New DS 4 2015 review ~ station of gear

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13 Oct, 2015 4:00pm Jonathan Burn

The DS 4 has always been a niche choice. Can a raft improvements make it more competitive?

The DS 4 hasn’t had it easy since it launched in 2010. Tasked with taking on the cream of the premium hatchback crop – but originating from the mainstream Citroen C4 – had it stumbling straight out the blocks. It’s unconventional coupe-like silhouette and crossover stance further limiting its appeal.

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But this is the new, fresher-faced version, and DS has not only made big changes to the car, but also to the brand itself. As of June last year DS was no longer Citroen’s luxury arm, but a stand-alone company in its own right. Since then, this new DS 4 is only the second model to emerge from the new French brand since it went solo, following the larger updated DS 5.

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So, what’s changed with the new model? Well, for starters there isn’t a Citroen badge in sight. To keep the brands separate, DS is focusing on design, technology, comfort and refinement. The facelifted DS 4 now has a more distinct and bolder image, adorned with DS’s own motif. Reshaped front and rear ends also feature, alongside new LED headlamps and an array of personalisation options for the body and roof.

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DS is also attempting to lure more customers by making the DS 4 more conventional. It’s lower than before, so its shape is more akin to cars like the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series. Those who enjoyed the previous car’s crossover styling will find comfort in the DS 4 Crossback, complete with SUV styling cues and elevated stance but without any of the associated ability.

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In the standard hatch driven here, there’s also more performance on offer thanks to the option of a new 208bhp 1.6-litre turbo. Quite how that fits with DS’ emphasis on comfort and refinement, we’re not sure, but it’s only expected to make up a handful of overall sales. That said, it was the only model at our disposal – expect the 119bhp 1.6-litre and 148bhp 2.0-litre diesels to make up the bulk of orders.

Nevertheless, it feels lively and eager, pulling willingly from under 2,000rpm right through the rev band. It sounds rather strained as the revs build, and head out on the motorway and it fairs no better, with the dull drone from the engine only adding to the wind noise kicked up by the A-pillars and wing mirrors.

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The ride is an improvement thanks to the slightly softer springs and dampers, which better soak up minor road imperfections, but is it more comfortable than the Audi or BMW? Not quite. It’s still too firm, tending to crash over bumps and potholes.

On the flipside, that does mean the DS 4 handles quite neatly. You can carry a fair amount of speed through a corner and the body will remain largely flat and composed. We just wish the steering had a bit more life to it. It’s elastic in feel and is too quick to self-centre, which can be unnerving at higher speeds.

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The cabin, however, is a plush place to spend time. In top spec Prestige trim, every surface is trimmed in leather, which immediately makes it feel more upmarket than rivals. The seats are another highlight, which are sumptuous and comfortable, and to some extent take the edge off the firm ride. There’s no shortage of kit either, with navigation, reversing camera and dual-zone climate control, as well as an array of safety tech thrown in as standard. It’s good value up against the A3 and 1 Series, which would both ask several thousand pounds more if specced to similar levels.

One thing you will have to sacrifice, though, is practicality. It’s an issue that plagued the outgoing model and DS has failed to address the 4’s biggest gripe with the updated version. Access to the rear and space in the back remains very tight – the narrow door and sloping roofline meaning you have fold yourself into the seats. Once there the small window – which still doesn’t open – makes it feel claustrophobic, although headroom is decent enough.

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The 380-litre boot is a good size and shape, on par with the Audi, but there’s a high load lip, so loading heavier items could be a struggle. There’s also no under floor storage to compensate – but a handy ski flap in the middle seats means you can transport longer items without having to fold down the rear seats.

The improvements visually and mechanically in the new DS 4 are clear to see, there just aren’t enough of them to make it a class contender. It looks more distinctive and is slightly more comfortable, but for a brand that prioritises comfort and refinement, the DS 4 still falls well short of matching the likes of BMW and Audi. The 208bhp engine doesn’t suit the car’s character either, and practicality remains an issue. For that reason the DS 4 is, as before, a quirky alternative to the established class leaders.

Model: DS 4 Prestige THP 210
Price: £22,995
Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl turbo petrol, 208bhp
Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive

0-62mph/top speed: 7.8 secs/146mph
Economy/CO2: 47.9mpg/139g/km
On sale: Now

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