New DS 4: French premium luxury and advanced technology

Now part of the Stellantis constellation, DS Automobiles aims to uphold the premium standing it enjoyed within Groupe PSA and intends to retain in the new organisation, starting with the new DS 4. It is a hybrid in more ways than one, with bold styling that sits somewhere between a conventional hatchback - a five-door, two-box car - and the more popular, more substantial SUV.

The new DS 4 is based on a major development of the EMP2 platform, also used by models such as the Peugeot 308 and 3008. It comes in three versions, each measuring 4.40 m long, 1.83 m wide and 1.47 m high. Whichever version is chosen, boot capacity is a generous 430 litres, placing it ahead of its prospective rivals.

Alongside the standard model is the Cross, which adopts SUV-inspired styling, roof bars, traction optimised for sand, snow and mud, and assistance for steep descents. The Performance Line is the most visually dynamic version.

The revised EMP2 architecture has given the new model a different set of proportions. It has made it possible to lower the bonnet, move the A-pillars rearwards and increase wheel diameter to as much as 720 mm. This allows wheels of up to 20 inches, while most versions are fitted with 19-inch alloys as standard.

According to DS Automobiles, the large diameter does not compromise aerodynamic efficiency or increase fuel consumption - and therefore emissions - because it uses narrower tyres and aerodynamic inserts in the wheels. The brand also promises strong dynamic performance, as the new wheels are 10% lighter, saving 1.5 kg per wheel.

French-style luxury in the DS 4

Over time, automotive luxury has ceased to be the exclusive preserve of the most expensive market segments. Even cars in the so-called “Golf segment” now offer amenities that, not so long ago, were reserved for a Mercedes-Benz S-Class or similar models.

The new DS 4 once again demonstrates this reality, positioning itself against capable German cars in this class, including the BMW 1 Series, Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

Its French take on luxury begins with some particularly distinctive body colours - seven are available in total - including gold and bronze shades. These took several years to perfect so that the hue remains precisely consistent from the front grille area through to the rear bumper.

It continues in the elegantly styled cabin, which features an air-conditioning system with exceptionally compact vents and “invisible” blades. These provide a cleaner design while allowing the airflow to be directed upwards and downwards more precisely. Above all, DS says their compact nature means they can be placed “very discreetly” within the dashboard.

Attention then turns to the choice of materials, which includes several types of leather, Alcantara and decorative finishes ranging from wood to forged carbon fibre, depending on the selected version or interior ambience. A two-tone cabin is also available. According to the manufacturer, the DS 4 is made from 94% recyclable materials and has 85% recyclable parts. For example, much of the dashboard is made from hemp, particularly in areas that are not visible.

Technological sophistication in the service of comfort and safety is equally impressive.

One example is the camera-controlled adaptive damping system, making its debut in this market segment. A camera behind the windscreen, four attitude sensors and accelerometers provide information about the road ahead and every movement of the car, including steering angle, braking and speed. A computer then processes this data in real time and manages each wheel individually, ensuring the damping is constantly adjusted as effectively as possible, with resulting benefits for comfort and handling efficiency.

The first car to feature a comparable system was the Mercedes S-Class, with its “Magic Body Control”, initially sold as an option costing around €5,250. The price DS will charge for this “wicked refinement” has not yet been announced, though it should be below that figure.

The new DS 4 headlights have also received considerable attention. They are particularly slim and comprise three LED modules on each side.

The inner module contains the sidelights, while the central unit can rotate through up to 33.5° to act as a cornering light, following the driver’s field of vision and illuminating the edges of the carriageway. The outer module is split into 15 segments, each of which can be switched on or off independently according to driving conditions.

All headlights adjust to the situation through five preset modes: town, country, motorway, adverse weather and fog. The new DS 4 can also be driven with full beam engaged, with a range of 300 m, without dazzling other road users. It is also worth noting that the daytime running light comprises 98 LEDs - its vertical light signature is inspired by the DS Aero Sport Lounge concept and incorporates the indicators - while the rear lights are laser-etched.

Enhanced technology

The DS 4 driver-assistance system enables Level 2 semi-autonomous driving through DS Drive Assist 2.0. Using sensors, cameras and radar, the car can be positioned more accurately within its lane and, according to DS, it also allows semi-automated overtaking manoeuvres and adjusts speed through bends.

An infrared camera in the radiator grille identifies nearby pedestrians and animals - up to 200 m ahead of the car, including at night and in poor weather - and warns the driver through the head-up display.

Called the DS Extended Head-up Display, a feature of which the French engineers are especially proud, it projects information not onto the windscreen but “onto the road itself”, creating a completely new navigation experience. Once again, the latest S-Class was the first car to offer something similar, which is notable given that the Mercedes is only now reaching the market.

The 21-inch diagonal projection displays speed, warning messages, driver-assistance information, navigation and even the music track currently playing. Through an optical illusion, the data appears around four metres beyond the windscreen in the driver’s direct line of sight, further reducing the need to look away from the road.

The DS Iris System infotainment system can be operated through a 10-inch touchscreen, voice commands or gestures. In the latter case, DS Smart Touch is an additional display located on the centre console, operated with fingertips. It can be pre-programmed with favourite functions and, like a smartphone screen, recognises gestures such as zooming in and out, while also being able to recognise handwriting.

As is increasingly common, the DS Iris System can also receive over-the-air updates via the cloud.

Plug-in hybrid yes, electric no

The engine range will include four petrol and Diesel units, plus one plug-in hybrid. Called E-Tense, it combines a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 180 hp and 300 Nm with an electric motor delivering 110 hp (80 kW) and 320 Nm of torque, as well as the familiar eight-speed e-EAT8 automatic gearbox, the only transmission available. Total system output is 225 hp and 360 Nm, while the 12.4 kWh battery should provide an all-electric range of more than 50 kilometres.

The lack of a fully electric variant is explained by the use of the EMP2 platform, which does not support one, unlike the CMP architecture used by models such as the Peugeot 2008 and Citroën C4. A new generation of models based on the new eVMP platform will be required.

The other announced engines are the petrol PureTech units with 130 hp, 180 hp and 225 hp, plus a single 130 hp BlueHDi Diesel. The only gearbox offered will be an eight-speed automatic.

When will it arrive?

The new DS 4 was expected to arrive in the fourth quarter of 2021, although no specific date or prices were announced.