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.

New Citroën C4 Breaks Cover: First Official Pictures of Focus Fighter

Citroën just couldn't wait until this fall's Paris Salon to show us the all-new C4 five-door hatchback as the French automaker decided to release the first official photos of its C-segment model. As with the current C4, the new compact hatch will take on the likes of the VW Golf, Renault Megane, Ford Focus, Opel Astra and Toyota Auris.

If you're thinking it looks familiar in a conservative kind of way, you're probably right as the 2011 C4 is the five-door version of Citroën's near-production DS High Rider concept that was first shown at this year's Geneva Salon.

Even though the new C4 shares the same front end styling with the three-door DS High Rider, which is expected to enter production almost unchanged as the DS4 next year, the two variants differ in design from the A-Column and back.

For better or for worse, the new C4's design is more conservative (or, if you prefer, mainstream) than the current model.

Inside, there are no surprises as the C4's dashboard is shared with the DS High Rider that will essentially replace the current C4 Coupe. The design and styling is now more close to that of the larger C5.

There are plenty of notable changes over the outgoing C4 including the elimination of the fixed steering wheel hub as well as the centrally mounted LCD instrument panel while Citroën claims it will offer several personalization options.

Citroën's new compact model has grown in dimensions and now measures 4,330mm in length (+55mm), 1,790m in width (+17mm) and 1,490mm in height (+32mm). According to the French, the new model offers a boot capacity of 408 liters, or 82 liters more than the current C4.

The French automaker has not yet released details on the powertrain options, but aside from a similar mix of diesel and naturally aspirated / turbocharged petrol units found on the current C4, European buyers should also expect the first application of the PSA Citroen - Peugeot group's diesel-electric hybrid system.

The new C4 is expected to go on sale in most European countries after this fall's Paris Motor Show.

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.