New DS 4 hatchback and Crossback ready for Frankfurt launch

The new DS 4 range has been revealed. It consists of a conventional hatchback and a crossover SUV version called the ‘Crossback’.

Both versions of the new car will be shown at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show and will go on sale in the UK in November this year.

The DS 4 is the second car from the DS brand to remove all links to its parent company, Citroen, after the larger DS 5 model was facelifted at the beginning of July.

DS recognises the importance of providing a high-riding crossover model as part of its range, noting “crossover models now make up 30% of the premium compact hatchback market.”

New DS 4 design

The DS 4 hatchback and features a very similar front grille to the larger DS 5 model, along with DS’ LED Vision headlight clusters, complete with angular, boomerang-shaped headlamps.

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There are sharp creases in the bonnet and down the side of the car, as well as chrome trim surrounds on the windows and door mirrors. The rear has a very smooth, rounded shape, which almost gives the DS 4 a bubble car-like silhouette. A subtle black rear spoiler also features, as do integrated exhausts trimmed in chrome and flush rear door handles.

Black trim is used prominently on the Crossback model. Along with a raised ride height, this version features black alloy wheels, grey roof rails, black wheelarch trim and a few minor styling tweaks to the front end to make the crossover model appear tougher.

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Yves Bonnefont, CEO of DS Automobiles, says that the Crossback model has “elegant, go-anywhere style”.

The DS 4 can be finished in a variety of colours, while the two-tone paint option means the new model has 38 different colour combinations to choose from.

Engines and handling

The new DS 4 offers a choice of three petrol and three diesel engines from launch – all of which have fuel-saving stop-start technology as standard. The most fuel-efficient engine is the 1.6-litre BlueHDi 120 diesel, which is capable of returning up to 74.3mpg when connected to a six-speed manual gearbox or 72.4mpg with the EAT6 six-speed automatic gearbox.

Along with more powerful diesel engines, the highlight of the standard DS 4 hatchback's engine range is the all-new THP 210 petrol engine. Although performance figures haven’t been released, it’ll undoubtedly be the fastest-accelerating engine in the range.

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The most CO2 a new DS 4 will emit is 138 grams per kilometre, so the most you’ll pay for road tax is £130 a year. But if you don’t want to pay any road tax, you’ll need to go for the BlueHDi 120 diesel engine with a manual gearbox.

DS claims that the two DS 4 versions have distinct handling characteristics. Because it’s lower to the ground, the conventional DS 4 hatchback should be “inherently agile and stable,” while the Crossback model’s raised ride height means it’ll offer “better visibility and a more relaxed drive”. Intelligent Traction Control is available on both models, helping the front wheels to maintain grip.

Technology

In order not to fall behind other premium car manufacturers, DS has kept on top of technology trends with the new DS 4.

The premium hatchback is fitted with the DS Connect box, which works similar to the Volvo On Call and BMW ConnectedDrive systems. As well as notifying the emergency services of your location in the event of a crash, the box incorporates a ‘Monitoring Pack,’ which notifies you when a service is due and provides tips for more efficient driving.

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The car’s infotainment system has MirrorScreen and Apple CarPlay technology, so both Android smartphones and Apple iPhones can be linked directly to it. Other kit like a reversing camera, blind-spot monitoring and keyless start and entry can be fitted, too.

Price and release date

The new DS 4 goes on sale in November of this year – roughly two months after the car’s launch at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

No official prices have been released yet, but they shouldn’t stray too far from the previous generations’ £19-£26,000 price range.

For more on the DS range, check out Carbuyer’s reviews page.