Citroen's premium sub-brand, DS, looks set to reinvigorate its poorly performing DS4 model by producing a crossover version called the Crossback.
The Crossback will sit alongside the standard DS4 in an expanded line-up that is hoped will boost the profile of the middle member of the DS family.
Thus far the DS4 has been comprehensively outsold by the smaller DS3 and can barely keep touch with the larger and more expensive DS5 with at least some of its lack of success attributed to its confused status. Riding too high to be classed as a hatchback, but too low to be an SUV, the DS4 has been caught in a quagmire that the DS4 Crossback will be tasked with freeing it from.
The Crossback name was registered with the French INPI (National Institute of Industrial Property) late last year and sources close to the brand indicate that raised suspension and smattering of protective cladding to give it more of a crossover look are on the cards. The PSA EMP 2 platform on which the DS4 is based is not equipped to take a conventional four-wheel-drive system - with the likes of the Peugeot 308 Hybrid R relying on electric power to drive the rear wheels - so the Crossback may be fitted with the same 'Grip Control' traction system as the Peugeot 2008. Engines will likely be carried over from the current offering, which includes the new range of efficient PureTech petrol units and BlueHDi diesel engines.
Anything else?
In addition to rescuing the DS4 the Crossback will also serve as a stop gap until DS brings out a standalone SUV/crossover, a vehicle that is still a number of years away.
The DS4 Crossback is expected to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this year.
Images shown are of the regular Citroen DS4