Inside Citroen’s DS4

THE first model to revive Citroen’s hallowed DS nameplate is only a few months from Australia, and now the left-field French brand has revealed what appears will be the highlight of the second DS model due to emerge, in 2011.

With full-grain leather covering its instrument panel, seats and door panels, the interior of the DS High Rider concept – which emerged at last month’s Geneva motor show and has now been confirmed as previewing the C4-based DS4 due next year – appears to be as resplendent as its high-riding crossover-style exterior.

The DS4 will be joined by a third DS model in 2011 – the Citroen C5-based DS5 – but the DS3 will kick off the DS range here alongside the next-generation C3 hatch upon which it is based around September.

The shorter DS3 three-door will be positioned above the new C3 five-door to rival BMW’s Mini hatch, just as the higher-riding DS4 will come with a higher pricetag than the next C4, which is now in runout ahead of its successor's debut at Paris in September - to rival premium small crossovers such as Mini’s forthcoming Countryman.

As the first images inside the DS4 show, the DS4 intricate interior will not only continue the ergonomic tradition of previous Citroen models, it should also bring a level of cabin quality and detail hitherto unseen in the small-car class.

Designed to exude an ambience of “sporting luxury”, the classy new cabin features dark-shaded roof lining behind a large panoramic windscreen, plus extensive leather detailing, with the ‘bracelet’ design seats featuring defined over-stitching and the dashboard leatherwork adorned with subtle embossed ‘DS’ initials.

Likewise, high-quality chrome finishes are applied to the dials, steering wheel, air vents, gearshifter and the arch that connects the instrument panel to the console, while chromed ‘DS’ inserts are positioned below the front head restraint.

Designed to echo the golden tone of the DS High Rider’s bodywork, the interior door panels are trimmed with a graduated grey to gold shading, which Citroen says requires the careful application of specific varnishes to achieve the gilded, metallic look.

Demonstrating go to match its show, the DS High Rider’s cabin also features an array of controls mounted on the sculpted steering wheel, a colour screen in its centre console and, significantly, a ‘Hybrid’ badge below the gearshifter.

This suggests that although it, like the DS3, will likely emerge with conventional petrol and diesel engines, the DS4 should also become available with the PSA group's ground-breaking diesel-electric hybrid drivetrain, which will debut in Peugeot's 3008 before emerging in the DS4 in late 2011.