Automobiles

Analysis: Do new engines and a Crossback enhance PSA’s DS4?

The DS4, as you’ll see from older ones carrying the Deux chevrons, was initially launched in 2011 as a Citroen with DSign, DStyle, and DSport trim ranges and several petrol engines (VTi120, THP155, THP200) and diesel (HDi one hundred ten and HDi 160) with a mixture of 5 and 6-pace manuals and an automated six-speed manual. At the cease of 2014, the delightful new, 3 cylinders, 1.2-litre PureTech one hundred thirty engines changed into added and plans had been announced for DS – also now wrapping up the DS3 and DS5 – to end up a stand-on my own brand via the stop of 2015. After a Frankfurt display debut, ultimate yr came the DS4’s mid-existence replace through year-quit – 3 new trim ranges known as elegance, status and Crossback (a Brazil marketplace-style, better riding SUV wannabe) and a stack of recent engines – petrol THP165 and 210 replacing the hundred and fifty-five and 200, an entirely new variety of ‘BlueHDi’ 120, a hundred and fifty and one hundred eighty diesel (urea injection with Selective Catalyst discount and particle filter out to meet Euro VI emissions regs), six-velocity manual and stop and start trendy on everything and the option of a ‘proper’ six-speed Aisin automated transmission for numerous variations, each petrol, and diesel. Time The family and I had a have a look at a DS, then.

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Collectively, just-car has, of direction, had exposure to the DS logo, but I got here to the DS four Crossback BlueHDi a hundred and twenty guides bloodless – I have seen ’em but in no way taken a near look or had a steer. First impressions have been favorable enough – appealing looking, circle of relatives sized hatchback with splendid alloy wheels, some SUV styling cues (raised journey height, which the children, already improved by way of toddler seats love; black wheel arch extensions and tailgate spoiler) and plenty of gadgets. Those are not mainly cheap motors – ‘mine’ turned into GBP24,0.5 (US$34,500) with GBP520 metallic paint option -, but all of them come pretty properly loaded with even the ‘base’ beauty having items such as auto lighting and wipers, fog lamps with cornering feature (works a deal with), huge panoramic windscreen with sunblinds, electric-powered park brake, dual-zone climate control, rear park sensors and a seven-inch multimedia display screen with Bluetooth, MirrorLink/CarPlay (attempted but could not get it to paintings with an iPhone 6), DAB virtual radio and a CD player. Status provides large alloy wheels, LED front lighting fixtures with washers, element leather trim on sport seats, keyless entry/start, and a reversing digicam. Crossback has exclusive alloys, aluminum roof bars (for style instead of loading), glossy black outdoors trim plus alloy the front door sill protectors, and top-class carpet mats. There are some interesting, extra-cost, contrasting coloration schemes, a little trim and wheel alternatives, and a few tech devices like the front park sensors with blind-spot screen and an audio upgrade; however, most buyers could pretty much the whole thing want is already in.

The primary impression of the indoors isn’t always sincerely ‘top class’ within the identical experience as you’ll compare Audi with VW; however, the substances and fit and end are appropriate. Although we had no hassle getting kids and diverse automobile seats, teddies, drinks, and so forth within the back, the rear seating region is a touch snug, and there are no cup holders even though we did find small map pockets, an armrest, and a ski flap. But then got here the question: wherein are the window switches? It turns out, especially, the DS4 lacks opening rear door windows completely. Not a brilliant concept when you have kids vulnerable to tour illness for whom a blast of clean air through an opened pane might stave off nausea long enough till you can prevent a spoil and healing. The opposite really abnormal thing of the DS4 changed into the ‘pointed’ rear door window body, which encompasses rear door exterior release handles, however, is as simply the right peak to make sure our in part-sighted mum loses all remaining imagination and prescient ought to she not sees said point in time. All of us learned to watch the again doors very carefully when open. The boot area is good enough, albeit with a high loading lip, and rear seats fold without increasing the weight vicinity.

PSA has usually made cracking diesel, and the torquey, clean BlueHDi engine was a delight to apply, with begin-stop that calls for you to halt, foot on the brake with snatch launched earlier than it kills the motor, and restarts it in no time with a bit harshness once in a while. It is geared to tug like a train so that you do not head above fourth at 30mph city united kingdom speeds, and that can be pushing it, at times. We were given 41mpg in punishing, quick distance, low speed runs, so I can imagine 60mpg being a clean shot if you used the automobile in greater suitable situations than us. I’ve visible the DS4 criticized for a harsh journey. However, we observed it at ease with ood coping and came to like its slightly quirky person.

DS vehicles said splitting the DS4 variety into two addresses clients’ expectations within the top rate compact vehicle phase, which has visible a few important changes in current years. Crossover motors now make up 30% of the top-class compact hatchback market.

“DS embodies the spirit of avant-garde. In recent DS four, the logo’s spirit is expressed through an imparting made up of body patterns: a new top rate hatchback and a remarkable new provide DS 4 Crossback, with stylish cross-everywhere style. With such complementary motors, the DS brand is truely declaring its ambition, and its capacity, to fulfill patron expectations,” CEO Yves Bonnefont claims.

The automaker reckons the variety has all the features of a top rate hatchback simultaneously as personalization and extra consumer choice are furnished by using the two-tone roof/frame colour alternatives new to this segment. And the wonderful new choice of engines is icing on the cake.

“With its high-priced, refined, and even extra customisable indoors, New DS 4 will represent a unique imparting inside the premium compact section.”

It’s actually extraordinary and, after some awkward introductory moments, we ended up liking it. deliver us seems a touch outdoor the mainstream, a pleasant excessive journey and plenty of equipment and we are effortlessly gained over.