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.

Citroën to Debut Production Version of DS4 next week

This just in; a couple of days ago, we told you about Citroën's plans to unveil the first photos of a new model or concept on Monday, August 30th, ahead of its Paris Motor Show debut. We asked around and according to our sources, the French car maker will reveal the DS4, which is the production version of the Geneva Show DS High Rider concept, next week - possibly, as early as Monday.

Unfortunately, our sources didn't confirm or deny that this is the car Citroën teased us about in Friday's video (see here). That said, we wouldn't be surprised if the French automaker has more than one new model [or concept] to show us in the next few days. We'll just have to wait and see to find out.

Photo Gallery: Citroën DS High Rider Concept

Citroën Releases First Photos of DS High Rider's Interior

These are the first pictures of the interior of Citroën's DS High Rider that was originally showcased at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show this past March.

The cabin's design is contemporary as are the color choices that mirror the golden tone of the DS High Rider's bodywork. Being a concept and all, the interior gets special leather surfaces with unique textures and graining, while chrome detailing is used around the dials, steering wheel, air vents, gear stick and the arch that connects the instrument panel to the console.

Expect to see only minor exterior and interior changes over the concept when the production version of the car enters the European market next year as the DS4.

The four-seater, three-door hatchback model that's based on the platform and the mechanics of the next generation Citroën C4 hatchback will be the second addition to the French automaker's DS sub-brand after the DS3.