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Review: Citroen DS4

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Author: | Updated: 25 Oct 2013 17:38

What is it?

The same question seeped from many people’s mouths when this first appeared in the CHAL carpark, because even though it’s been on sale for over two years, the intriguing DS4 still jumps off the road whenever it’s spotted.

It arrived in the UK in July 2011, following the DS3, as Citroen’s shot at delivering a premium sharp-looking family hatchback with enough unique appeal to pinch buyers away from Nissan’s Juke and Qashqai, the BMW 1 Series and VW Golf.

 It’s hardly the CV2 reinvented but the DS4 definitely possesses a certain level of class and desirability

At first glance, it’s unclear whether it’s more supermini or compact SUV because there’s plenty of both. Its shape and the proportion of its curves borrows from both and it’s not right to slot the DS4 wholly in either.

Citroen says it has actively shunned influence from Italy and Germany, with the aim of achieving a car that is ‘typically French’. It’s hardly the CV2 reinvented but the DS4 definitely possesses a certain level of class and desirability. For a car was once hailed as ‘Most Beautiful Car of the Year’ at the 26th International Automobile Festival, that’s one big tick.

What’s it like to drive?

We tested the 163hp 2-litre diesel engine with six speed auto transmission in the top level DSport trim.

This HDi unit has the ability to get you to 62mph in 9.9seconds, before the speed needle maxes out at 129mph. It’s certainly satisfying and provides a reminder of how much fun the DS3 1.6L THP is. However, this car is directed at a more mature buyer who needs a more accommodating cabin and space in the back so not to stunt growth of young’uns.

Taking the DS4 through the twisties confirms our initial feeling that steering is very similar to that of the DS3. There’s a familiar muscle to its handling but it’s a touch less weighted to compensate for its larger size. It is as manoeuvrable as Nissan’s Juke but instils more confidence due to the DS4’s marginally better visibility.

Taking the DS4 through the twisties confirms our initial feeling that steering is very similar to that of the DS3.

If you leave the gear changes to the automatic transmission, change-ups can feel too long and for a lot of our mileage, we opted to take control and flick the paddles behind the steering wheel, not just for the benefit of fuel economy or the car’s health, but our sanity.

The noise isn’t as horrendous as the DS5’s Hybrid4 system though which is downright offensive. Aside from the rowdiness in the upper reaches of gear ratios, the DS4 is easy to appreciate.

Other engines?

You want to go faster? The 1.6L THP DSport with 200hp can help out there. It can rally up to 62mph in 8.5seconds with a 146mph top speed. That’s as any DS4 is getting. Its diesel equivalent – the 160hp 2.0L HDi – takes a little longer at 9.3seconds but don’t have to go for the top spec model; it’s also available in the mid range DStyle.

If fuel economy is a priority, look to the 1.6L diesel which can offer 65.7mpg at 113g/km of CO2 (C VED band - £30). The 1.5 dCi in the Juke just nicks it on mpg and it sits in a lower tax band (B - £109).

What’s the kit like?

Our test car came with every bell and whistle available but to preserve that model-wide premium feel, even entry models are well kitted-out with air con, alloy wheels, electric windows and mirrors, cruise control, remote central locking, CD player and MP3 connectivity. Features like rear parking sensors and leather seats are extra but mid-spec DStyle adds them as standard along with climate control.

You’ll find a lot of the same knobs and buttons in the other two DS cars but like the DS5, there’s the danger that drivers might get inside and not know where to start.

There are worse culprits and Citroen’s guys have clearly tried to naturally integrate controls where they can but the dashboard will still feel overwhelming to many with the steering wheel’s overly busy button arrangement.

the dashboard will still feel overwhelming to many with the steering wheel’s overly busy button arrangement.

What can I fit in there?

Although Citroen went for the coupe-feel, it also wanted to comfortably seat five. Front occupants will be fine but stick three fully grown adults on the rear bench and they could soon be feeling like sardines with cricky necks.

Behind the seats, there’s 359 litres of boot space, which expands to 1021. That’s far better than the Juke’s 207 / 506 litres and with all five seats in place, one litre more than the bulkier Chevrolet Trax and Vauxhall Mokka.

Although Citroen went for the coupe-feel, it also wanted to comfortably seat five.

How safe is it?

Very. Euro NCAP awarded the DS4 the maximum five stars after crash tests in 2011. It excelled in the adult occupant section with a 90% rating. Child occupants are also very well protected (80%) and for safety assist features, it scored a near perfect 97% with Electronic Stability Control coming as standard with seatbelt reminder for all five occupants. A driver-set speed limitation device is also standard equipment on the DS4.

Worth buying?

If you feel maturity and responsibility descending but you want to stick with the DS line, yes. But if you feel no loyalty to the brand, then there are bigger and cheaper alternatives out there.

Since the DS4 launched, GM has introduced the Chevrolet Trax and Vauxhall Mokka, which may be more practical but are nowhere as enjoyable behind the wheel. More recently, Suzuki has started selling the SX4 S-Cross which poses a bigger threat to the DS4’s hardly thrilling sales.

As it stands, the DS4 is pleasant enough but Citroen may be itching to refresh it into a more appealing proposition in a couple of years.

if you feel no loyalty to the brand, then there are bigger and cheaper alternatives out there.

DS4 in numbers:

Length: 4275mm
Width: 1810mm
Height: 1523mm
Wheelbase: 2612mm
Boot space: 359 / 1021 litres
Petrol engines: 1.6L 120hp, 1.6L 160hp, 2.0L 200hp
Diesel engines: 1.6L 115hp, 2.0L 135hp, 2.0L 160hp
Trims: DSign, DStyle and DSport
Cheapest option: £17,580 – DSign 1.6L 120hp VTi
Priciest model: £25,030 – Dsport 2.0L 160hp HDi
Most fuel efficient model: 1.6L diesel (65.7mpg, 113g/km CO2) - £19,155
Fastest option: 1.6L THP DSport 200hp (0-62mph 8.5seconds, 146mph max.)
On sale: Now
Rivals: Nissan Juke, Chevrolet Trax

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