification of design, the number of cabin parts was reduced to just over 200 - almost half the number used by a regular hatchback of the same size. Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show 2008, one of the power plants envisaged for the car is an all-electric version for urban use. With zero emissions (0g/km of CO2), the all-electric C-Cactus needs less fuel than a cactus needs water.

The special hybrid technology used on the Hypnos highlights Citroën's commitment to the environment and shows that its strong ecological focus is always accompanied by driving thrills and efficiency.

The concept car's Hybrid 4 diesel drivetrain features a rear axle-mounted electric motor, to optimise performance and traction while delivering impressive fuel economy and emissions.

The four-wheel-drive Hypnos body combines the elegance of a sedan with the volume of a crossover, while its interior is playful with a dreamlike clock, body-hugging seats and colour therapy.

The last one refers to a ceiling-mounted camera that films the driver's face and regularly measures anthropometric data. The system compares these measures with pre-recorded data to gauge the driver's state of mind and consequently, adjusts the cabin lighting and scented air-freshener fragrance. It should give new meaning to the term 'a relaxing ride'.