I always like to see car manufacturers pushing the boundaries and coming up with new designs – not simply rehashing something old and tired. Citroen has pushed the boat out proverbially this time, with the all new DS4. Frankly, it’s a great design and I can’t wait to see it in the metal.
It is clearly very influenced by coupe styling, what with the sloping roof line and curved design. However, to my eye there’s more than a little Alfa Giulietta about it, especially with those hidden rear door handles. The rear end also reminds me of a 2010 Renault Megane, which again is no bad thing.
All engines deliver a combination of powerful performance – including a new to Citroën 200hp petrol unit – and ecologically sensitive motoring. Citroën’s new e-HDi drivetrains for example deliver improved fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions.
The eye-catching profile, featuring a chrome-finished waistline surrounding dark tinted windows, is enhanced by muscular wheel arches – that emphasise the large wheels (up to 19”) – and is crowned by a tautly drawn roofline with a spoiler for added vitality. The lower part of the rear bumper is finished in chrome and the horizontal detailing on the rear light clusters highlights their innovative boomerang design.
DS4’s cabin is dominated by the large panoramic windscreen that extends backwards into the roofline. Offering up to 45° of upward vision, the panoramic glazed area combines with DS4’s slightly raised stance, to provide optimised visibility for the driver, with a bright yet intimate, airy cabin environment for passengers.
Other features include an option of five different colours of leather for the interior, a unique ‘Bracelet’ design on the top of the range seats and also two-tone, should you so wish. There’s some further luxury in the form of chrome detailing on some of the surrounds.
DS4 will be launched with a choice of five refined and highly efficient Euro 5 engines. The two HDi diesels – an HDi 110 (also available as an e-HDi version) and an HDi 160 – are both fitted with Citroën’s Diesel Particulate Filter System. The three petrol powerplants – VTi 120, THP 155 and the new THP 200 – were co-developed with BMW. The new THP 200 – based on the 1.6-litre engine – delivers flexible power delivery and performance thanks to its power output (147kW), plentiful torque (275Nm at 1,700rpm) – with low CO2 emissions of just 149g/km. All engines are available with manual or EGS six-speed gearboxes.
DS4 will be revealed at the 2010 Paris Motor Show and is expected to go on sale later in 2011.
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