Overview

Citroën has released the details of their new DS4, which is the second model in Citroën’s distinctively-styled DS line car range, following the recent launch of the DS3.

The DS4 has taken a bold approach to automotive styling, with an emphasis on driving pleasure and its dynamic driving ability.  It offers you a dynamic coupé-like body, creating exceptional versatility and day-to-day practicality within a compact coupe-like design - 4.27m (l), 1.81m (w) & 1.53m (h). With its slightly raised stance and taut lines, DS4 is certainly a unique and eye-catching addition to the segment.

A large panoramic windscreen gives great occupant visibility, illuminating the driver-focused cockpit, and also creating a bright and welcoming environment for all passengers.

This coupé style 2+2 door, offers three full-sized rear seats, accessed by rear doors with hidden handles that are seamlessly integrated into the body’s flowing lines. The Citroen DS4 also benefits from a capacious 370-litre boot plus a host of clever storage solutions and comes with a choice of five efficient engines - two HDi diesels and three petrol powerplants.

Exterior styling

The new Citroen DS4 is compact and muscular and has a striking LED light signature around the front fog lights, with the LEDs being illuminated both day and night.  The eye-catching profile of the car also features a chrome-finished waistline surrounding the dark tinted windows and is enhanced by muscular wheel arches. The drawn roofline comes with a spoiler for added sports appeal and the lower part of the rear bumper is finished in chrome.

DS4’s compact exterior belies a spacious and luxuriously comfortable cabin, which can be easily accessed by the car’s 2+2 door layout.  To make it easier to access the rear seats, the DS4 features seamlessly integrated rear doors with handles hidden in the door frames.  Thanks to its optimised design, the front doors of DS4 have also been made narrower and lighter, making them easier to open and close, promoting easy access at the front.

Interior styling

The new DS4’s sculptured cabin exudes dynamism and refinement, with the driving position enabling the chrome-surround dials to face directly towards the driver’s eye-line.  The large panoramic windscreen extends backwards into the roofline and offers up to 45° of upward vision, to provide superb visibility for the driver plus a bright, airy cabin environment for all passengers.  

There is a choice of five leather combinations, including two-tone options.  Top-of-the-range models are also equipped with high quality leather on the dashboard and door panels - complete with a ‘Bracelet’ design on the seats. And for an added touch of luxury, there is chrome detailing on the air vent surrounds, instrument cluster, gear lever and parts of the central console. You also get aluminium pedals, embossed leather door handles and ambient lighting.

In terms of versatility and roominess, the DS4 has a 370-litre boot, which is similar in volume to that of many conventional saloon cars. It also has numerous storage compartments for extra travelling comfort, including a large, well lit glove box; door pockets that are big enough for 1.5-litre bottles; and even a drawer under the front passenger seat.  The high-level central console (available on models fitted with EGS) also provides other spacious storage areas.  The largest of these - which is cooled, illuminated and protected by a sliding cover - can also hold up to four 50-cl bottles and houses a connectivity area with an audio-jack, a USB port and a 12-volt socket.  The large compartment located under the front armrest also features an additional power source making this an extremely practical car.

Driving Style

The DS4 is tuned for dynamic performance, appealing to drivers looking for an involving and exciting motoring experience. On the road, the DS4 provides great control, giving occupants a reassuring sense of safety, in all road circumstances. The car is fitted with a MacPherson type suspension assembly at the front, a flexible transverse beam at the rear, plus hydraulic steering with an electric pump unit.

The car is also fitted with large-diameter ventilated disc brakes (depending on trim level) and dedicated braking control systems, including ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA).  This ensures optimal vehicle control in the most demanding of driving situations, plus you also get intelligent traction control with ESP.

Engine options

The Citroen DS4 will be launched with a choice of five refined and highly fuel efficient Euro 5 engines.  There are two HDi diesels - an HDi 110 (also available as an e-HDi version) and an HDi 160 - with both fitted with Citroën’s Diesel Particulate Filter System.  

The three petrol powerplants are the VTi 120, THP 155 and the new THP 200, which were co-developed with BMW. The new THP 200 - based on the 1.6-litre engine - delivers flexible power delivery and performance thanks to its power and plentiful torque, with low CO2 emissions of just 149g/km. All engines are available with manual or a six-speed EGS gearboxes.

The DS4 can also be specified with Citroen’s micro-hybrid e-HDi technology, which is available from launch on versions powered by the HDi 110 engine. The e HDi system also offers a new generation Stop & Start system, which instantly cuts out the engine when the car comes to a halt. All required features such as the radio, air-conditioning and steering functions remain in operation when the engine is stopped by the Stop & Start system. This innovative technology can reduce the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by as much as 15%, in built-up urban environments.

Other features available

The other features available on the new Citroen DS4 include an advanced audio system delivering high quality, authentic sound evenly throughout the cabin.  Or for ultimate driving luxury there are massaging front seats that are available with electric lumbar adjustment in the front passenger’s and driver’s seat backs.  

You can also select your own on-board ambience from four ranges of sounds - Classic, Crystal Symphony, Jungle Fantasy & Urban Rythmik. There is a choice from an array of colours for the instrument panel - spanning from white to blue, plus drivers can access all key driving and comfort controls - which are clearly visible and even backlit for night-time use - without taking their hands off the wheel.

Safety on the road

The Citroen DS4 is also equipped with a range of safety-enhancing technologies including Citroën’s eTouch Assistance System which automatically or manually makes emergency or assistance calls, using a built-in SIM card, for rapid intervention in the event of an accident or if the car is immobilised.  

There are front fog lamps with static cornering lights providing an extra beam that increases visibility when turning - by up to 75° to the left and right of the vehicle and the lights automatically illuminate when the driver indicates or turns the wheel to an angle of more than 60°.

Add to this a blind-spot monitoring system - based on the same technology as reversing parking sensors – with four ultrasound sensors alerting the driver if a vehicle is in their blind spot. This covers an area stretching to around 5m behind the rear bumper and 3.5m from each side of the car and the driver is alerted by means of a pictogram displayed in the wing mirrors. Finally, the programmable cruise control with speed limiter allows you to pre-set cruising and top speeds for added safety and convenience on the open road.

Summary

This is an exciting new addition to the Citroen DS range and demonstrates the sporting direction that Citroen is taking with each DS launch, yet still offering you luxury, practicality and fuel efficiency. Citroen DS4 business contract hire prices on the new DS4 are available soon.