Citroen Planning DS4 R Hybrid Model

The hot hatch segment has been constantly evolving in the last few years, becoming one of the most active “go-fast” segments. The world has not only received a larger number of hot hatches, but these have also brought heavier artillery to the fight.

Now, the world of hot hatches is preparing to welcome a new breed. Actually, we should say “hybreed”, as we are talking about future hot hatches that will use hybrid powertrains. One of the automotive producers that is preparing such a vehicle is Citroen, which is working on a hybrid DS4 Racing model, as Auto Bild reports.

The Racing incarnation of the DS4 will use a powertrain comprised of a 1.6 liter turbocharged engine delivering 200 hp and an electric motor with an output of 95 hp. The internal combustion engine will send its power to the front wheels, while the electric unit will power the rear axle. This will allow the vehicle to offer all-wheel-drive, a valuable asset in the world of “go-fast” hatches.

As the vehicle will offer an output of 295 hp, it will target the upper part of the performance hatches segment competing with vehicles such as the Volkswagen Golf R and the Audi S3.

While the standard DS4 is scheduled to reach showroom floors in the course of the following years, the DS4 Racing is expected to come to the world in 2013.

We’ll remind you that Ford is also reportedly planning to offer a hybrid powertrain for the next generation of the Focus RS. This could mean that we will see a new hybrid sub-division of the hot hatch segment being born in the future.