Citroen DS4 packs polyphonic sonics

Heads up, car fans -- Citroen has just unveiled a heap of creativity, dynamism, exclusivity and versatility. That's French marketing speak for "Citroen DS4".

The car is the second model in the company's exciting DS line-up. Whereas its smaller DS3 sibling was designed to go head to head with the Mini, this part-SUV, part-car 'crossover' vehicle will go up against the likes of the Nissan Qashqai and Volvo XC60.

Citroen's always banging on about its use of 'Creative Technologie', so it's no surprise the DS4 features some rather unusual gadgetry. The most baffling of these is the user-selectable on-board ambience feature, which lets drivers customise the noises the DS4 makes when issuing alerts and reminders.

Instead of the usual chimes and bongs, users can select from a range of polyphonic sound themes including 'crystal symphony', 'jungle fantasy' and 'urban rythmik'. Drivers can also choose different colours for the instrument panel in an array spanning "from white to blue".

More interestingly, the DS4 will feature Citroen's eTouch assistance system -- a panic button that allows drivers to instantly get in touch with emergency services in the event of an accident. Should the system detect sudden vehicle deceleration and deployment of airbags, it uses a built-in SIM card and GPS module to automatically alert the emergency services of your whereabouts.

The DS4 will feature an advanced sound system that uses audio-processing software to more evenly distribute audio throughout the cabin. It'll also come with massaging front seats, side-facing fog lamps that illuminate dark corners when you turn and a system that uses four ultrasound sensors to alert the driver if a vehicle is travelling in a blind spot.

The DS4 will go on sale with a choice of five engines, including two HDi diesels offering 110bhp and 160bhp respectively. Citroen will also supply a choice of three petrol engines -- the VTi 120, THP 155 and THP 200, all of which were co-developed with BMW.

On the whole, we're fans of the DS4. It's a hugely attractive car we believe will appeal to a wide variety of people. It'll go on sale in 2011. Check out our photo gallery above for a closer look.

The Citroen DS4 has a raised stance and plenty of interior space, but is relatively compact at 4.27m long, 1.81m wide and 1.53m high.

The DS4 offers a roomy 370-litre boot.

Inside, the DS4 has massaging seats and customisable polyphonic tones for driver alerts.

The DS4 will come with a choice of five engines -- two diesels and three petrol.

The colours illuminating the instrument panel are user-selectable.