Paris 2010: Citroen DS4 Revealed

The Paris Auto Show is fast approaching and introductions are coming out ahead of the show. Citroen, a unique French automaker, has been in the news a lot lately with its revived DS range.

There was the DS Inside Concept that became the DS3, and we covered the sporting version of that car, the DS3 Racing, recently. Then there was the DS High Rider Concept. The DS4 becomes the production version of that concept.

Of the DS vehicles we've seen, the DS4 has to be our favorite hands down. The design closely follows that of the DS High Rider Concept introduced last March.

That is a good thing, as we really liked that concept. There isn't a whole lot of changes - for production, the DS4 adds two doors, but shows off a rakish roofline with handle-less rear doors that aim to evoke the appearance of a two-door.

For it's segment, it rides higher than usual, aiming for more crossover-like appeal. For Citroen it's a whole new take on the segment, and it's one that works quite well.

It is a stylish entry into the segment that looks upscale and something unique to what people have come to expect from the brand.

Citroens are nothing if not quirky. While the DS4 is stylish, it still manages to provide elements of Citroen's inherent French quirkiness. As befitting of a premium lineup, the interior is made with high-quality materials.

The interior proves Citroen is serious about its intentions of making the DS a premium line for the brand. The interior is light and airy, with thin A-pillars, inset windows and a panoramic windshield offering 45° of upward vision.

There is ambient lighting, and chrome detailing on the air vent surrounds, instrument cluster, gear lever and center stack. Aluminium pedals and a thick inverted T door handle complete the look.

High end models have a leather covered dash and door panels, along with a unique pattern dubbed "Bracelet" in the seat inlays. It is meant to appear like the links in a watch strap. There is also the availability of massaged seats. How about that?

We only wish that the DS4 was coming over here. The DS4 has an innovative array of technologies inside and out. You know those annoying alert chimes in cars?

Iin the DS4 you can select which type of polyphonic sounds you would like to be annoyed with - Classic, Crystal Symphony, Jungle Fantasy & Urban Rythmik.

Citroen will offer its mild e HDI hybrid system that uses a diesel powerplant, Stop & Start system, electronic gearbox system (EGS) and an electronically-controlled reversible alternator.

There are a total of five available powerplants - two diesels and three gas engines developed in cooperation with BMW. Gas engines include the VTi 120, THP 155 and the new 200 horsepower THP 200 and as for the diesels there is the HDi 110 and HDi 160.