1. DS 4? That name rings a bell.
That’s right. In 2011, a DS4 was also introduced, but those were different times. DS was then still a sub-brand of Citroën, a double chevron adorned the grille. In 2015, DS became an independent brand and the DS 4 was stripped of its Citroën logos.
The DS4 wasn’t it finest hour from Citroën: it was a coupé, but one that stood (too) high on its wheels. It is understandable that functionality is subordinate to design. But Citroën went very far: the rear windows of the DS4 could not even open. Furthermore, the chassis was tuned very hard.
2. How should you see the new DS 4 then?
DS is gaining steam: in 2021 it will present two new models. First came the DS 9, a large limousine. We were impressed during the DS 9 test, but this is not the model that DS has the highest expectations of in the Netherlands. That’s the DS4.
The DS 4 competes with expensive German C-segment cars, such as the Audi A3 Sportback, the BMW 1-series and the Mercedes A-class. A lot depends on the success of the DS 4: this model can make or break the brand in the Netherlands. In 2021, DS has sold only 127 cars in the Netherlands so far. In 2020 there were a total of 722, a year earlier 725. That could be better…
3. Why is the DS 4 more important than the DS 7 Crossback and the DS 9?
Until now, the DS models were mainly found in niche markets, such as expensive SUVs. The DS 4 plunges into one of the most popular car categories: the C-segment (also called Golf segment). The range there is enormous: from functional to very expensive. For most brands, DS takes the French nose: the DS 4 is aimed at customers who love the good things in life. Beautiful items and top quality take precedence over bargains of the week.
Now those customers shop expressly at the German models of Audi, BMW and Mercedes. The French want to break that hegemony. Although the DS 4 is more German than you think, because it rolls off the production line at Opel in Rüsselsheim. The new Opel Astra (planned for 2022) will therefore receive the same chassis, a new version of the EMP2 platform.
4. What is the DS 4 throwing into the fray?
According to DS, you will not get such large 20-inch wheels at the competition (for which you have to pay extra, 17 inches is standard). DS also tries to satisfy SUV enthusiasts with the DS 4 Cross. It has black bumpers and roof rails, so it looks more like an SUV than the other models. But nothing is what it seems, it’s an optical illusion. The Cross is exactly the same length and height as the other DS 4 models.
The hysterical diamond shape is characteristic of DS, but it is not as lavish as in the DS 3 Crossback and the DS 7 Crossback. The dashboard of the DS 4 is rather minimalistic with its large screens. We were able to test sit for a while and were pleasantly surprised by the head and legroom in the back.
The windows can still be found subtly in the transition between the rear window and the body, DS calls this reflective design. The door handles are recessed, the taillights again have the DS characteristic scale pattern. That is purely ‘for the beautiful’. Inside, the DS 4 has ‘invisible’ ventilation grilles in the center console and (optional) trim in brown ash wood.
5. When will the DS 4 come to the Netherlands and what is the price?
The DS 4 will not come to the Netherlands until the end of 2021, but before the delivery is up to speed, we have already finished the year-end oliebollen. 2022 will be the year of the DS 4.
The first DS 4 to hit the showroom is the La Première. This DS 4 plug-in hybrid costs 53,850 euros. In the overview of the prices of the DS 4 you can read that the basic version, with 130 hp three-cylinder, will cost 35,450 euros.
6. Will there also be an electric DS 4?
No, the DS 4 is only available with two petrol engines (130 and 180 hp) and as an E-Tense plug-in hybrid (225 hp). The latest version of the EMP2 platform, which includes the new Peugeot 308 in addition to the Opel Astra, is not suitable for fully electric models.
7. Is the DS 4 more expensive than an Audi, BMW or Mercedes?
Yes! We first look at the base price of an Audi A3 Sportback (110 hp): 35,050 euros. So it is slightly cheaper. The Audi A3 Sportback is also available as a plug-in hybrid, it costs 40,990 euros (204 hp). The DS 4 E-Tense costs 41,150 euros, but then you get 225 hp.
BMW does not use plugs with the 1-series, but does use diesels. And you can’t get that with the DS 4. If you go to the BMW dealer, you have to bring 32,020 euros for the cheapest BMW 116i on petrol (three-cylinder, 109 hp). Also a bit cheaper. Top model is the M135i xDrive, this 306 hp top version with 306 hp costs 60,013 euros.
Is a Mercedes A-class more expensive than a DS 4? No. The A-class is also cheaper, the base price is 31,372 euros (A 160, 109 hp). Just like with DS, you can also go to Mercedes for a plug-in hybrid. This Mercedes A 250 e has a price of 44,465 euros, which is slightly more than the DS 4 E-Tense.