The Citroen DS range could be expanded beyond the originally planned DS3, DS4 and DS5 models to a sports car, according to Citroën boss Frederic Banzet.
Speaking exclusively to Autocar, Banzet admitted Citroën chiefs were discussing the possibility of making an out-and-out DS sports car that could draw its styling inspiration from the Survolt concept.
Read more on the Citroën DS4, plus see pics of it at the Paris show
In the meantime, more DS derivatives are planned, including “different types of DS3”.Company insiders hinted that a soft-top DS3 was likely to be next on the list, while numerous DS special editions, including tie-ups with fashion brands, are also expected. Sales of the stylish hatch are double what Citroën was expecting in its first year.
Banzet also revealed that he had no plans to make DS a stand-alone brand, despite the success of the DS3. However, as part of the company’s global expansion plans the DS3 will shortly be sold in China, with the other DS models likely to follow.
The next DS on its way will be the DS5, which will probably be showcased as a near production-ready concept at March’s Geneva motor show. The difference between DS4 and DS5 will be greater than the gap between DS3 and DS4, and Citroën insiders promise it will be a “significantly different execution” of the DS concept.
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The five-seat DS5 will be based on the current C5 but “not necessarily in terms of design and look”. Like the DS4, it will ride higher than the car it is based on and its sleek coupé profile will draw inspiration from Citroën’s stunning Hypnos concept.
The design brief for the DS5 was to create a car that stood out above all others when queuing in a line of traffic. The DS5 will also share the Hypnos’s diesel-electric Hybrid4 powertrain. A 2.0-litre HDi engine with around 200bhp will power the front wheels, with a 37bhp electric motor powering the rear wheels.
Despite the performance, the DS5 will not be a sports model and will instead be a luxurious grand tourer.
Chas Hallett/Mark Tisshaw
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Re: Citroen plans more DS models
You obviously haven't Googled the stunning Citroen DS3-R then!
Re: Citroen plans more DS models
I hope they do develop the DS brand so that it offers models which are genuinely different to the mainstream Citroen vehicles. Apparently the DS3 is highly successful (though I've still only seen a handful on the roads and the dealer's forecourt is stacked out with them), but its too much of a 'Ghia' version of the C3 to appeal to me.
A proper sports model would be great.
Re: Citroen plans more DS models
Smart move by Citreon, love the DS3 but it's just a bit too small, this has piqued my interest, but sadly have JUST bought a newe car!
DS1 would be interesting too, but not a 'big' small car, a proper small car to compete with the Smart etc.