Citroen’s range of DS-badged cars may get a new addition as of next year, if reports published by AutoBild prove accurate. Apparently, the Dual Chevron brand’s premium lineup is getting its smallest car yet, one that will (predictably) be called the DS2.
According to the information we have at hand, it will be more of a rival for the Fiat 500 and high-spec new Renault Twingos, and not the MINI Cooper, which has had the DS3 chasing after it ever since its launch, and doing a not-so-bad job of it (sales-wise).
Since automakers are all about sharing platforms now, the new DS2 would use the same underpinnings as the Peugeot 208, to keep costs down, while REVOLTe concept-like styling and Citroen’s usual design flair will keep it interesting, as will the choice of customization options.
On the engine front, the DS2 would take over most of the DS3’s engines, but it will probably not get the full 200 hp 1.6-liter turbo, settling for its 155 hp variant as the top motor. Three-pot petrols and frugal diesels will probably make up the bulk of sales, though, and the most powerful petrol version may get its own sporty version, a possible DS2 R.
Also, up until not so long ago, Citroen made the C2, which I think was very successful in many ways. It looks/looked good, had nice handling and a translucent gear lever, which made any journey with an attractive female passenger all the more demanding… However, the C2 was not retro-inspired like this proposed new DS2, whose success hinges on the designers’ ability to give it its own personality, which must go along well with the aforementioned customization options which are sure to be offered.
By Andrei Nedelea
Note: Citroen REVOLTe Concept pictured above, C2 shown below
PHOTO GALLERY
