THE second of Citroen’s swish DS models will be going on sale next year after making its debut at the Paris Motor Show next month.
The announcement of the DS4 comes only days after Citroen revealed a high performance version of the current DS3 to rival the likes of the John Cooper Works MINI.
Like the DS3 Racing, the new DS4 will feature an uprated version of the 1.6-litre THP engine boosted to almost 200bhp.
Despite its power Citroen says emissions have been kept low at 149g/km although exact performance date and prices are still to be announced.
The new engine will join two other petrol engines and two diesels in the DS4, including an eco 110bhp diesel fitted with a stop/start system and other energy saving features including an electronic gearbox.
Based on the forthcoming Citroen C4 hatch, the DS4 will be sharply styled and available in a number of personalised formats.
Five combinations of leather trim can be specified including a two-tone finish while the interior will feature chrome detailing, optional leather facing on the dashboard as well as aluminium pedals and ambient interior lighting.
Plenty of brightwork will be used in the body including chrome door cappings and LED running lights fitted around the front fog lamps.
Styled as a 2+2 coupe the DS4 will be a five door model with a 370 litre boot boosted by further storage space inside including an illuminated centre console which will be fitted to models set up with Citroen’s six speed ESG semi-automatic gearbox.
A steeply raked panoramic windscreen angled at 45 degrees is similar to that used on the smaller C3 hatch.
Rear features include a roof mounted spoiler and twin exhaust nacelles in the back apron.
Blind spot warning devices, electronic stability systems, cruise control and a speed limiter will also be fitted.
The DS4 is following on from the DS3 which was launched last year and has already established itself as a rival to BMW’s MINI.
The high performance DS3 Racing has been developed in conjunction with Citroen’s rally team and will be capable of 0 to 60 in 6.5 seconds with a top speed in excess of 140mph.
Its engine has been uprated to produce 207bhp and the car also has an ESP system which is switchable for sports driving.
Priced from £23,100 only 200 right hand drive models will be coming to the UK with deliveries due early next year.