Citroën's high riding DS4 unveiled ahead of Paris Motor Show [31 photos]

Say bonjour to Citroën's latest creation and the second member of its DS lineup of special models after the DS3, the all-new DS4 that was revealed online today ahead of its public premiere at next month's Paris Motor Show.

Based off the freshly revealed C4 hatchback (Citroën's rival to the VW Golf), the DS4 is the production version of the French carmaker's Geneva Salon DS High Rider concept car. The key difference between the two models is that, whereas the design study featured a three-door body style, the DS4 gets five-doors with hidden rear handles.

Citroën describes the DS4 as "a unique and attractive blend of creativity, dynamism, exclusivity and versatility", which in reality translates to a potpourri of design influences from numerous cars and segments ranging from the coupe-esque roofline and hidden rear door handles, to the almost crossover-like road clearance.

Inside, the French automaker's designers basically spiffed up the cabin with higher-class materials and decorative trim than the standard C4 hatch, while also offering more personalization options such as a choice of five leather combinations, including two-tone colors.

Range-topping models are also equipped with high quality leather on the dashboard and door panels while all versions come with a standard large panoramic windscreen that extends backwards into the roofline.

The new Citroën measures 4.27 metres long, 1.81 metres wide and 1.53 metres high, making it 60mm shorter, 20mm wider and 40mm taller than the regular C4. It features a 370-litre boot capacity, which is 38 liters less than the C4s.

At launch, the DS4 will come with a choice of five powerplants. There are two diesel options, a 110HP 1.6-liter HDi that can be specified with stop/start tech and regenerative braking technology, and a 160HP 2.0-liter HDi. The petrol range consists of three 1.6-liter engines that were co-developed with the BMW Group and include a naturally aspirated version with 120HP, and two turbocharged variants with 155HP and 200HP.

All engines are available with manual or robotized manual EGS six-speed gearboxes.

The new DS4 will reach European showrooms in 2011, with more specific details to be released at the Paris motorshow.

Citroen DS High Rider Concept Previews DS4 Crossover, will Debut in Geneva

After a handful of dark teaser shots, Citroen today unleashed a slew of images of its new DS High Rider concept car that is set to be launched at the Geneva Salon on March 2. As anticipated, the DS High Rider is more of a pre-production model that teases the upcoming DS4 that than a pure conceptual study.

The second member of Citroen's growing DS family after the DS3 supermini is a strange mix of a C-segment three-door hatchback with muscular details, a gently sloping roof line and heightened ride.

With a few exceptions such as the fabric roof and the polished 19-inch alloy wheels, what you see in these pictures is what you'll get when the DS4 goes into production early next year.

The four seater hatch is based on the next-generation C4's platform and hardware. It measures 4.26m in length, 1.82m in width and 1.48m height, meaning it's slightly shorter but wider and taller than the current C4 Coupe.

The production model's powertrains are most likely to be borrowed from the next C4, though there's a strong possibility that we may see the concept model's 'full-hybrid' diesel-electric drivetrain that combines a HDi engine under the bonnet and an electric motor located on the rear axle being offered in the near future.

According to Citroen, both engines of the hybrid system combine to deliver additional power with additional torque transmitted to the rear wheels.

Expect to see the production DS4 making its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show this fall.

Citroen's new Special Edition C4 Coupe by Sebastien Loeb

Most of our readers are savvy enough to know that looks -even when accompanied by a brassy moniker- can be deceiving. Such is the case with Citroen's new special edition C4 Coupe "by Loeb", named after the French firm's highly successful WRC rally driver, Sebastien Loeb. Citroen has left the 3-door hatchback's mechanical gear intact preferring to concentrate on the car's looks and equipment list.

Available in either Sport Red or Black, the Citroen C4 Coupe "by Loeb" is offered with a choice of two 1.6-liter gasoline engines delivering 120HP (naturally aspirated) and 150HP (turbocharged), and a 1.6-liter turbo diesel with 110HP.

Somewhat inspired by the C4 WRC, the special edition model features Sébastien Loeb's signature on the doors, a unique 'by Loeb' sticker on the tailgate and door mirrors finished in either red, or black with aluminium-effect. Completing the car's style are a roof spoiler and 17-inch alloy wheels in either white or black depending on the body color.

Inside, Citroen equipped the hatchback with steel decor around the central air vents and aluminum finishes on both the pedals and gear knob. The leather steering wheel and gear lever are complemented by red stitching and the sports seats are finished in black and red '3D X-ray' mesh cloth. There are also floor mats with red surrounds detailed with a unique 'by Loeb' design. Furthermore, each limited edition will be tagged with a unique serial number plaque mounted in the cabin.

Prices in the UK are set at £14,395 OTR for the 1.6 16V VTi 120hp, £15,395 OTR for the 1.6i 16V THP 150hp and £15,895 OTR for the 1.6HDi 16V 110hp.