Citroën DS4 HDi 160 Sport
FROM the 1950s to ‘70s, the iconic Citroën DS was perceived as being ahead of its time in terms of design and technology. Today, technological advancement has been usurped by a focus on quirky design, as each DS model is mainly based on the marque’s standard, bread-and-butter models. That said, the perky DS3, which owes most of its hardware to the mildly disappointing C3, has proven that a DS model can be more than the sum of its parts.
The hatchback/coupé/crossover/we-don’t-quite-know DS4 is the next model in this line-up and will be followed by the DS5 later this year. The mid-DS is based on the C4 hatchback’s platform but features a revised engine line-up, suspension and steering setups, as well as a mostly different design.
Although both the C4 and DS4 are available with the 88 kW/160 N.m 1,6-litre naturally aspirated engine, the latter also offers a 1,6-litre turbopetrol with 147 kW/275 N.m and the powertrain installed in our HDi 160 Sport test unit, a 120 kW/340 N.m 2,0-litre turbodiesel.
There is no mistaking the DS4 for anything else on the road. The nose section has a black grille in the centre, which gives the front end more presence, even if it’s perhaps too C4-derived. Notable design changes are more evident along the sides of the car, where the narrow rear doors make it obvious why Citroën refers to the DS4 as a “two-plus-two-door coupé”. The openings that allow access to the rear seats are tight, while design has taken a stand in the shape of the rear-door handles that are neatly moulded into the corners of the side windows.
The rounded rear end features a shallow window and the dual exhaust pipes have a chromed lining. Although the 18-inch wheels fit in well with the overall profile of the car, optional 19-inch wheels can be specced.
Being a two-plus-two, adults would not be as comfortable on the restricted rear bench as in, for instance, a BMW 1 Series hatchback; both knee- and headroom are at a premium. Should you wish to open one of the rear windows, you might wonder why you can’t find the up/down button … the windows are fixed! The reason for this practical flaw is because the glass is too wide and can’t be lowered into the door. Citroën could have made a plan for the windows to drop at least a few centimetres.
Redemption comes when you climb into the driver’s seat; here, the DS4’s better qualities surface. The beautifully upholstered leather seats aid the perception of excellent quality, while delight-ful design details such as the duplication of the bonnet’s indents on the instrument cowl differentiate it further from the C4. The buttons (16 in total) on the steering wheel are mostly straight-forward to operate.
It soon becomes evident why the high button count is necessary; this DS4 has an extensive standard-specification list. Furthermore, the background and instrumentation lighting can be changed between a number of shades. Additionally, there are different sounds for every warning and command. Activate the indicators and the car will play a beat, while the warning sound for the lights differs from the one that activates when a door is not closed when you drive off, which also differs from the sound when you leave the key in the ignition. It was therefore a relief to find it a simple process to connect our cellphones to the Bluetooth system and play (proper) music through the sound system.
Like the cabin design is under-mined by its limited practicality, so too are the driving characteristics a hit-and-miss affair.
The 2,0-litre turbodiesel engine pulls strongly and quietly in each gear, which proves a boon in city traffic as well as on the highway. On our test strip, the DS4 managed to hit 100 km/h from standstill in 10,31 seconds, while each of its in-gear acceleration figures bested those of the VW Golf 6 2,0 TDI manual we tested in August 2009. Achieving these numbers was no chore thanks to the slick-shifting six-speed manual gearbox, one of this carmaker’s best efforts.
Like we mentioned, aside from a shift in design, Citroën’s aim with the DS models has been to create fun-to-drive, dynamically rewarding cars. And, to an extent, the French manufacturer has succeeded with the DS4. It grips better than the C4, body control is good and the revised steering is well weighted. But…
The ride quality is too stiff and feels almost incapable of absorbing any road scars. If the DS4 offered an exceptional dynamic driving experience, you could have pardoned the poor ride quality, but it doesn’t, so you can’t.
Test summary
The DS4 is difficult to pinpoint. It has its place in the Citroën stable because it adds much-needed pizzazz and individuality to the bland C4 range, but the fact remains that its no more than an acquired taste. From the ridiculous fixed rear windows to the choppy ride, the DS4 is simply too flawed to be taken seriously by the majority of buyers. However, if your curiosity is centred on Gallic design flair and features, the DS4 might tickle your chequebook.
Test Summary
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