DS 4 Crossback hits Oz

Citroen Australia has introduced the DS 4 Crossback, but it is only available Down Under in limited numbers and the facelifted DS 4 hatchback on which it's based won't be imported here.

Just 25 examples of the new DS 4 Crossback will be offered in Australia, where the axing of the DS 4 hatch means Citroen's premium DS Automobiles brand has been reduced to just one model -- the manual-only DS 3 hatch and cabriolet.

The move puts the fledgling French luxury brand in a holding pattern in Australia until at least 2018, when the first of five new global DS models by 2021 is expected to arrive.

As we've reported, the 2+2-seat five-door DS 4 Crossback brings a revised suspension set-up offering 30mm more ride height and improved ride quality, plus an all-new Euro 6 emissions-compliant diesel drivetrain comprising a new, six-speed automatic gearbox co-developed with Aisin.

While Europe's facelifted DS 4 hatch was launched last October with six engines and the Crossback is produced with four (two petrols and two diesels), Australia's DS 4 Crossback is powered by a new 2.0-litre Blue HDi four-cylinder turbo-diesel delivering muscular 133kW/400Nm outputs.

Compared to the Euro 5 engine in the outgoing DS 4 HDi, the drivetrain develops 13kW more power and 60Nm more torque while sipping half a litre less fuel per 100km on the combined cycle.

The thriftier but more powerful new powertrain brings quicker acceleration, the DS 4 Crossback arriving at 100km/h 0.7 seconds sooner than the DS 4 HDi hatch, in 8.6 seconds.

Standard features in addition to those seen on the outgoing DS 4 hatch include LED headlights with daytime running lamps, black wheel-arch trims, a revised front-end design and rear spoiler (both finished in black), black door mirrors, door sills and carpet mats, and grey roof bars.

Other standard equipment included an all-new full-colour 7.0-inch touch-screen with satellite-navigation, Apple Carplay, Mirror Link, DAB+ digital radio, dual-zone climate-control, keyless entry and start, massaging front seats, leather seat and steering wheel trim, and steering wheel controls.

A comprehensive suite of standard safety features includes blind-spot monitoring, reversing camera, front and rear parking sonar, automatic lights and wipers, LED foglights with cornering function, tyre pressure monitoring and six airbags.

The more advanced drivetrain, extra equipment and crossover additions make the limited-edition Crossback over $6000 more expensive than the DS 4 hatch it effectively replaces, priced at $46,990 plus on-road costs.

Available for delivery now, the DS 4 Crossback can be had in six exterior paint colours. Blanc Nacre (white) is standard, while Orange Tormaline, Gris Artense (grey), Blue Encre (navy), Noir Perla Nera (black) and Gris Platinum (silver) will be $800 options.

Another option will be 18-inch 'Brisbane' black alloy wheels ($1000), instead of the standard 'Canberra' black 17-inch alloys.

The DS 4 Crossback comes with Citroen Australia's six-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, roadside assist and capped-price service plan.

"With its all new-look, drivetrain and significant standard specification we believe the DS 4 will appeal to those customers looking to stand out from the crowd," said Kai Bruesewitz, General Manager of DS Australia.

"As the DS marque evolves both locally and globally, Australians will begin to see a return to French design and luxury, and the DS 4 is a step towards an all-new line of vehicles that capture the best in French design, quality and innovation.

"The evolution of the DS marque in Australia will take some time and will be led by product, with the first all-new DS vehicle launching in the coming years," Bruesewitz concluded.