Citroën DS High-Rider Concept: the diesel-electric DS

Adding to the already announced range of the Citroën DS and the DS3-R, this new variant will be presented as a concept at the Geneva show. The High-Rider Concept is based on hybrid propulsion, but this time it combines a diesel engine with an electric motor.

One of the first details that catch the eye on the High-Rider is the very wide windscreen, which extends up to the roof of the car (a very distinctive roof covered in a textile material), giving a greater sense of visibility. The bumpers integrated into the bodywork, the 19-inch wheels, the generous ground clearance and more voluminous wheel arches give an impression of sturdiness and protection, according to Citroën’s definition of the concept. Personally, I like the Golden Gloss colour Golden Gloss in which the concept will be presented.

Despite being a fairly compact car (4.26 m long, 1.82 m wide and 1.48 m high), the French marque stresses the great interior space of the model and a higher driving position than usual, thanks to the raised floor height.

And now to the engine. The DS High-Rider is powered by a full hybrid diesel drive system, made up of an HDi FAP diesel combustion engine and an electric motor located next to the rear axle. The setup combines a state-of-the-art diesel engine with a ZEV (zero emissions) electric mode. So when the driver needs maximum acceleration, the electric motor can instantly deliver its torque as a supplement to that of the HDi engine. In addition, this torque is transmitted to the rear wheels, with all-wheel drive.

There are not many diesel-electric hybrids, although I think most hybrids should be like that. Citroën takes one step further by offering a hybrid package that I believe more than one person has been waiting for: the practicality of diesel and the advantages of electric motors.

Source | Citroën press