New Citroen C4 spied

Underneath this heavy disguise is the new Citroen C4, which will be lighter and more efficient than the current car.

The Focus-rivalling hatchback is due for arrival at the end of 2010. Considerable focus will be put on making it a class leader in efficiency.

See the high-res Citroen C4 spy picture gallery

Three-cylinder engines and, possibly, petrol-electric hybrid power could be introduced during its lifetime, the company’s product boss, Vincent Besson, has told Autocar.

Besson also laid out the company’s strategy for hybrid and electric vehicles, saying that petrol-electric power is not necessary or economically viable in small city cars, and only for high-end versions of the next C4.

The styling of the new C3 is expected to have cues from the chic DS3 and C3. The dimensions are similar to the current car, retaining the short bonnet and steeply raked rear hatch. There is likely to be a funky, but slightly less practical, DS4 version joining the C4.

Prices for the new C4 are expected to start around £14,000.

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