Citroen DS 6WR SUV revealed ahead of 2014 Beijing auto show

The new Citroen DS 6WR SUV was uncovered overnight ahead of its official debut at the 2014 Beijing auto show later this month, and for now at least the new high-riding model is expected to be sold solely in the Chinese market.

The new production model, which was presaged by the Wild Rubis concept SUV at last year's Shanghai auto show, is slightly smaller than the showcar, measuring 4.55 metres long, 1.86m wide and 1.61m tall, making it taller but shorter and narrower than the concept, and sits in a size bracket between the BMW X3 and X5. The crossover is based on the underpinnings of the swoopy DS5 hatchback and features an identical 2.73m wheelbase.

While the size has changed, the styling is quite close to the concept. The "DS Wings" grille and contoured headlights give it a confident looking front-end, though the aggressive air intakes didn't make it to the production model. The wheels have been downsized to 19-inch alloys, and the eye-catching aluminium roof-rails that spill down towards the tail-lights add some extra flair. No images of the entire back-end of the car have been revealed as yet, but the tail-light image (below) indicates it will feature an Audi-like clamshell tailgate.

The car is not expected to be offered with all- or four-wheel-drive, instead being fitted with PSA Peugeot-Citroen's Grip Control 2WD traction system that was first fitted to the Peugeot 2008 baby SUV.

Engine options are likely to include a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 118kW of power (e-THP 160) and a quicker version with 147kW (THP 200). A six-speed automatic is standard.

The car was designed in Paris, but will be built at Citroen's Shenzen plant in collaboration with Chinese brand Chang'an. It will go on sale by the end of the year.

If you're curious about the name, you're not alone - it was widely rumoured to be badged DS X7, but Citroen says the WR in its nomenclature stands for "Wild and Refined", while the "6" is believed to be due to the size and positioning of the car.

While China is the current focus for Citroen's style-focused DS line, PSA Peugeot-Citroen's new chief Carlos Tavares said recently that DS needs to be a standalone luxury brand as part of a global push for increased profits.