Infrequently I get to street check a brand new automobile I do know little about, and it proves to be one thing of a revelation. The beautiful DS 4 is one such car.
A cross between a hatchback and a compact crossover, the five-door DS 4 challenges every thing from the Audi A3, BMW 1 Sequence and Mercedes-Benz A-Class to the Audi Q2, BMW X2 and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.
And if you happen to’re new to DS Vehicles, then it’s in all probability greatest described as Citroen’s premium spin-off sister model.
Sharing a platform with different Stellantis group vehicles (eg Citroen C5 X, Vauxhall Astra and Peugeot 308) the DS 4 is obtainable with petrol and diesel engines, plus a flagship plug-in hybrid.
Priced from £29,710 to £43,550, there are two trim ranges (Efficiency Line and Efficiency Line+), plus a DS 4 Cross which enhances the fashionable design of the DS 4 with SUV-inspired styling cues, together with aspect skirts, gloss black roof bars, entrance and rear skid plates and black bumpers.
You solely have to take a look at the images to see that the DS 4 oozes kerb enchantment. Its profile is rakish with a mix of easy surfaces and stylish strains – there are additionally massive wheels and flush-fitting door handles.
The entrance is dominated by a big diamond mesh DS grille, slim matrix LED headlights and sharp vertical, zig-zag LED working lights, delivering a singular lighting signature, whereas the rear will get a slim window and attractive rear gentle clusters.
All in all, the DS 4 has an athletic stance and if vehicles had been judged purely on type, it will go straight to the highest of the category.
It’s the identical story inside the place there’s a cultured, hi-tech really feel combined with high construct high quality. DS does issues in a different way and the uncluttered inside is a deal with with quite a few intelligent design touches. Who else would have considered integrating the electrical window switches so fantastically into the highest of the door trim?
A particular point out for the seats too, that are simply probably the most comfy you will discover on this worth bracket. There’s loads of house too, although taller passenger within the rear might battle for headroom if you happen to go for the panoramic sunroof which eats into the roof house. Boot capability is a good 430 litres, increasing to 1,240 litres with the rear seats folded down.
Each DS 4 contains a 7.0-inch digital driver’s cluster, plus a ten.0-inch central touchscreen which its flush with the dashboard, whereas larger trim ranges get a head-up show that’s projected neatly onto the windscreen.
The infotainment system takes some getting used to, however after a whilst you get the hold of it. The house display screen is customisable and there are short-cut buttons under, however sadly necessities just like the local weather management are usually not completely accessible.
There’s additionally a twinkly 5.0-inch touchpad (‘DS Good Contact’) down close to the gear selector, which lets you pre-set as much as six shortcuts – every with their very own gesture motion. It’s a bit gimmicky, however something that avoids tapping and swiping menus on the primary infotainment display screen when driving should be a very good factor.
To summarise, the DS 4’s infotainment system isn’t with out its frustrations, however it’ll develop on you. If nothing else, it’s a factor of magnificence – like the remainder of the cabin.
I examined the entry-level DS 4 Efficiency Line PureTech 130, which is fitted a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol turbo driving the entrance wheels by way of an eight-speed automated gearbox. It could sound weedy for a automobile of this dimension, but it surely’s surprisingly highly effective.
Creating 128bhp, it’s a punchy little unit and a mainstay inside the Stellantis group of vehicles (Vauxhall, Citroen and Peugeot too).
On paper it’s able to as much as 48.6mpg, whereas CO2 emissions are as little as 132g/km. High velocity is 130mph and its 0-62mph time is 10.4 seconds.
There’s a nice thrum from the engine when pushed, however such is the refinement of the DS 4’s cabin, it’s hardly noticeable in on a regular basis driving.
Naturally, it’s in its aspect darting round in an city setting, but it surely settles down properly on the motorway too. Push it on more difficult roads and the engine will grow to be slightly extra vocal and it’ll run out of puff. There’s a slight hesitation getting off the mark typically, however typically it really works properly.
If you’d like extra petrol energy, then transfer as much as the 1.6-litre four-cylinder choices, delivering 178bhp and 222bhp respectively, or the plug-in hybrid which provides as much as 398.5 miles of electrical solely motoring.
The DS 4 rides easily and feels planted, whereas physique lean is properly managed in quicker corners. Simply the job, contemplating it is a automobile that prioritises consolation over scorching dealing with.
Drive it sensibly and it’ll ship shut on 50mpg on longer runs. What’s extra, you’ll arrive at your vacation spot extra relaxed than lots of its rivals.
You’ll additionally really feel particular, as a result of the DS 4 turns heads (for all the appropriate causes), the inside is a designer wonderland and it’s a pleasure to drive. The very best DS I’ve pushed but, it deserves to succeed.
Verdict: Check drive the beautiful DS 4 if you happen to’re available in the market for a premium five-door household automobile that stands out from the group and delivers a tempting various to its German rivals. Considered one of 2022’s largest surprises, chances are you’ll simply fall for its beautiful design, elegant really feel, comfy drive and twinkly charms.
DS Vehicles UK
