DS 4 PureTech 225

DS Automobiles is growing and hopes to become a benchmark for high-end “French-style” cars. With respect to the other French brands, the match is won by forfeit, but on the international scene, it is more contested. DS cannot legitimately attack Audi, BMW or Classic Mercedes for sale. But, like Volvo, it still has arguments to make against the German giants. To tease them a little more, the DS 4 is even manufactured on their soil, in Rüsselsheim, in the same factory as the new Opel Astra with which the premium compact shares its technical platform.

A luxurious environment

DS has done a very good job on the interior, which is one of the most elegant in current automobile production, at least in this category. The plastics at the bottom of the dashboard are quite ordinary, but the coverings in the upper part or the door panels make the difference, as does the detail given to the geometry of the shapes and the seriousness of the assembly. Certain parts or seams are carried out by hand by master saddlers, directly from the supplier (Faurecia), with specificities depending on the atmosphere chosen. From entry level to the most luxurious version, everything is very well done.

On the other hand, habitability is mediocre. Space on board remains correct at the front, but is quite limited at the rear. A sacrifice linked to style, with just acceptable headroom and limited legroom. The trunk suffers from a slightly high loading threshold, but it makes up for it with a suitable available volume: 430 liters in thermal, and 40 liters less in plug-in hybrid. However, it is minimum service on modularity. There is no sliding bench seat, the backrests fold 60/40. On certain versions, an inspection hatch in the armrest adds a little extra.

Felt driving

Once on the road, we appreciate the driving comfort and the work done on the soundproofing. All models receive laminated front glazing, some with all four panes. A softness that we find in the suspensions, controlled by camera (standard or optional depending on the versions) which provide a unique road feel and feel. The car rolls more or less depending on the mode, but offers handling in line with expectations, for a level of comfort that deserves to be cited as an example. Ambient luxury is also expressed through the technology made available to the driver, such as the infotainment system and its innovative features. It’s a shame that the large 10-inch screen requires you to stretch your arm a little too much, and that certain features are complex to integrate. Fortunately, there is the “home” button located on the left of the screen, which is frankly useful, because it allows you to start again from the basic page… and to calm down.

The DS 4 is also equipped with a configurable head-up display and comes as standard from the mid-range Trocadéro. On the other hand, the latter does not benefit from the augmented reality function as we can see elsewhere. A lack that it tries to compensate for with a “3D style” projection and especially the display of new features, such as incoming calls or certain settings allowing you to keep your eyes on the road. It's a choice that stands up for itself, helped by a nice display width of 21 inches. However, no miracle if you wear polarized sunglasses: everything becomes invisible. Another new feature is the appearance of a Smart Touch touchpad, located in the extension of the central armrest. It allows you to access main functions by keeping your finger on it, allows you to zoom in and out with your fingers, and you can also write your destination there to trigger navigation. Audi was doing this 10 or 15 years ago, and has come back from it. But the DS system is more intuitive and adds something extra to driving.

Well positioned on its large 720 mm diameter wheels, the DS 4 benefits from a front axle which easily supports the 225 hp of the 1.6 liter turbo. Exceeding 1600 kg, there is nothing sporty to expect from this block, and it will be better to take advantage of the smooth operation it provides, its vigor being a welcome little extra for overtaking. Note that for businesses and barely more expensive (2000 euros on average, bonus of 1000 euros deducted), you can opt for a plug-in hybrid version approved for 55 km in all-electric mode. But you will have a heavier car, a little less trunk space and the obligation to plug it into the mains as often as possible in order to benefit from its stated efficiency. In all cases, and regardless of the engine chosen, DS only offers a single eight-speed automatic transmission. This is indeed the end of manual gearboxes...

VERDICT

The DS 4 is certainly DS's most successful model. Design that hits the mark, finish to make a Mercedes pale, nothing is missing in this range of compact luxury cars. The on-board electronics can be annoying, driving is not always exciting, but the level of comfort and refinement outclasses much of the category. Lovers of the genre will be delighted.