Citroen DS4

	Citroen DS4
	Debut: 2022 Maker: Citroen Predecessor: DS4 (2011)

Published on 12 Oct 2022

DS tries to out-luxury German premium cars, and it is partly successful.

Make no mistake, the DS4 is not an SUV-crossover. Yes, it is deliberately styled to look like one, but no SUV-crossover could be so low, standing just 1470 mm above the ground. That’s the same as, say, a Mercedes E-class saloon.

To deliver that SUV-alike looks, the DS4 uses larger wheels, from the standard 19-inch all the way to the largest 21-inch option. However, they are only 205mm wide, contributing no more friction and drag. Moreover, this car is purely front-wheel-drive, and it employs the same small engines and PHEV powertrain as other conventional hatchbacks produced by the group, so any talk of SUV is either illusions or marketing tricks.

Building on the group’s EMP2 platform, the new DS4’s specifications are totally predictable. It rides on struts suspension up front and a torsion beam at the rear axle. PHEV model has the latter replaced with a more sophisticated multi-link setup. All models employ 8-speed automatic transmission which was licensed by Aisin and produced by Stellantis itself in France. Manual gearbox is not even an option. There are only 3 engines on offer: 1.2-liter PureTech 3-cylinder turbo, 1.6-liter PureTech 4-pot turbo and 1.6 HDi turbo diesel. The 3-cylinder petrol and the diesel produce 130 hp, while the 4-cylinder petrol either 180 hp or 225 hp. PHEV uses the 180 hp 1.6 to mate with a 109 hp electric motor and generates 225 hp. Both the 225 hp petrol and PHEV are good for 0-60 mph in around 7 and a half seconds, quick enough but no fireball.

Chassis tuned for luxurious ride at the cost of body control.

Until now, it all sounds predictable, and you can easily come up to a conclusion that this is just another mediocre PSA product. The reality is both yes and no. In terms of driving dynamics, yes, it has nothing to surprise. Tuned in French fashion, the suspension is soft, resulting in quite a lot of lean in corner and a floaty ride over undulations at medium speed driving. You may opt for adaptive dampers with road scanning predictive technology, which uses a camera to detect bumps ahead and adjust damper stiffness accordingly, to improve things a little. Switch to sportier modes will calm down the float but also destroy the sense of magic carpet – it is just not as versatile as Citroen / DS wants you to believe. The steering is light and slow and devoid of feedback. The brake pedal feels soft. The narrow tires offer limited grip. The DS4 is by no means a driver’s car.

However, it does a pretty good job to feel luxury. Low speed ride comfort is exceptional, especially on poorer roads. Noise insulation can easily beat German rivals, even at high-speed cruising, giving you a hushed environment to enjoy the luxurious cabin. The PHEV powertrain is quite refined, blending the two power sources seamlessly. Just don’t rev it too hard, as the 1.6 engine could be loud and coarse. The automatic transmission is also flawed, blame to inconsistent and poorly timed shift points. The French has never been good at sorting out gearboxes. The DS4 feels most refined under relaxed driving.

Interior can easily beat German rivals for quality as well as sound insulation.

The DS4’s trump card is packaging. The exterior is more head-turning than any small BMW and Audi. Its diamond-patterned grille, sharp headlights and signature LED light stripes combined with that high waistline, low roofline and long bonnet proportion is easily sportier and more aggressive than its premium rivals. The interior is equally desirable. Tastefully styled and trimmed with cosy materials, especially black leather and Alcantara on top trim level. Again it trumps its German rivals for premium feel. A good example of French luxury.

On the downside, the rear seat is tight in both head and knee room, a problem shared with most PSA compact cars. Six-footers will find there intolerable for anything other than a short trip. Ergonomics is also a bit flawed. Some switches are placed at illogical positions, while the user interface of infotainment system is not as easy to use as its more established rivals. You may also dislike the lack of airiness of the cabin, blame to the low roof, shallow windows and all-round dark trims.

All in all, this is typical French car, being great at style and comfort but flawed in some dynamics and practicality aspects. It has a strong character, but not for every one's taste.

Verdict: