MEET THE GALLIC GODDESS
FrENcH car-maker DS Automobiles has added a fourth ‘goddess’ to its line-up. With a hint of Gallic flair, the new DS4 crossover was unveiled this week ahead of arriving into UK showrooms in November, priced from £25,000 to £40,000.
DS Automobiles is the premium spin-off from sibling citroen and both are now part of the new 14-brand car giant Stellantis.
the letters ‘DS’ spoken in French sound like the French word for ‘goddess’. Designed in Paris, the DS4 is the first to be built in Germany, at the rüsselsheim plant that also makes opels and Vauxhalls such as the Insignia saloon and the next generation Astra. More French-branded vehicles will follow.
Standing a ‘compact’ 4.40 m long, 1.83 m wide and 1.47 m high, with a striking grille and riding on 19 in or 20 in wheels, the DS4 aims to rival Audi’s A3.
there are three versions: the standard DS4, DS4 cross and the top- of-the-range DS4 Performance Line.
the top speed is 140 mph, with rest to 62 mph acceleration in 8.5 seconds. options include Puretech petrol engines in 1.2-litre (130 hp) and 1.6-litre (180 hp and 225 hp); a diesel version with a BlueHDi 1.5-litre engine (130 hp); and a frugal but powerful plug-in hybrid petrol electric set-up (225 hp).
the battery- powered plug- in hybrid comprises a turbocharged 180ps 4-cylinder petrol engine linked to 110hp electric motor with a range of around 30 miles. All versions have eight-speed automatic gearboxes.
As an exclusive option, the DS4 cross variant gets advanced traction control for improved grip with sand, snow and mud modes, plus hill assist descent control.
the more dynamic DS4 Performance line has black exterior trim and alloy wheels. the avant-garde style of all versions is luxuriously snug, modern and uncluttered.
Materials include leathers, Alcantara microfibre, forged carbon and wood — all enhanced by new soft-touch fabrics.
Key features include ultra slim projector headlamps, high-end audio systems and a state-of-the-art air purification system.
Expect high- tech displays, a 10in infotainment system, voice and gesture control, level-two semi-autonomous driving, night vision and blind-spot monitoring.
there are seven exterior colours including ‘copper gold’ and ‘lacquered grey’.