All-new Citroen DS 4 revealed

PSA Group has revealed full details for its sleek redesigned DS 4 that marks the first of the new-generation models to spring from the premium brand in Europe.

DS remains off the agenda for Australia as the local distributor focuses its attention on the mainstream brands, however the new DS 4 shows us what’s in store for Peugeot and Citroen in terms of tech, powertrain and other key areas of development.

Sitting on a version of the EMP2 platform that underpins a variety of PSA models (including from Opel), the new DS 4 small car is related to the incoming Citroen C4 and will be offered in regular hatchback body style – headlined by a sporty DS 4 Performance Line – and as a pumped-up DS 4 Cross coupe-style crossover.

For the first time, a plug-in hybrid variant will be available, pairing a 132kW four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with an 81kW electric motor for a combined output of 165kW.

Dubbed DS 4 E-TENSE, the PHEV drives through an eight-speed e-EAT8 automatic transmission and is capable of a WLTP-verified pure-electric driving range of up to 50km.

While this all bodes well in the performance stakes, both green and red, the DS 4 E-TENSE does use a beam axle for battery packaging purposes rather than a more sophisticated multi-link design seen elsewhere.

Conventional powertrain options include petrol PureTech 130 (96kW), 180 (132kW) and 225 (165kW) horsepower options, as well as a 130hp (96kW) BlueHDi diesel, all paired to an eight-speed auto.

Notable cabin features on the new DS 4 include an ‘extended’ head-up display that projects key vehicle information onto the road ahead (instead of just the windscreen), as well as DS Smart Touch, which enables passengers to use basic controls on the central infotainment screen with “simple hand gestures” rather than physical touch.

Other highlights include ‘invisible’ air-vents, electric window switches that line up with the side vents, and a 5.0-inch touch-screen linked to the DS Iris System.

According to DS, the new DS 4 will come with segment-first driver assistance features including semi-automatic overtaking, speed adjustment for corners and anticipated speed recommendations for traffic signs.

DS claims the engineering team spent two years shaping the technical platform of the new model before the design team was allowed to draw “the first pencil line”, and when they did start drawing they took inspiration from the DS Aero Sport Lounge concept.

The final result includes a striking front-end design with slim Matrix LED headlights and vertical ‘DS Wings’ daytime running lights made up of two lines of LEDs on either side (with 98 LEDs altogether).

“The outline is very athletic, very muscular, compact and sits on very large wheels,” said DS design director Thierry Metroz. “It’s turned out to be aerodynamic, efficient and charismatic all at once.”

Those “very large” wheels are 19-inch in size, but 20s can be optioned.

The DS 4’s new underpinnings are said to be lighter, thanks to new components and hot-pressed structural parts, while the hatchback measures up at 4400mm long, 1830mm wide and 1470mm high.

Boot space is rated at 430 litres and comes with a hands-free electric tailgate.

Pumped-up DS 4 Cross examples gain an ‘advanced’ traction control system to help with grip on slippery surfaces, as well as hill assist descent control.

The Performance Line has various blacked-out body elements and black-painted alloy wheels, plus an exclusive interior featuring Alcantara and Basalt-plaited upholstery. The steering wheel gets a piece of forged carbon in the lower section, while special gold stitching can be found elsewhere in the cabin.

A 690W FOCAL ELECTRA 14-speaker sound system is also included, along with acoustic side glass for the first time.