LAOIS MOTORING: New DS4 Hybrid, gallic charm with real class

DS Automobiles is a premium brand within the Stellantis Group (who own Opel, Citroen, Peugeot, Fiat, DS, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Maserati, Abarth and Ram) ).

Indeed there is now much sharing of components across the Stellantis Group. Recently jumping from the new Astra to the Citroen C5 X for example I noticed quite a bit of the cabin switchgear and infotainment is the same, a trend that will no doubt continue to grow across the group!

The DS4 comes in one 5-door Crossback configuration with three trim levels named in true Gallic style as, Bastille, Performance Line and Trocadero with petrol, diesel and plug-in-hybrid models. This week I am road testing the petrol PHEV.

So how does it look?

There are some lovely colours available, a clean uncluttered style which is distinctive and ultra modern, nice design touches such as judicious use of chrome on the exterior and some very attractive alloys combine to make the new DS4 a very attractive looking car. I love the way the chrome door handles pop out to greet as you walk up to the car. Very cool.

What’s it like inside?

Real thought has gone into the interior design and it shows. The interior is very well finished and as you slip into the drivers seat it all seems to feel just right. The instruments are digitally generated and frankly a bit disappointing as they look pretty basic with a tiny strip for fuel and battery on the left and right, although you can show nav and trip details in the centre of the display. The HUD is excellent and a real driving aid.

There is a standard multi function touch screen which operates climate control, audio, navigation, and phone functions. A neat row of chrome style buttons gives shortcuts to the touchscreen which is how all systems should be. I also like how nicely the screen is integrated into the flow of the dashboard and not perched on top like some afterthought as in some rivals.

There is a true luxury feel to the whole car from the deviated stitching, to the alcantara trim. I really also liked the chrome switch gear and tactile feel of all the interior surfaces. It is really top quality.

Accommodation is  good seating four in absolute comfort and five at a squeeze. The boot is just adequate rather than generous.

What’s under the bonnet?

My test car was the PHEV so power comes from a 1.6 litre petrol with a 12.4 kWh battery driving an electric motor which between them produce 225 bhp. Over some 500km it performed well and burned an average of 5.8 litres of petrol per 100km. The smaller petrol tank means though I only got about 400km between  refuels. On the PHEV side it never managed the claimed 55km on battery power alone, closer to 40 is realistic. Road tax costs just €140.00 per year.

What’s it like to drive?

The biggest revelation is the super smooth ride from the DS active suspension system Using GPS and radar the system can even predict the road surface ahead and adjust the suspension setting accordingly. Very impressive indeed.  Handling is safe and predictable but not involving. Noise levels are commendably low. Its a pleasant car to drive or be driven in.

My Verdict

The new DS 4 is an enticing proposition. It has style and class and plenty of individuality while lacking nothing in the latest high tech. 

Prices start at €37,295. The PHEV E-tense model on test costs €53,540.