Beijing concept points way to more Citroën DS models

Citroën will unveil a concept at next week’s Beijing Motor Show that previews an expansion to its fashion-led DS range.

The styling of the Numero 9 concept is expected to appear on three forthcoming DS models.

One could reach production as the Citroën DS9, targeting BMW’s 5 Series and likely to most closely resemble the Numero 9.

An SUV and a mid-sized saloon are also planned, though it’s not certain that both would reach UK markets.

The Numero 9 has a shooting-brake body style and a long bonnet, but stands just 1.27 metres tall on 21-inch wheels. It’s 4.93 metres long, 1.94 metres wide, and sits on a 3-metre long wheelbase.

New styling touches include LED daytime running lights in a strip and a 3D-effect grille.

The concept uses a hybrid drivetrain matching a 223bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine driving the front wheels to a 69bhp electric motor powering the rears, offering four-wheel-drive in difficult grip conditions.

A diesel engine could be specified instead of the petrol unit, for which Citroën quotes fuel economy of 166mpg and CO2 emissions of 39g/km.

The car is also no slouch, with a 5.4-second 0-62mph time.

Numero 9′s appearance at the Beijing show coincides with Citroën launching the existing DS range in China.

Words by: Andrew Charman