DS 4 Review 2024

Cars like the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3 are a little too successful for their own good. If you're a junior executive, splashing out every month on a PCP for a German hatch is no longer going to impress your mates. Citroen's premium brand, DS, might have the answer – and, for once, it might not be quite the compromise you'd expect. Read on for our full review of the DS 4. 

The DS 4 is based on the same platform as the latest Peugeot 308 and Vauxhall Astra. That means it comes with a range of electrified engines, clever infotainment, and a lengthy list of standard safety systems to a much more worthy choice than the Citroen C4 Cactus it kind of replaces.

But it also has a dose of Parisian style found lacking on more mainstream family car models. From its flush door handles to its watchstrap upholstery and hand-stitched steering wheel, the DS4 looks (and feels) truly special. The same can't really be said for German alternatives, can it? The Audi A3, BMW 1 Series, and Mercedes A-Class are good, but maybe missing a dash of the DS's joie de vivre.

It's easy to get overwhelmed by the choice of DS4 models available when you first open the brochure. First, you need to decide what vibe you're after – choices include the standard DS4, the sporty DS4 Performance Line and then there's the SUV-like DS4 Cross. Each are then available in a number of different trim levels, all of them generously equipped as standard. No DS4 can really be described as 'entry-level'.

There's a strong mix of engines available, too, including petrols, diesels and a plug-in hybrid model with a 35-mile electric range. A pure-electric version is set to follow in 2024.

While the PHEV makes sense for company car drivers, its relatively high list price means it probably won't be on the radar of many private buyers. That's a shame as its 39-mile electric range means you might be able to cover the commute without the petrol engine kicking in at all.

You can't buy the DS4 with a manual gearbox – no great loss, in our eyes, as the eight-speed auto is incredibly smooth shifting. No matter which engine you choose, though, it's a car that's happier taking it a little easy. It's not as agile as the BMW 1 Series, while its almost SUV-like dimension mean it'll roll about on twisty roads.

Prices start from a shade over £28,000 and nudge close to £50,000 at the top of the range. It means you'd be making a very strong statement buying a DS4 over one of its German rivals, but standing out is part of the appeal, right?

Considering that DS is the posh arm of Citroen – a brand known for comfort – you'd have thought it'd attempt to sell itself on its exemplary ride quality. Instead, it takes a very German approach, with a focus on style over substance (particularly if you spec one with 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels).

Trick DS Active Scan suspension is standard on Opera models and an option for all but the base Bastille trim. It uses a camera positioned at the top of the windscreen to monitor for imperfections in the road and brace the suspension if necessary.

Despite this, the DS4 will crash over potholes around town and doesn't really settle down when you increase speed. We have only sampled the DS4 with massive 20-inch wheels and rubber-band tyres, though; some extra side wall ought to help considerably here.

The harsh ride quality doesn't translate to sporty handling, either. The overly light steering doesn't give you the confidence to get a shift on, while it'll roll about corners just as much as SUV alternatives like the Mercedes GLA.

The most affordable DS4 models come with a Puretech 130 petrol engine. This is a rather small 1.2-litre engine producing, as its name suggests, 130PS. We're yet to sample this in the DS4 but don't dismiss it straight away – punchy little turbocharged engines like this are often fine for drivers who aren't too fussed about blazing down a motorway slip road.

There's also a diesel DS4. This might seem surprising in the era of electrification but you only need to look at the number of diesel Audi A3s on the road to see there's still a market for it. This uses a 1.5-litre BlueHDi 130 engine, again paired with the EAT8 automatic gearbox.

All DS 4s come with an eight-speed automatic gearbox which shifts very smoothly indeed – we doubt anyone will find themselves longing for a manual gearbox in the DS4, it's just not that kind of car.

While none of these engines are particularly noteworthy, the DS4 is available as a plug-in hybrid badged the E-Tense 225. Pairing a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, this produces – you guessed it – 225PS, and can officially travel up to 41.6 miles under electric power alone.

There's also set to be a pure-electric version of the DS4. This won't go on sale until 2024, though, so you might want to look at alternatives like the Volkswagen ID.3 if that's what you're after.

As you'd expect from a premium hatch, there are quite a few trick safety systems on hand to keep you on the straight and narrow. These include DS Drive Assist which is standard from the Rivoli trim and up, and allows semi-autonomous driving thanks to features like adaptive cruise control (with stop and go functionality) as well as lane positioning assist.

High-spec models come with an advanced emergency braking system, while Matrix LED headlights allow you to drive with main-beam on all the time without dazzling other drivers.

The DS 4 can two between 710- and 750kg with an unbraked trailer depending on which engine you pick. Engine choice will also dictate how much you can pull with a braked trailer, ranging from 1100kg with the 1.2 petrol to 1500kg with the diesel.

With almost SUV-like dimensions, you won't be surprised to hear that the DS4 is fairly spacious inside. Most drivers will have no worries about fitting in the front, while there are all the usual storage areas for emptying your pockets into.

Things are a little more cramped in the rear – but no more so than in an Audi A3 or BMW 1 Series. Kids should be happy enough back there, with a decent view out of the side windows and Isofix points on the outer rear seats (as well as on the front passenger seat).

With 430 litres of luggage space, the boot is pretty capacious compared to rivals. The batteries of the E-Tense model eat into this slightly, dropping total boot space to 390 litres, but it's still bigger than you'd find in a lot of competitors. It's the same story when the rear seats are tipped down flat, with the DS 4 offering 1240 litres of space, and the E-Tense falling shorter by 50 litres at 1190 litres.

Inside, don't expect the DS4 to feel just like a Vauxhall Astra or Peugeot 308 with a few nice finishes – the interior is something rather special. It gives the impression that interior designers of rival models have been resting on their laurels, while the DS design team have been given an unusual amount of freedom without any input from the bean counters in the finance department.

All DS4 models come with a smart leather steering wheel (individually hand-stitched), front central armrest and 'invisible' air vents that blend into the doors. While even the most affordable trim levels feel pretty plush, the overall vibe of the DS4's interior is very much dependent on which model you buy.

Leather seats are provided as standard on Rivoli and La Premiere models, for example, although you can spec them for an extra £950 on the DS4 Trocadero. For the ultimate in plush seating, the Esprit de Voyage and Opera trims have their own bespoke leather upholstery.

All DS4s come with a large 10-inch touchscreen media system, along with a smaller touchscreen display low down on the centre console. This can be used for navigating the main infotainment screen on the move – it's less distracting than having to lean forward and press the big display. It's an easy system to navigate, while a diamond-shaped button will take you to the home screen when you just want to get back to where you started.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are on hand to mirror apps from your smartphone, while higher-spec models come with navigation too. A seven-inch digital instrument cluster is standard on all DS4 models, while pricier trim levels also come with an extended head-up display.

A first glance at the DS 4 range could lead you to thinking a degree in rocket science would be handy. However, the line-up breaks down into DS 4, Performance Line, and Cross versions. And only the DS4 comes in the full gamut of trim levels, with prices starting at £28,355 for the entry-point Bastille model. This then runs through Trocadero, Rivoli, Esprit de Voyage, and Opera versions, with each adding more luxury to the mix.

The Performance Line and Performance Line+ models enjoy a more athletic look as you’d expect from their name. They come with the three engine options and pieces begin at £29,855.

Should you want the SUV-ness of the DS 4 Cross version, it also has the option of all three engines and is offered in Trocadero, Rivoli, and Opera trims. Prices for the Cross begin at £32,455, but the top spec E-Tense model commands a hefty £48,250.

The cheapest DS4 to run could also be the most expensive – if you don't use it properly. The plug-in hybrid E-Tense 225 is officially capable of up to 269.5mpg, but you'll only see anywhere near to this if you charge it regularly. When it's fully charged, it can travel up to 41.6 miles under electric power according to official WLTP tests. Once it's empty, it's going to be quite a bit thirstier.

If you're a long-distance driver, we'd recommend the diesel BlueHDi 130, which is officially capable of up to 61.2mpg. Mid-50s mpg should be attainable in the real world with minimal effort.

The DS4 Puretech 130 petrol engine officially returns up to 48.6mpg.

In terms of VED (roadtax), the first year's fee is based on emissions but lumped into the on-the-road price – so you don't really need to worry about that. After that, most DS4 models will cost a flat rate of £180 a year.

You may want to settle in with a cup of tea before reading through the whole DS 4 trim variations. So, like all good books, let’s start at the beginning with the Bastille. It comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless start, black front grille, and Tungsten Diamond cloth upholstery. It also has rear parking sensors and cruise control with speed limiter.

Next up is the Trocadero that offers 19-inch wheels, chromed grille, a head-up display, reversing camera, and automatic emergency braking. The Rivoli adds to this with Matrix LED headlights, directional rear indicators, DS Drive Assist semi-autonomous driving mode, rear privacy glass, and a black leather interior.

The Esprit de Voyage goes further still with its Pearl Grey leather seats, electric front seat adjustment and heating for the front chairs. These seats also come with a massaging function, and there’s a powered tailgate for added ease.

Then there’s the Opera at the top of the pile. It has Criolla brown leather upholstery with ventilated front seats. A heated steering wheel is included, along with electric sunroof, DS Active Scan suspension, wireless phone charging, and laminated acoustic door glass to make the cabin quieter.

The Performance Line is a standalone trim that has its own 19-inch wheel design and black Alcantara interior trim. There are black highlights for the interior and exterior inserts, plus front parking sensors and reversing camera. The Performance Line+ builds on this with Matrix LED headlights, rear privacy glass, uprated infotainment system with sat-nav and voice controls, and adaptive cruise control.

The DS 4 Cross comes in Trocadero and Rivoli trims with the same kit as the standard DS 4. However, this model also has the Cross Pack with black roof bars, sill protectors, skid plates, bumpers, and badges.