New DS4: price | configurations | engines | reviews - our guide

How to make you want to buy a compact premium by avoiding ape the German guns? The response of the young French manufacturer DS fits into this new model, which relies on neat design, unusual proportions and on-board technologies of good level.

From now on available to order – deliveries will begin at the end of 2021 – the DS4 is available in engines gasoline, diesel and plug-in hybrid. Its catalog also includes a version Cross, which gives it a more adventurous aesthetic.

In this file, you will discover all the essential information about the DS4. Prices, equipment, dimensions or even the opinion of the press and automobile enthusiasts on this compact with great ambitions.

=> New DS4: official info and photos

=> Everything about the DS4 La Première

Click on the summary opposite to read the sections that interest you.

Dimensions

Here are the dimensions of the new DS4:

Length: 4.40 m
Width: 1.83 m
Height: 1.47 m
Wheelbase: 2.67 m
Boot space: 430 liters *

* The boot volume of the plug-in hybrid version is 390 liters, due to the presence of the battery under the floor.

The generous length and wheelbase place the DS4 among the greatest cars in its segment. Thus, it is closer to the Mercedes Class A (with the endless hood) than to the Volkswagen Golf or the BMW 1 Series.

Volkswagen Golf : 4,28 m
Audi A3 : 4,28 m
BMW 1 Series: 4.32 m
Peugeot 308 (new): 4.36 m
Renault Mégane: 4.36 m
Opel Astra: 4.37 m
Seat Leon : 4,37 m
Toyota Corolla : 4,37 m
Ford Focus : 4,38 m
DS4 : 4,40 m
Mercedes Class A: 4.42 m

Platform

The new DS is assembled around a platform common to the Stellantis group (formerly PSA and Fiat-Chrysler) called EMP2. The Peugeot 308 – revealed in March – and the future Opel Astra will benefit from the same mechanical elements.

=> New Peugeot 308 vs new DS4: are they so different?

The automotive group led by Carlos Tavares continues on its multi-energy strategy, already visible on the 208 and 2008. The same model can have thermal, hybrid (and possibly electric) engines without major modification.

Engines

Four engines will initially be offered on the DS4. The diesel supply is reduced to a minimum, with a single 130 horsepower BlueHDI 4-cylinder unit. Unleaded side, the catalog offers engines from 130 to 225 horsepower, culminating with the plug-in hybrid version.

Essence :

1.2 PureTech 130
1.6 PureTech 180

Diesel :

Plug-in hybrid:

All these engines are coupled to the EAT8 automatic gearbox. Manual control is not available on this vehicle with a more “comfortable” than “sporty” temperament.

Plug-in hybrid

A plug-in hybrid version – named E-Tense – is also available based on the same 1.6-liter 4-cylinder as the 180 hp DS4 petrol. A 110 hp electric motor and a battery are added to the device. This power chain is shared with the Peugeot 3008 PHEV and DS7 Crossback E-Tense. According to DS, the range in 100% electric mode will exceed 50 kilometers.

Interior

The designers of the DS4 preferred to opt for a bright and refined interior that for a riot of technology. The10 inch central screen adopts new software that is faster and more intuitive than the old PSA system used so far within the group. The instrumentation is also replaced by a digital panel that can be configured as desired.

DS has also redesigned the ventilation of the passenger compartment, with a very compact aerator block, equipped with invisible fins to direct the flows. Our journalist, who has already been on board, is only moderately convinced:

“It’s successful, in terms of style, but their 360 ° handling requires the use of two separate controls. One directing the flow horizontally, the other vertically. It’s far from ideal in terms of ergonomics. Not to mention that the thermal regulation is operated exclusively via the multimedia screen, for lack of direct commands, forcing you to dive into the digital menus ”

– Julien Jodry, Auto Moto

On the other hand, the excellence of the presentation seduced us : leather or Alcantara dress the dashboard while the seats – padded at will – have been the subject of all the care of the brand. On the other hand, the plastics located near the crank remain hard.

Configurations

For now, DS has not revealed all the finishes and equipment (standard or optional) that will be available. But this new model adopts many interesting technologies:

DS Extended Head Up Display: projection of driving information on the windshield
DS Iris System: control of infotainment functions in voice recognition
DS Smart Touch: gesture recognition of infotainment functions
DS Drive Assist 2.0: keeping in the lane, semi-automatic overtaking, reading signs and adapting speed in curves
DS Active Scan Suspension : suspensions pilotées
DS Night Vision: display on the infrared camera instrumentation screen and detection of pedestrians and animals.
DS Matrix LED Vision: smart led lights.

DS4 Cross

The DS4 is also available in a Cross version (and not Crossback to move away from the world of SUVs). She offers herself the attire of an adventurer, with a few design tips: raw plastic sills, body-colored roof or even roof bars… The body height remains unchanged (1.47 m). So do not count on superior skills in terms of crossing.

Price

For now, we do not have an overview of the prices of the DS4. The revelation of the full catalog should arrive in May. The entry level should be below 30,000 euros.

The model is launched with a very opulent (and expensive) limited edition “La Première”, equipped as standard with the head-up display, smart lights, piloted damping, 360 ° camera or even the hands-free tailgate. . Here are the prices for this launch version:

DS4 La Première PureTech 180: 47,100 euros
DS4 E-Tense 225 La Première: 51,500 euros

Release date

The DS4 La Première will be delivered to customers at the end of 2021. Less posh versions are expected to follow over the next few weeks.

The main dates of the DS 4:

2011: launch of the Citroën DS4 (first generation)
2015: restyling and adoption of the DS brand
2018: end of production of the DS4 at the PSA plant in Mulhouse
March 2020: presentation of the foreshadowing DS Aero Sport Lounge concept
February 3, 2021: revelation of the DS4 (second generation)
March 23, 2021: orders open for the La Première edition
End of 2021: first deliveries to customers

The new DS4 will be assembled in Germany, in the Stellantis factory in Rüsselsheim. This site, the historic stronghold of the Opel brand, is located about thirty kilometers from Frankfurt. The blitz (and its British subsidiary Vauxhall) was taken over in 2017 by the PSA Peugeot-Citroën group. Until now, the site has assembled the Opel Insignia.

Notice

Here are some reactions from the European press noted on the occasion of the presentation of the DS4, in February 2021:

“The uniqueness of the model lies in the very prominent wheel arches on the side, thanks to the 19 or 20 inch rims and the very slender design of the rear area, where an enameled silkscreen stands out on the rear window”

– Lorenzo Corsani – Quattroruote (Italy)

“If everything DS has promised comes true, the 4 will be a quiet and comfortable compact vehicle, where the passengers are treated with as much regard as the driver. This approach seems closer to Volvo’s than that of German manufacturers, and DS has gone out of its way to bring more panache and charm ”

– Colin Overland – Car Magazine (UK)

“With the DS3 and DS7, the brand has managed to overtake Lexus sales in Western Europe and is getting closer to Alfa Romeo. The Germans still have a considerable lead, but DS continues to progress. The DS4 should contribute a little more ”

– Paul Horrell – Top Gear (UK)

Invited to express themselves by poll, the readers of the German magazine Auto Motor und Sport, on the other hand, were unimpressed. during the presentation of the vehicle. 63% of those questioned said they were “not convinced” by the DS4.

Trial

Testing of the DS4 has not yet been scheduled. Like other trade publications, Auto Moto should be able to give you its first impressions behind the wheel. in the fall of 2021.

On the other hand, our journalist, Julien Jodry, had the opportunity to discover the DS4 in detail and to compare it to an Audi A3. Discover his report in video.

=> DS4 vs Audi A3: first video duel