Geneva 2010: Citroen DS Highrider Concept

I'm quickly becoming a big fan of Citroen's DS-series of cars. It's a pretty good marketing tactic- a lineup of very French  niche cars based on Citroen's somewhat dull mainstream cars that offers individuality, style, and customizability.  Plus, if the DS3 and this DS Highrider concept are anything to judge by, they are stunningly good-looking cars to boot.

Now, I'm going to admit I don't know why they call it the Highrider.  Perhaps this is the French definition of long-travel suspension, and maybe the French are just strange.  It looks like a large 3-door hatchback with pretty normal ride height to me.  Citroen says it's all about the proportions and the stance, so we'll run with that.  It sort of works; considering this is about the size of a Golf, it looks a lot more imposing than it really is.

There are neat little details everywhere on the DS Highrider - check out those Continental GT-esque rear fender flares, or the narrow curved LED strips serving as taillights.  The roof and A-pillar have a matte finish that almost reminds me of the old vinyl-top American land yachts of the 70's - but it a slightly classier way.  The exhaust tips inset into the chrome surround in the bumper are neat, too - I bet that thing would get hot. The front end is attractive, but not quite as interesting - the VW/Mitsubishi style "shield" grille is getting old, although I do like the sculpted brake ducts and the funky swept headlights.

As for what's under the skin - who cares? It's just a concept car.  The point is to show the basic shape of the upcoming DS4, and it's quite promising.  For the record, Citroen says the DS Highrider is powered by a diesel-electric hybrid powertrain (gosh, that's exciting) with a small DPF-equipped diesel powering the front wheels and a bunch of batteries taking care of the back axle.  Expect the production DS4 to look a lot like this minus some of the show car bling (like that exhaust bar) and with a real-world powertrain.  More details should be forthcoming on the DS4 soon, so stay tuned!