Visitors to the Auto China 2010 motor show in Beijing were among the first to see the interior of Citroen's DS HighRider Concept, a car first seen at the Geneva show earlier this year.
Somewhat coyly, Citroen has confirmed the chunky concept will be the basis for the forthcoming DS4, as suggested by the Carsales network in February. The DS4 will follow the smaller, MINI-challenging DS3 due in Australia in the final quarter of this year. It's the smaller car that will pioneer the French company's new DS line.
Building on the Citroen C4 that has already proved its flexibility by providing the underpinnings for the Picasso MPV, the DS4 is a sort of upmarket cross between SUV and regular hatchback, with interior space that belies its compact externals.
We also reported in February that there are suggestions the DS4 could be the recipient of a Citroen diesel hybrid drivetrain incorporating electric drive for the rear wheels to provide all-wheel drive.
The press release accompanying the interior photo gushes enthusiastically: "The controlled environment in the passenger compartment of the DS HighRider, mainly due to the contrast between a panoramic windshield and a dark roof panel, sublimates both these elements. The care taken in choosing the smallest details makes it possible to go even further in elegance with, for example, chromium-plating of door panel crosses and of the arch connecting the instrument panel to the console."
What the single photo of the Citroen DS HighRider shows is a heavily sculpted instrument panel with plenty of satin-chrome finish, flying buttress style outer edges on the centre console (similar to the original Audi TT) and a somewhat dark, club-like masculine presence featuring "aniline full-grain type leather" on the instrument panel, seats and door panels.
On the outside, substantial 19-inch wheels add a distinct macho touch, as do heavily cartoon-ised wheel arches.
The DS HighRider is roughly the same size as an Audi A3 and, when it becomes the DS4, is expected to spawn a five-door version.
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