Citroen reveals the DS4

The Citroen DS4 is the second model in Citroen's DS line of upmarket vehicles, after the DS3, and is based on the DS High Rider concept car that was showcased at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. The DS4 runs on the same platform as the recently unveiled C4 family hatchback.

Citroen describes the DS4 as "a unique and attractive blend of creativity, dynamism, exclusivity and versatility", and the car features styling elements such as a coupe-like profile with hidden rear handles, a slightly raised ride height for a crossover-like appearance, and boomerang-shaped rear lights, which go along with the LED daytime running headlights in front.

The DS4's interior, while based off the C4, has a noticeably upmarket and sporty feel, with a driver-orientated cockpit, panoramic windshield, ambient lighting, chrome trim and leather. There are also several colour combinations for the leather upholstery, including two-tone selections. There is also a large panoramic windscreen that extends backwards into the roofline that will be standard for all models in the DS4 range.

The Citroen DS4 measures in at 4270mm long, 1810mm wide and 1530mm high, making it 60mm shorter, 20mm wider and 40mm taller than the regular C4. The boot is slight smaller though, with the 370-litre space 38-litres smaller than its brethren.

Citroen will offer up to five engines at launch, with two diesels and three petrols. The diesel options include a 1.6-litre HDi that produces 110bhp and comes with stop/start and regenerative braking technology, while the other diesel unit is a 2.0-litre HDi that churns out 160bhp.

The petrol range meanwhile, consists of three 1.6-litre powerplants that were jointly developed with the BMW Group. The base unit is a naturally-aspirated 1.6-litre with 120bhp, while the other two are turbocharged units that produce 155bhp and 200bhp. All engines are available with either manual or Citroen's robotized manual EGS six-speed gearboxes.

Citroen will officially unveil details of the DS4 at the upcoming Paris Motor Show this September, and the car is expected to go on sale in Europe in 2011, with other markets to receive the car later next year.