Say bonjour to Citroën's latest creation and the second member of its DS lineup of special models after the DS3, the all-new DS4 that was revealed online today ahead of its public premiere at next month's Paris Motor Show.
Based off the freshly revealed C4 hatchback (Citroën's rival to the VW Golf), the DS4 is the production version of the French carmaker's Geneva Salon DS High Rider concept car. The key difference between the two models is that, whereas the design study featured a three-door body style, the DS4 gets five-doors with hidden rear handles.
Citroën describes the DS4 as "a unique and attractive blend of creativity, dynamism, exclusivity and versatility", which in reality translates to a potpourri of design influences from numerous cars and segments ranging from the coupe-esque roofline and hidden rear door handles, to the almost crossover-like road clearance.
Inside, the French automaker's designers basically spiffed up the cabin with higher-class materials and decorative trim than the standard C4 hatch, while also offering more personalization options such as a choice of five leather combinations, including two-tone colors.
Range-topping models are also equipped with high quality leather on the dashboard and door panels while all versions come with a standard large panoramic windscreen that extends backwards into the roofline.
The new Citroën measures 4.27 metres long, 1.81 metres wide and 1.53 metres high, making it 60mm shorter, 20mm wider and 40mm taller than the regular C4. It features a 370-litre boot capacity, which is 38 liters less than the C4s.
At launch, the DS4 will come with a choice of five powerplants. There are two diesel options, a 110HP 1.6-liter HDi that can be specified with stop/start tech and regenerative braking technology, and a 160HP 2.0-liter HDi. The petrol range consists of three 1.6-liter engines that were co-developed with the BMW Group and include a naturally aspirated version with 120HP, and two turbocharged variants with 155HP and 200HP.
All engines are available with manual or robotized manual EGS six-speed gearboxes.
The new DS4 will reach European showrooms in 2011, with more specific details to be released at the Paris motorshow.
