2011 Citroen DS4 And DS5 Models Confirmed For Production

FOLLOWING THE UNVEILING of its upmarket, style-conscious DS3 concept, Citroen has revealed plans to introduce DS4 and DS5 models into the lineup, with a showroom launch expected for 2011.

The new models will share the C4 and C5 platforms, but with the ultimate goal being to push into the luxury market, the similarities between the C and DS badged cars will end there.

Citroen says the DS4 design will be inspired by the sleek C-Sportlounge concept, first unveilled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2005, while the DS5 will take on a coupe-crossover style, similar to that of the BMW X6.

Citroen says the DS5 will draw its style from the Hypnos concept, revealed at the Paris Motor Show in 2008. The production DS5 is unlikely to feature the Hypnos concept's rear-hinged 'suicide' rear doors or psychedelic upholstery, but the connection should be noticeable.

A diesel-electric hybrid powertrain is planned for both models.

While the logo-emblazoned textured leather roof shown on the DS3 concept is unlikely to make its way to production, Citroen insiders told Britain's Autocar a vinyl version - not unlike the vinyl-roofed cars of the 70s - may be an option, along with the logo-patterned interior of the DS3 concept.

As with the DS4 and DS5, the DS3 is expected to share the same underpinnings and some of its engines with the new C3, also expected to debut at Frankfurt this year, including a 112kW 1.6 litre turbocharged petrol engine.