DS 4 Crossback adds crossover style to new premium hatch ~ station of gear

The facelifted DS 4 gets a new SUV-style variant: the DS 4 Crossback. We've got exclusive pics & info

2015-08-31 09:00

Hot on the heels of the revised DS 5 comes this, a similarly fettled DS 4 but with an added twist – DS’s middle model has had an allroad makeover with a raised ride height and some body cladding to give it some crossover attitude. And Auto Express was granted exclusive access to the new DS 4 Crossback - as well as the new DS 4 it's based on.

“We have one model, but two distinct bodystyles,” says DS 4 product manager Uberto Gavazzi. “The DS 4 is a dynamic hatchback, while the DS 4 Crossback is a whole new bodystyle with a higher driving position.

“We have to adapt to customer needs and appreciate that crossovers account for 30 per cent of all sales in the premium compact hatchback market.”

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• Read more about the new DS 4 here

DS has listened to market trends, which is why the crossover DS 4 Crossback will be launched at the same time as the revised hatch.

In the absence in Europe of the China-only DS 6 SUV, the Crossback is a neat solution. It sits 30mm higher than the standard car with a different front grille treatment, large, black wheels, black wheelarch extensions, door mirror caps and rear spoiler, plus roof rails.

There’s no four-wheel drive on offer; instead, DS 4s will be available with the Intelligent Traction Control system, which is designed to add grip on slippery surfaces.

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The engine range is all turbocharged, featuring the award-winning three-cylinder 1.2-litre unit with 128bhp, capable of returning 55mpg with CO2 emissions of 119g/km.

There are also two 1.6-litre engines, petrol and diesel, with the BlueHDi 118bhp version getting an impressive torque figure of 300Nm, while still returning 72mpg and emitting 100g/km. It's also available with 148bhp and 178bhp, though efficiency takes a hit in these more powerful models.

DS will admit that the DS 4 has always been the most difficult sell, sitting between the hugely popular DS 3 and the intriguingly upmarket DS 5.

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These latest changes will make life easier for dealers, while marking another big step on the brand’s journey to being accepted among other premium brands.

Did the new DS brand need a crossover model for success? Let us know what you think below...

Steve Fowler

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