This second model in the company’s DS range is underpinned by the current C4 platform but is more compact (60 mm shorter, 40 mm taller and 20 mm higher) and packaged in such a way that it offers the stable handling and lofty driving position often favoured in family hatchbacks.
Although Citroën has clearly developed this car with practicality and ease of use in mind, the company has managed incorporate many of the styling cues from the eye-catching DS3 into its larger sibling culminating in a design that it describes as “compact and muscular”. To this end, the car’s high stance is offset by strong character lines on the flanks that flow into swept-back headlamps flanking that distinctive new grille. The rear also features strong “haunches” that lend the DS4 a purposeful look and complement the arrowhead-shaped brake light clusters and deep rear valance. The rear door handles have been incorporated into the c-pillar á-la Alfa Romeo Giulietta to give the DS4 a more coupé-like profile.
Another prominent feature is a panoramic windscreen, a feature that Citroën claims will augment the raised driving position to improve the driver’s field of vision.
CitroThe DS4's cabin The characterful, sculptured dashboard also uses high quality materials for a superior tactile feel. Citroën has gone to great lengths to ensure that the DS4's cabin exudes a premium feel, as evidenced by the sculpted facia and extensive use of soft-touch materials. Much like the DS3, the DS4’s cabin trim is highly customisable, with a choice of five leather colours including two-tone combinations, leather dash and door panel finishes and a “bracelet” design for the seats similar in appearance to a watch strap.
DS4 will be launched with a choice of five Euro 5-compliant engines. Two HDi diesels will be offered: an HDi 110 and an HDi 160, as well as an e-HDi mild hybrid version with start/stop and brake energy regeneration. The three petrol powerplants – VTi 120, THP 155 and the new THP 200 – were co-developed with BMW. The range-topping THP 200 is based on the stock 1,6-litre and develops engine 147 kW and 275 N.m of torque. All of the engines will be available with manual or robotized EGS six-speed gearboxes. Driver aids are model-dependant and include ABS with EBD, emergency brake assist and traction control with ESP.
