This second generation DS 4 compact hatch is the French brand's best car yet. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

The second generation DS 4 compact premium hatch deserves more recognition than it'll probably get. For us, this is the most interesting and distinctive car of its kind in this part of the market. There are sharp looks, a stand-out cabin - and the option of clever damping technology too. PHEV engine tech's there if you want it and all the powertrains are efficient. In short, there's lots to like if you don't mind the premium pricing.

Background

The Stellantis Group's DS premium brand has yet to gain much traction in the UK. Here's where that has to change, with this car, the second generation DS 4. A quick DS history to start with. The brand launched in stand-alone form in 2015, mostly re-badging sportier Citroens until it could launch its own design, the DS 7 Crossback SUV, in 2017. Since then, we've had the first generation DS 4 model, which sold between 2015 and 2019 and which almost nobody bought. Then the small but rather curious-looking DS 3 Crossback. Followed more recently by the even rarer DS 9 upper mid-sized saloon. Nothing though, to really get people talking. But this second generation DS 4, launched here in early 2022, just might. Surprisingly, for the time being anyway, DS isn't making a slightly larger compact SUV than the DS 3. Which means that this DS 4, though really a compact premium hatch taking on the Audi A3 Sportback, the BMW 1 Series and the Mercedes A-Class, must also try and appeal to people who might want a compact premium SUV like, say, an Audi Q3, a BMW X1 or a Mercedes GLA. That's a lot to ask - from a car with a lot to prove. Can it deliver?

Driving Experience

The avant garde looks promise sophisticated driving technology and that's what you get. For top variants, DS has carried over its clever Active Scan Suspension system from the DS 7 Crossback. This scans the road ahead as you drive, over a distance of between 5 and 25-metres and alters damping, dependent on the state of the tarmac. You can also specify infra-red night vision. And Level 2 semi-autonomous driving tech. Enough with that - you'll want to know about engines. The range kicks off with a conventional PureTech 130 unit, mated to 8-speed auto transmission. The preferrable alternative is the 48V Hybrid 136 e-DSC6 self-charging Hybrid model, which mates a bespoke version of the 1.2-litre petrol engine with a little 28hp motor built into the special 6-speed auto gearbox. There's no full-electric variant, which is odd, given that this car's Stellantis Group cousin the current Citroen C4 can be had in full-EV form. But DS does offer a Plug-in Hybrid derivative that, as with various other Peugeots, Vauxhalls and Citroens that use it, features a 1.6-litre PureTech petrol engine mated to an electric motor powered by a 12.4kWh battery for a combined output of 225hp and an electric driving range of 31 miles. The DS 4 uses the same third generation EMP2 platform as the other mid-sized Stellantis Group premium brand model it must sell against, the Alfa Romeo Tonale. But 70% of it has been modified to meet various specific DS 4 requirements. One of these is the need to accommodate the particularly large 20-inch wheels. The electric power steering system has been tweaked to suit these too.

Design and Build

DS hopes that the look of this car will sell it to you - and for sure it'll stand out in the supermarket car park. At first glance, you might be undecided as to whether this is a premium compact hatch or a premium small SUV - and that's entirely intentional. The styling's certainly Gallically avant garde, the front dominated by bold double daytime running lights and trendy matrix LED headlamps. In profile, you'll notice striking creases, door handles that pop out as you approach the car and wheels that can be as large as 20-inches in size. Coupe lines characterise the rear, where the boot lid plunges to meet the slim LED tail lamps. Pavement presence? You get it here. Inside the so-called 'Digital Seamless Cockpit', there's a fully digital cabin made up of no fewer than three displays, There's a 10-inch screen replacing conventional dials in the instrument cluster. And an infotainment display of the same size in the centre of the dash for media and navigation. This is controlled by a third 5-inch screen further down the centre stack known as the 'DS Smart Touch'. If that's not enough screen tech for you, it's also possible to specify the segment's cleverest head-up display, claimed to be closer to augmented reality than any other system. The information viewed doesn't just get projected onto the windscreen; it instead gets projected further out onto your view of the road in a range 4-metres ahead and on an image 21 inches wide. Another interesting touch is the lack of visible air vents; the main ventilation unit has been integrated behind and strip of physical switches that sit just below the main control screen. Out back, rear seat space is reasonable but unremarkable. And there's a decently-sized 430-litre boot - though this total falls to 390-litres in the PHEV variant.

Market and Model

Prices start from around £32,500 and the conventional DS 4 range has two trim levels - 'Pallas' and 'Etoile', the latter also available with nappa leather. The 'Pallas' version showcases a Diamond Tungsten Fabric interior with Black DS Canvas, featuring a new stitch pattern, on the seat and backrest. Included are acoustic laminated side windows at the front and the DS 'Air Quality System', accompanying dual-zone automatic air conditioning. Standard technology consists of Adaptive Cruise Control Stop & Go, Lane Departure Warning and front and rear parking sensors with a Reversing Camera. With 'Etoile' spec, this DS 4 Hybrid offers two interiors in Black Alcantara with stitching or in Criollo Brown Nappa Leather Watchstrap upholstery with heated seats. Standard equipment includes electric seats, the DS IRIS infotainment set-up with 'DS SMART TOUCH' and the 'DS EXTENDED' head-up display. Kit at this level includes DS MATRIX LED VISION headlamps and tinted rear windows with acoustic laminated side glass, as well as the Rear Traffic Detection Pack.

Cost of Ownership

All the engines are pretty efficient. The volume 1.2-litre three cylinder 130hp PureTech petrol unit should give you up to 48.6mpg on the combined cycle and up to 132g/km of CO2. We'd prefer the Hybrid 136 e-DSC6 version though. Compared with a conventional DS 4 PureTech 130 Automatic, the Hybrid system advances translate to a gain of nearly 15% in efficiency terms (0.9 fewer litres of fuel needed to travel 62 miles) and a reduction of 21g/km CO2 (or 19%) to 116g/km CO2. Expect around 60mpg on the combined cycle. In a DS 4 Hybrid, you set off silently using just electric energy, driving without any CO2 emissions and the petrol engine contributing if more power is required. Behind the wheel, as the switch from one motor to the other is imperceptible, the speed indicator turns blue when driving on electric power alone. On the digital instrument display, the energy flow can be shown, along with battery charge level and its operating status, via a power meter. The percentage of distance travelled just on electric energy is shown by the onboard computer and also at the end of the journey. For really frugal running cost returns though, you'll need the clever PHEV E-TENSE 225 Plug-in variant. This uses an 11.8kWh battery which can be fully charged in under two hours using a standard 7kW Wallbox. Once that's done, an all-electric WLTP-rated driving range of up to 38.5 miles is possible. Even better news lies with the low WLTP-rated CO2 readings and combined cycle fuel readings generated by this Plug-in model; it's WLTP-rated at up to 232.3mpg on the combined cycle and up to 27g/km of CO2. DS has sweated the details to get these kinds of returns. The engineers for instance achieved a 10% weight reduction in the weight of the alloy wheels (that's 1.5kg per wheel) with aerodynamic inserts in order to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Servicing on most DS 4 models is needed every year or every 12,500 miles and the cost of garage visits should be affordable too.

Summary

If the DS brand can't make this second generation DS 4 work, it's hard to see much of a future for the marque. This car does, after all, tick all the current boxes for market growth, tapping into the buoyant segment for premium badged compact hatches and simultaneously appealing to SUV folk. The trick for the Gallic marketeers here will lie in convincing customers that despite its shared Stellantis Group engineering parentage, this is a credible premium design in its own right, something the first generation DS 4 clearly wasn't. This replacement car deserves a second chance from those who might have rejected its predecessor - or, more likely, failed to even notice its existence. It has the kind of pavement presence a rival BMW 1 Series, Audi A3 Sportback or Mercedes A-Class noticeably lacks unless very expensively embellished. And there's some cutting-edge technology here that you just can't get with those cars. Will all that be enough though, given compatible pricing? It'll be interesting to see.

Body Glass

Dark tinted rear windows

Acoustic windscreen

One touch electric front/rear windows with pinch protection

Laminated and accoustic front and rear side windows

Front windscreen wipers with integrated wash system

Heated rear windscreen with integrated radio antenna, chrome 'Scaled' edging effect, tempered

Rear wiper includes wash system

Automatic wipers - adjustable frequency settings, 'Service Mode' for washing/blade replacement

Brakes

Electronic Stability Programme

Emergency brake assist

Hill start assist

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Electric parking brake

EBD - Electronic brakeforce distribution

Anti slip regulation (ASR)

Carpets/Rugs

Floor mats with mistral black, 'Tramontane' stitch detail

Communication

Mirror screen with wireless apple carplay and android auto

Driver Aids

Power assisted steering

Rear parking sensor

Front parking sensor

Rear cross traffic alert

DS Connect Box emergency and assistance system

Long range blind spot detection

Drive mode selector (Sport, hybrid, zero emission)

Driver Convenience

Emergency services call system

Driver Information

Multi function trip computer

Outside temperature gauge with ice warning

7 inch digital instrument cluster display

10 inch HD touchscreen

DS Extended head up display

DS Iris system - 3D connected navigation, natural voice recognition, bluetooth connectivity and over-the-air updates

Driving Mirrors

Frameless electrochrome, auto-dimming interior rear view mirror

Door mirrors with power folding, heated, integrated LED indicators

Two-tone gloss black upper door mirrors and body lower colour

LED side indicators , repeater style, door mirror mounted

Door mirrors with memory

Embellishment Trims

Air vents - front x4, rear x2

Entertainment

DAB Digital radio

Bluetooth hands free and media streaming

2 USB-C connectors rear

T

DS Smart Touch 5inch colour touchscreen

Exterior Body Features

Rear side wing doors

Chrome upper window surround

Gloss black rear light cluster connecting trim

Door handles with retractable, flush fitting, chrome finish

DS monogram - front, leading edge of bonnet, chrome finish

DS 4 inscription in chrome finish, located on tailgate

DS emblem in chrome finish, located on front grille and tailgate

DS emblem in chrome finish, located on C-pillar x2

Brilliant black front grille with chrome accents, chrome DS wings and chrome DS emblem

Body colour shark fin roof antenna

Grained black side rocker panel trim with chrome insert

LED rear numberplate lights(x2)

Exterior Lights

High beam assist

DS 3D LED rear lights

LED 3rd brake light

Dynamic bending light function

DS Matrix LED vision

Automatic lights includes welcome sequence follow me home function

LED daytime running lights with LED front indicator

LED scrolling rear indicators

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Dual zone climate control

D

DS AIR - Invisible central air vent design, 'Clous De Paris' detailing

Interior Features

Alcantara upholstery

Satin chrome interior door handles

Front centre armrest with storage

Electric power steering with reach and rake adjustable steering column

2x Rear coat hooks

12V socket in boot

12v socket in front

Stainless steel boot sill

Front seats with rear pocket

Steering column mounted gearbox paddles

Flock lining glovebox

Smartphone storage with hatch for direct access to USB in armrest

Satin chrome gearbox selector, polychromatic lighting

Interior grab handles damped (x4)

Tethering points (x4) - located in boot area

Horizon light grey headlining

Door panel upper edge trim in platinum 'Clous De Paris' design with gloss black detail

Black alcantara dashboard and door facia decor

Leather steering wheel with 'Fleur' leather, gloss black and 'Clous De Paris' detailing, silver stitch detail

"Clous De Paris" intricate metal work design in platinum on dashboard facia, centre console, steering wheel, DS Smart Touch frame and upper door trim

Black isabella mistral leather effect centre console facia decor

Illumination glove box, interior storage, load area

Glove box with closed lid, handbook storage

Flock lining door pockets, front and rear

1.5L bottle storage front door pockets

1.0L bottle storage rear door pockets rear

Boot strap located in boot area, right hand side

Front door sills in stainless steel, 'DS' inscription

Cupholders - 2 front centre console,storage lid

Rear seats - ski hatch, rear armrest with two cupholders

Front central and door panel armest with black isabella mistral leather effect

Interior Lights

Front interior light with 2 reading spotlights and rear interior light with timer

Interior ambient lighting - polychromatic, choice of eight colours, dashboard, e-Toggle, door panels

Full LED touch sensitive reading lights

Packs

Safety pack - DS4

Safety

Two tone horn

Active bonnet

Child safety lock

3x3 point rear seat belts

Indirect tyre pressure monitoring system (ITPMS)

Front and rear curtain airbags, head protection for side impacts

Passenger detection system - seat cushion mounted pressure sensors, illumination in roof control panel if belt unfastening detected

Seatbelts front - three point retractable seatbelts with pre tensioners and progressive load limiters

Seatbelts rear - three point retractable seatbelts with pre tensioners and load limiters to outer rear seats

Driver seat left side airbag inflates between two front seats

Adaptive driver and front passenger airbags includes passenger airbag deactivation function

Driver and front passenger side airbags, thorax, abdomen and pelvis protection

Seats

1/3 to 2/3 split folding 2nd row seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Memory function for driver seat

Single front passenger seat

Front headrests with 4 way mechanical adjustment

1x front passenger seat isofix mounting points includes top tether

2x rear outer seat isofix mounting points includes top tether

8 way electric adjustment and 4 way lumbar adjustment driver seat

Driver seat mechanical extendable cushion nose

Driver seat with welcome function

6 way mechanical adjustment and lumbar adjustment passenger seat

Rear seats - headrests x3, 2 way mechanical adjustment

Front seats comfort design with additional high density foam

Security

Locking wheel nuts

Remote central locking + deadlocks

Automatic door locking when moving off

Alarm covers perimeter,interior of vehicle and tow-away instances

Fuel filler flap - located offside, lockable remotely, linked to central locking

Charging flap - located nearside, lockable remotely, linked to central locking

Electronic key (x2) with keyless operation, 'Clous De Paris' inspired pattern, satin chrome detailing

Keyless entry/start with proximity detection, includes two key fobs

Engine start/stop button - gloss back and chrome with 'Clous De Paris' embossing

Vanity Mirrors

Sunvisors with LED vanity mirror

Vehicle Charging

Accelerated charging cable (Type 2)

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 425

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 1.8

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 225

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 7

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: N

Coupler/Connector Type: Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 12.4

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb: 56

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb - TEL: 56

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb - TEH: 55

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 16

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 16.9

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 3.7

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 3.9

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb: 35

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb - TEH: 34

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb - TEL: 35

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Left Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: N

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 7

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Emissions - PHEV

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb: 33

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 28

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 37

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 77

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 85.8

CC: 1598

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Compression Ratio: 10.5:1

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 8 SPEED

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

Fuel Consumption - PHEV

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 1.2

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 1.6

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEL: 232.3

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEH: 174.5

General

Coin Series: Etoile

Coin Description: Plug-in Hybrid

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 31E

Badge Power: 225

Badge Engine CC: 1.6

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 2

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 7.7

Top Speed: 145

Engine Power - BHP: 225

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 165

Engine Power - RPM: 6000

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 221

Engine Torque - NM: 300

Engine Torque - RPM: 3000

Engine Torque - MKG: 30.6

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 205/55 R19

Tyre Size Rear: 205/55 R19

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY

Wheel Style: SEVILLA

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4400

Width: 1830

Wheelbase: 2675

Width (including mirrors): 2061

Height: 1470

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1653

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2200

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 40

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1400

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 547

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 390

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1240

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.8

Exterior Body Features

Pearlescent paint

Special metallic paint

Perla nera black roof

Packs

Absoloute comfort pack - DS4

Absoloute tech pack - DS4

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Platinum grey

Paint - Pearlescent

Pearl - Pearl white

Paint - Special

Special metallic - Perla nera black

Special metallic - Pearl crystal

Special metallic - Night flight

Towing

Towbar

Trim - Alcantara Suede

Alcantara - Black with DS canvas + Black Alcantara dйcor

Vehicle Charging

7.4 kW onboard charger

Wheels - Alloy

19" Minneapolis alloy wheels

20" Sydney diamond cut alloy wheels