DS is expanding its current three-model range with the all-new DS 4 and DS 4 Cross. The 4 follows the eponymous model that disappeared from the Dutch market in 2018. The DS 4 and its slightly more adventurous Cross brother will be marketed as a plug-in hybrid and will be available at dealers in the fourth quarter of this year.
Highlights
- No EV, but 225 hp plug-in (E-Tense)
- No diesels, but two petrol engines
- DS 4 Cross replaces DS 4 Crossback of yesteryear
- Sharply cut interior and exterior
- From the fourth quarter in the Netherlands
DS has had to do without 4 for several years. Since the disappearance of the model presented as Citroën DS4 in 2010 and renamed DS 4 (Crossback) in 2015, there is a nice gap in the model range between the DS 3 Crossback and DS 7 Crossback. That is now being filled by a completely new model. The youngest DS 4 is already an interesting model with relatively sleek design by DS standards, but the fact that it is a technical brother of the next generation Peugeot 308 and Opel Astra, gives it extra meaning.
More than its predecessor, the new DS 4 is a car that is a cross between a conventional hatchback and a crossover. DS Automobiles is therefore not only targeting hatchbacks such as the Mercedes-Benz A-class and BMW 1-series, but also more crossovers such as the BMW X2, Lexus UX and Cupra Formentor. The DS 4 is 4.4 meters long, 1.83 meters wide and 1.47 meters high. With those dimensions, it is about 15 centimeters longer than, for example, the current Peugeot 308. The luggage compartment has a capacity of 440 liters, which makes it easy for the French to trump the Volkswagen Golf (381 liters) and Ford Focus (375 liters). Striking are the wheels under the DS 4, which are up to 20-inch in size.
DS 4 E-Tense
Platform and technique
However, there is no completely new platform hidden under the skin. The DS 4 is a further development of the EMP2 platform which the aforementioned 308 and big brothers DS 7 Crossback and DS 9 use. However, seventy percent of the platform is completely new.
Anyone who knows the EMP2 platform a little knows that it is suitable for plug-in hybrid powertrains. As a result, the DS 4 immediately comes to market with a 225 hp plug-in hybrid powertrain consisting of a 180 hp 1.6 PureTech petrol engine and a 110 hp electric motor that is incorporated in the eight-speed automatic transmission. This plug version will receive the E-Tense designation, which is well-known from DS. Thanks to its 12.4 kWh battery pack, it must be able to drive 50 kilometers fully electrically. DS Automobiles indicates that the platform is also suitable for a fully electric version, although it is not yet in the pipeline. DS may be waiting for Groupe PSA / Stellantis’ eVMP platform announced for 2023 to make its debut. The DS 4 E-Tense stands on 20-inch alloy wheels, which are fitted with aerodynamic inserts to keep air resistance to a minimum.
Prefer no plug-in? No problem. The DS 4 can also be ordered with the well-known PureTech 130 and PureTech 180 petrol engines, which are always linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Diesel is not possible.
DS 4
Exterior
The body, clearly inspired by the looks of the DS Aero Sport Lounge Concept, is sprinkled with less frills than that of, for example, the DS 7 Crossback. That does not mean that the model is not recognizable as a DS, as the front with its DS Wings, the idiosyncratic C-pillar and the rear lights filled in with a striking light signature do make this happen. Also striking are the sharper headlights that optically flow into an angular daytime running light consisting of two rows of 49 LEDs. The headlamps are equipped with matrix LED technology. The DS 4 also has strikingly designed side mirror caps and recessed door handles. The roof extends remarkably far back, making the rear window optically smaller than it is.
DS will soon supply the new 4 in three variants. There is a nameless basic version, simply DS 4, but also a sporty performance line with black exterior details. The Crossback variant introduced in 2015 on the previous generation DS 4 is succeeded by the DS 4 Cross. This variant will include bumpers whose lower parts are finished with black plastic. The Cross does not get black wheel arch edges. Inquiries show that DS 4 has chosen this in order not to disturb the proportions, in particular the ratio between the amount of body and the wheel arches / wheels. The window pillars, like the grille, are in black and the car is further decorated with a body-colored roof, including roof bars. The Cross is the only DS 4 that is optionally available with Advanced Traction Control.
DS 4
Interior and gadgets
Although the interior, like the exterior, clearly houses some shiny indulgence, the interior looks tighter and quieter than that of the 3 and 7 Crossback. The buttons for the climate control, as well as the ventilation grilles, are housed in a thin strip on the dashboard. Above it we find a 10-inch infotainment system that DS calls ‘Iris System’. Also striking is the placement of the outer ventilation grilles, which are housed in the doors. The center tunnel includes the specially designed selector lever (E-Toggle) of the automatic transmission. Above it is a 5-inch touchscreen with which the infotainment system can also be controlled. DS has various types of materials for the finishing of the interior. There is not only alcantara, carbon fiber and wood, but also – our personal favorite – salmon leather. DS Automobiles reports to Techzle that it is probably the first time that interior parts of a car can be finished with tanned salmon skin.
DS 4
At least as interesting as the term salmon leather is the available system that replaces the usual head-up display. Through augmented reality the DS Extended Head-up Display system is able to project the driver information right in front of the driver as if it were projected on the road surface four meters in front of the car. The width of the ‘display’ is more than half a meter. Just like the DS 3 Crossback and DS 7 Crossback, the DS 4 is able to operate ‘semi-autonomously’. The upgraded system is called ‘DS Drive Assist 2.0’. The DS 4 can also be brought to a complete stop by the adaptive cruise control, but can also restart the car when the vehicle in front starts moving. Not only can the system overtake it semi-automatically, it also adjusts the speed for cornering and also adjusts cruise control based on road signs. DS gives the 4, among other things, the Active Scan Suspension, known from the 7 Crossback, as well as Night Vision.
The fresh 4 can be found at the DS Stores from the fourth quarter of this year. Dutch prices will follow in the run-up to the market introduction.