THE CAR: Citroen Concepts

These are the first pictures of the interior of Citroën's DS High Rider that was originally showcased at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show this past March.

The cabin's design is contemporary as are the color choices that mirror the golden tone of the DS High Rider's bodywork. Being a concept and all, the interior gets special leather surfaces with unique textures and graining, while chrome detailing is used around the dials, steering wheel, air vents, gear stick and the arch that connects the instrument panel to the console.

Expect to see only minor exterior and interior changes over the concept when the production version of the car enters the European market next year as the DS4.

The four-seater, three-door hatchback model that's based on the platform and the mechanics of the next generation Citroën C4 hatchback will be the second addition to the French automaker's DS sub-brand after the DS3.

These are the first 'real life' pictures of Citroën's latest concept car, the Metropolis, that gives certain German makers (see Porsche and BMW) a lesson or two on how to design an eye-candy luxury sports saloon.

The styling of the 5.3m long and 2m wide but only 1.4m high Metropolis has echoes of the French automaker's well received GT supercar concept of 2008. This one was developed by Citröen's Shanghai-based design team.

Under the subtle "Pearl Silk" colored bodywork there's a plug-in hybrid drivetrain that utilizes "an optimized" 2.0-liter V6 petrol engine, an electric motor and a 7-speed, dual-clutch electronic gearbox.

According to Citröen, at low speeds the Metropolis runs in Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mode, with its electric motor developing a continuous 55bhp peaking at 95bhp. At highway speeds, the petrol powerplant provides 272bhp and 375Nm of torque.

We don't how Citröen came up with this number, but the French claim that when the car uses both the electric motor and the combustion engine, the combined output is 460bhp and 430Nm of torque.

The Metropolis also benefits from a four-wheel drive mode and a Hydractive suspension.

The four-door sports saloon will be on show for the public in the French Pavilion at the Shanghai World Fair in China from 1st May to 31st October, 2010.