Citroen lifts wraps on new DS4  30 | 08 | 2010

CITROEN IS poised to make big waves on home soil when it officially unveils its new compact and muscular DS4 at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September. Though it's 60mm shorter, 40mm taller and 20mm wider than the Focus-sized C4, the sporty-looking five-door is targeting the family hatch market.

The DS4's lofty styling ensures drivers sit higher in the cabin and enjoy better visibility, while its squatness guarantees more stable handling. The DS4 is the second model in Citroën’s new DS range after the highly successful DS3. Like the Alfa Giulietta, the DS4's rear door handles are hidden in the window surround in an effort to bolster its sporty look.

The aggressive image is also enhanced by a pronounced styling bulge over each rear wheel arch and the short rear overhang. There's a whole gamut of engine options, with five Euro 5 units — 110HDi and 160HDi diesels and 120VTi, 155THP and 200THP petrol units. Top of the range will be the 200THP with 197bhp and 203lb ft from its turbo 1.6. It'll emit 149g/km of CO2.

When it goes on sale across Scotland in autumn next year — prices are expected to carry a premium over C4 models — expect a micro-hybrid to be available based on the 110HDi engine. It's likely to feature stop-start and a smart alternator able to recover energy during braking.