DS 4 gets a little Cross

The DS 4 now comes in Crossoverorientated Crossback guise, in which this premium hatchback offers a higher view and greater versatility.

A simple, high-quality interior with innovative design and technology ensures the cabin will be a pleasant environment but, with limited rear space, the most comfortable back seat passengers will be children.

The DS 4 Crossback comes with a choice of three power units – a 130bhp petrol engine and 120bhp and 180bhp diesels.

These units are certainly torquey enough for low-end rough stuff performance but in reality, it might be expected that the toughest terrain a DS 4 Crossback would ever face would be a high kerb or a bumpy driveway.

Still, it looks as if it might be capable of more than that and for likely buyers, that’ll be all that matters.

On tarmac, the higher stance of the Crossback should give you a more elevated view of the surroundings and a greater sense of safety, but be prepared for a little more body roll in the corners compared to the standard DS 4. With the PureTech 130bhp petrol engine, the Crossback should reach 62mph in 10.1 seconds and top out around 123mph.

Inside, the interior textures and premium layout give an upmarket feel and there is an innovative seat design that resembles a metal-link watch strap.

There is a premium to pay for the Crossback model’s crossover-style look – £1,000 over plusher Prestige – trimmed versions of the standard DS 4. That means pricing in the £22,000 to £27,000 bracket.

Still, you get quite a lot for that; 18in gloss black alloy wheels, black leather upholstery, a panoramic windscreen, aluminium roof bars, dark tinted side windows and a Navigation system.

Safety features include a lane departure warning system and a blind spot monitor to reduce the chance of a collision when pulling out to overtake.

You have really got to want its go-anywhere looks to justify the price premium being asked here over a normal DS 4 but if you can, here’s a quirky and appealing choice.