News
Coming soon: all-new DS4
Stylish new mid-sized crossover joins the DS Automobiles line-up and comes packed with tech and a choice of petrol, diesel or hybrid models
Words by: Dan Trent
Published on 3 February 2021 | 0 min read
Now a brand in its own right, DS Automobiles puts a more stylish and premium twist on building blocks supplied by its Citroën, Peugeot and Vauxhall partners and has already established its distinctive style through models like the DS3 Crossback and DS7.
Like these cars, the new DS4 is pushing design, tech, ride comfort with the choice of electrified engine options and brings a distinctive new option to the ever-popular mid-size SUV and crossover segment. The striking looks will likely be the first thing to catch your eye, DS keen to establish a uniquely French interpretation of ‘premium’ to set itself apart from rivals. New technology introduced with this model include gesture control to let you operate the car’s major systems without even having to place your hands on the central touch-screen and what DS calls an ‘extended head-up display’ to project essential driving information directly into your line of sight on the windscreen. This overlap between style and tech is found all over the new DS4, the distinctive LED headlights just one example of this while the sloping roof, big wheels (up to 20 inches) and sculpted lines all help it stand out from the crowd.
Like these cars, the new DS4 is pushing design, tech, ride comfort with the choice of electrified engine options and brings a distinctive new option to the ever-popular mid-size SUV and crossover segment. The striking looks will likely be the first thing to catch your eye, DS keen to establish a uniquely French interpretation of ‘premium’ to set itself apart from rivals. New technology introduced with this model include gesture control to let you operate the car’s major systems without even having to place your hands on the central touch-screen and what DS calls an ‘extended head-up display’ to project essential driving information directly into your line of sight on the windscreen. This overlap between style and tech is found all over the new DS4, the distinctive LED headlights just one example of this while the sloping roof, big wheels (up to 20 inches) and sculpted lines all help it stand out from the crowd.
Power comes from a choice of petrol, diesel or hybrid, meaning you can choose the fuel and powertrain to match your budget and needs. Petrol engines range from 130 to 225 horsepower in three steps and there’s a single diesel option too, all DS4’s featuring an automatic gearbox. The E-Tense plug-in hybrid combines a petrol engine and electric motor for a combined power output of 225 horsepower and is also capable of travelling for up to 30 miles on pure electric power alone.
Driver assistance technology has also been expanded so, when suitably equipped, the DS4 is able to automatically adjust its speed for corners and changes in speed limit as well as perform what is described as ‘semi-automatic overtaking’ manoeuvres. This is all part of DS’s policy of making the driving experience as serene and comfortable as possible, to the extent that cameras even scan the road ahead and adapt the suspension so it’s ready to swallow any bumps before the wheels reach them, a technology known as Active Scan Suspension and already seen on the DS7. More details of spec, trim and pricing will be announced closer to the DS4’s arrival in showrooms towards the back end of the year.
Driver assistance technology has also been expanded so, when suitably equipped, the DS4 is able to automatically adjust its speed for corners and changes in speed limit as well as perform what is described as ‘semi-automatic overtaking’ manoeuvres. This is all part of DS’s policy of making the driving experience as serene and comfortable as possible, to the extent that cameras even scan the road ahead and adapt the suspension so it’s ready to swallow any bumps before the wheels reach them, a technology known as Active Scan Suspension and already seen on the DS7. More details of spec, trim and pricing will be announced closer to the DS4’s arrival in showrooms towards the back end of the year.
