Citroen hints at DS4 with new design study

The Citroen DS High Rider Concept represents "a bold and radical vision of the future", according to the accompanying press material for the vehicle that will be unveiled to the public at the Geneva motor show next month.

Citroen's reasoning is that the concept shows a way forward for design, one in which compact external dimensions don't impact badly on interior accommodation, performance, style and quality.

Judging by the high nose of the car, in the bespoke Euro NCAP pedestrian-friendly style, this one looks close to a production reality. Indeed, British motoring publication Autocar suggests that what we're looking at here is a three-door version of the DS4 that will go on sale later in the year.

According to Autocar, the DS4 will be based on the same platform as the C4, but will be an upmarket model somewhat distinct from the C4, in sort of the same way that the current C4 Picasso shares underpinnings and mechanicals, but is effectively a model in its own right.

While the styling is radical enough, if the DS High Rider makes it to production in one form or another, it's likely to be even more radical underneath, suggests Autocar. It's possible that the DS4 will be offered with a diesel hybrid powertrain, such as the one fitted to the concept -- comprising the internal-combustion engine up front and an electric motor driving the rear wheels for four-wheel drive traction as well as the sort of fuel efficiency gains associated with hybrids.

Despite the low roofline of the concept, the DS High Rider Concept measures a height marginally higher, at 1.48m, than the current C4 hatch. The concept is 4.26m long and 1.82m wide.

Citroen claims that the interior is spacious enough for four occupants. The concept rides on 19-inch alloy wheels and its combination of sculpture lines and sweeping headlights are intended to convey an impression of luxury and elegance -- in keeping with the DS4's predicted position within the C4 range, although Citroen isn't saying so.

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