Citroen DS Inside Concept Gets Interior Sneak Peak

We're still disappointed with the direction the Citroen DS Inside Concept as it indicates the DS3 will be a premium compact but does little justice to the original DS. Inside, it pays even less homage.

It appears the French car maker will be focusing more on high-texture and premium materials rather than revolutionary or traditional DS shapes. The dash is a fairly straightforward layout, covered in highly textured surfaces with leather and chrome. It seems to be all very nicely laid out with a high mounted nav-system and low mounted buttons for radio, Bluetooth phone connectivity, live traffic updates and the like. The embossing on the manual transmission shift knob indicates a six speed row-you-own, which is nice. What's missing is a wacky but elegant, single armature steering wheel and dozens of little chrome levers and buttons which may or may not connect to anything.

The seats are quite normal in their shape but unique in their execution, with an interesting basket weave type pattern and the prominently placed new "DS" logo in chrome. We're expecting to see the production version DS3 sometime early next year as a 2011 model — but you know those Frenchmen are always ready with a surprise.

STEP INSIDE THE CITROËN DS INSIDE – CONCEPT CAR INTERIOR REVEALED

Citroën has provided its first hint at the interior styling of the all-new DS3 by unveiling a new iteration of the DS Inside concept model.

At its launch in early 2010, the DS3 will present owners with an unprecedented range of touches to express their personality, and the haute-couture cabin of the latest DS Inside goes some way to previewing the level of detail and individuality that will be available.

The dashboard is flowing and airy, whilst the instrument cluster, steering wheel and low, body-hugging seats extend the feeling of dynamism. Black chrome touches around the cabin and a thick lounge style carpet, leave the DS Inside exuding class, style and distinction. The concept is strikingly finished with a premium leather roof in pearlescent ivory with a powder-like finish that bears the DS insignia.

The styling project for the DS line has been led by British designer, Mark Lloyd. Beginning with the DS3, the new DS line will deliver a powerful identity to the Citroën family. Representing "Different Spirit", it will present an identity strong on modernity and distinction, drawing its DNA clearly from Citroën's history of innovation and unforgettable design.