Citroen previews China-bound C-Quatre Cross

The C-Quatre Cross features an allroad-like exterior treatment.

Citroën has lifted the veil off of the C-Quatre Cross, a compact hatchback with allroad-like design cues that will be sold exclusively on the Chinese market.

Starting with a regular C-Quatre, Citroën added plastic trim around the wheel arches and on both bumpers as well as brushed aluminum roof rails. The car's ground clearance has been raised every so slightly and it features model-specific alloy wheels and a roof-mounted spoiler that adds a touch of sportiness to the car's rugged look.

Save a Cross logo stitched into the front seat backs and more durable upholstery, the car's interior is roughly the same as the one that is found in the regular C-Quatre.

The C-Quatre Cross is only available with a gasoline-burning 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 76 horsepower and 104 lb-ft. of torque. Buyers can choose between a five-speed manual gearbox or an automatic unit but both send power to the front wheels only. At the time of writing, Citroën does not plan on offering a four-wheel drive variant of the hatchback.

On sale now throughout China, the Cross carries a small premium over the regular C-Quatre. Citroën hopes that the car will enable it to challenge Volkswagen, whose locally-built CrossGolf has found unexpected success in China.