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The French automaker Citroen has unveiled a new concept car named after its legendary DS, called the compact DS Inside, which was first displayed back in March at the Geneva Motor Show. The DS3 supermini, along with the DS4 and DS5 form the basis for the new line of upmarket cars.
The first coming will be DS3, we reported formally that it will be unveiled at this September’s Frankfurt Motor Show. As for the DS4 and DS5 models, Citroen has confirmed that these will be available in 2011 and will be offered with a diesel-electric hybrid option.
As their names suggest, the cars will share some basic architecture with their C3, C4 and C5 siblings respectively. However, the three-door DS3 is based of the DS Inside concept and some of the latter's features like a vinyl roof option may be offered. The 2+2-seater DS4 will borrow elements from 2005’s C-Sportlounge concept. It is being described by Citroen designer Mark Lloyd as "a GT for the modern age". The C-Sportlounge was a sort of MPV coupe with some crossover appeal.
As for the DS5, that model could go after people looking for something like a BMW X6 but at a lesser price tag. Based on the Hypnos Concept of Paris 2008, the DS5 will use a diesel-hybrid engine as part of its powertrain offering. Although it will ditch the Hypnos' rear suicide doors it will still be radical in its own right.
All in all, the smaller DS4 will be aimed at the likes of the Nissan Qashqai and Peugeot 3008 in Europe, while the DS5 will take on bigger and more premium crossovers like BMW’s X6.
Meanwhile Citroen says that production of the current C3 will end in November. At the same time the Pluriel will cease production as well but will not get a replacement model. Neither will the C2 for that matter, although a car inspired by the C-Cactus Concept could possibly replace it.
Citroen is preparing for a very exciting new era of premium mass cars with its DS Concept. The DS inside, aimed squarely at cars like the Mini Cooper, features full leather upholstery, sporty bucket seats, and an intricate center console with piano-black trim. The premium theme is further emphasized by the thick carpeting, vinyl roof lining, and special DS badging.
The DS Concept provides the basis for a new line of cars to be named DS3, DS4 and DS5, hinting at bigger and better models to come. The first of these will be the DS3, which has already been spied testing in prototype form.
While DS3 is expected to come into market in 2010 as the first of new DS Line products, the DS4 and DS5 are said to be targeted on a better defined segment. “We can be more adventurous with the bigger models. Our normal models have to operate within a well-defined segment, but with the DS there’s the opportunity for more individuality”, chief designer Mark Lloyd declared. The DS5 is said to be based on the Hypnos concept and will also be the first Citroen to get a diesel hybrid engine. Both the DS4 and DS5 will go on sale by 2011.
Citroen's campaign is intended to help realign the public's perception of the brand to better fit with the near-premium product line it offers. The global effort comes as the French carmaker celebrates its 90th anniversary in the business, making 2009 a time for both tradition and innovation. The new logo that debuted at that time can be found on the new DS3.
A re-ignition of the DS line is just one line of attack for this global re-branding scheme. The DS held the top slot at Citroen for 21 years, starting in 1955 and running through 1976. Despite the ensuing 33-year hiatus, the iconic outline of the DS is still the first thing that comes to mind for many car enthusiasts when the Citroen brand is mentioned. The new DS Inside bears little or no resemblance to that legendary silhouette, however.
Other efforts, in terms of customer service, dealer relations, service and maintenance standards as well as the product initiative, will help Citroen present itself as a more up-scale carmaker. 
Modern turbodiesel powertrains already match petrol-electric hybrids in fuel-economy and often outmatches them when it comes to driveability and performance, but a combination of the two separate technologies could provide a perfect blend of performance and economy. French auto giant PSA Peugeot-Citroen group is at the forefront of the technology, already previewing a number of concept vehicles packing diesel engines and electric motors under its Hymotion4 moniker.
Citroen has confirmed its diesel hybrid drive system will enter production in 2011 with the upcoming Citroen DS5 – the third model in Citroen’s new premium range of cars, which will include a smaller DS3 and DS4. The DS5 promises to set new standards for fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, has also been confirmed for Australian sales by mid-2011, at a price that is yet to be announced.
Development is still in the early stages but PSA is confident of a “considerable fuel saving” and a drop of up to 35% in carbon dioxide emissions compared to a similar sized petrol model. The Hymotion4 system is offered with AWD capability, however, the design eliminates the associated heavy weight of AWD vehicles by using two powerplants in the car. By putting the diesel drivetrain up front, where it can drive the front wheels, and the electric motor at the rear, where it drives the rear wheels, PSA has eliminated the need for heavy and bulky transfer cases, driveshafts and differentials.
As for the DS5, which will debut the diesel-hybrid system, it is expected to be a premium hatch/crossover due for launch in 2011. Its styling will be influenced by the DS Inside Concept from last month’s Geneva Motor Show, though it will be significantly bigger than the show car.
