On its 90th birthday, Citroen announced an array of plans to reinvent itself and bring back the desirability factor to the brand. These plans include the presentation of a new premium range of vehicles that revive the iconic DS badge and will consist of three new cars, positioned in the small, medium and large car segments. The first illustration of this new product line is the Citroen DS Inside concept that was unveiled at a special event in Paris ahead of its public debut in Geneva Show next month.
The Mini Clubman-sized concept previews the first production DS model, the DS3 that has been officially confirmed to arrive in 2010. Citroen did not disclose any details on the car in Paris, but from what we gathered, it is mechanically related to the C3 Picasso MPV and the next-generation C3 hatchback. Like the new C5 and the C3 Picasso, Citroen's premium supermini has a far more aggressive and appealing styling than what we have been used to seeing from the French brand.
And yes, according to Citroen's people we spoke to, the production DS3 will not differ much from the concept you see here. Expect to see the DS3 being offered with a wide range of diesel and petrol engines including the BMW and PSA Peugeot-Citroen developed 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol unit that also powers the MINI Cooper.
Aside from the DS3, the new line will include the Citroen C4 / VW Golf-sized DS4 and the larger, C5 / Ford Mondeo-sized DS5. The later could very well be a four-door coupe proposal in the likes of the Passat CC.
As well as the new DS range, Citroen also announced the introduction of a new three-dimensional version of its double chevron logo, the redesigning of its showrooms and website, its commitment to the WRC through its renamed Citroen Sport division (known up until know as Citroen Racing) and most importantly, that over the next three years, the firm will launch six new models in Europe, at a pace of one launch every six months.
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