Citroen hatches hot DS4

THIS Citroen will have hot hatch fans green with envy! We only clapped eyes on the stylish DS4 for the first time in Issue 1,130, but a flagship Racing version is around the corner.

And thanks to a host of styling upgrades and extra power under the bonnet, it has the likes of the VW Golf R and Renaultsport Mégane 250 in sight.

Following in the wheeltracks of the DS3 Racing, which hit showrooms on 1 September, the DS4 Racing gets a dramatic makeover – as you can tell from this illustration. The two-tone exterior matches the colour of the roof with the grille, wing mirrors and wheels.

That theme will continue inside, with figure-hugging racing seats and a flat-bottomed steering wheel.

Optional chequered decals on the roof and side flanks, plus a tarmac-scraping bodykit, finish off the visual changes. But it is what’s under the bonnet that will grab headlines. The French company has confirmed that the standard DS4 will be made available with the 200bhp 1.6 THP engine – also used in Peugeot’s flagship RCZ coupé – to challenge the 207bhp Golf GTI.

To take performance to the next level, however, Citroen is rumoured to be readying a petrol-electric version of its diesel-based HYbrid4 drivetrain, co-developed with Peugeot. While the 200bhp 1.6-litre engine drives the front wheels, a 95bhp electric motor would power the rears. In addition, a wider track, lowered suspension and beefed-up brakes should give the Racing model an edge over the standard car in corners.

Not only does the all-wheel-drive HYbrid4 system provide scintillating performance and incredible grip, it should give CO2 emissions of less than 120g/km and 60mpg fuel economy.

The standard DS4 makes its debut at next month’s Paris Motor Show, and goes on sale early next year, with the Racing version not expected until 2013.