The Parisian styling cues of the DS 4 conceal a quality interior and comfort-focused driveability. The DS 4 is currently only available as a plug-in hybrid, with an electric range approaching the manufacturer’s claimed 55 WLTP kilometres.

The car’s design language is inspired by the DS AERO SPORT LOUNGE concept car. Bold and personal shapes are one of the DS 4’s strengths. Compared to many other manufacturers, especially the German ones, the DS DS is far from being rigidly conservative and engineering-like, both inside and out. It would be easy to imagine the DS 4, for example, in the midst of art and culture in a Parisian street scene.

Suspension adjusts to the road

The DS 4 comes with equipment that is available on very few cars of this size. The DS Night Vision, with its infrared camera on the front bumper that can see people and animals up to 200 metres in front in low light and darkness, is just one of the options available. If there are any hazards ahead, the car alerts the driver via a windscreen head-up display.

As standard, the rechargeable hybrid features DS Active Scan for chassis comfort. The car uses the windscreen’s top camera, four position sensors and three acceleration sensors to adjust the suspension of each wheel independently according to the shape of the road ahead.

Driving comfort in the DS 4 is high and for a car of its size, the chassis offers a smooth quality ride. Compared to its German rivals, the ride quality is well beyond sporty. The DS 4’s ride is made more for the enjoyer than for those who appreciate extreme chassis feel. In addition to a smooth cobbled ride, city driving is made easier by a small-feeling turning radius, light steering and a snug seat.

Dual touchscreens

Inside, design sometimes takes precedence over usability. The dashboard features a traditional touchscreen with the necessary navigation, media and other functions. What makes the use of the intercom interesting is the computer mouse-like touchscreen in the centre console, from which you can also control the intercom functions via your own predefined commands. For example, navigation can be programmed to open on the screen by drawing a circle or the letter N on the “mouse pad”.

In terms of functionality, usability and smoothness, the DS 4’s media system is not the fastest compared to its competitors and, in terms of usability, feels clunky at first. Instead, the windscreen display is clear and customisable to suit your taste and situation.

Limited use of electric motor

The DS 4 Charging Hybrid combines a 180 hp petrol engine with an electric motor for a maximum combined output of 225 hp and 360 Nm. of torque. The electric motor alone produces 81 kW and 320 Nm of torque. The electric motor is powered by a 12.4 kWh battery.

The manufacturer promises a WLTP range of up to 55 km. Test drives at a temperature of around 10 degrees Celsius show that electric distances of more than 50 kilometres are not completely out of reach. In cooler weather or at higher speeds, the electric range is likely to be less than 40 kilometres. Speaking of higher speeds, tyre noise becomes quite high on older asphalt roads and friction tyres.

For electric driving, the manufacturer announces an annoying limitation for winter conditions in the north. According to the manufacturer, electric driving is not possible in temperatures below -5 degrees Celsius.

During the test drive, the petrol engine achieved commendably low figures, with a low of 5.1 litres per 100 kilometres. Longer-term consumption history on the trip computer showed 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres based on 6,000 kilometres driven.

In terms of size and ground clearance, the DS 4 sits between the hatchback and the suv. Its closest competitors are the Mercedes A-series, Audi A3, BMW 1-series and, among the suv models, the BMW X2, Audi Q3, Cupra Formentor and Skoda Karoq. The DS4 stands out from its predecessors with its distinctly more fashionable and elegant design and a distinctive DS brand that is not found in every neighbourhood.

The DS AERO SPORT LOUNGE concept car that inspired the DS 4 was awarded the 2021 Festival Automobile International Concept Car Award and a year later the production DS4 won the 2022 Most Beautiful Car of the Year Award.

DS 4 E-TENSE 225 Plug-in Hybrid

Engine: 1597 cm³, 4-cylinder, petrol
Combustion engine power: 180 hp / 133 kW. @ 5500 rpm.
Combustion engine torque: 250 Nm. @ 1750 rpm.
Electric motor power: 81 kW. (110 hp.)
Electric motor torque: 320 Nm.
Total maximum power: 225 hp.
Maximum total torque: 360 Nm.
Acceleration: 7.7 sec. (0-100 km/h)
Driving battery capacity: 12.4 kWh.
Test-driven range on a single charge: 52 km.
Charging device for driving battery: 7.4 kW.
Tare weight: 1728 kg.
Luggage compartment: 430 l.
Traction: front-wheel drive
Towing capacity: 1400 kg.
Starting price: 47 326 euro (Performance Line equipment)
Warranty: 100 000 km / 3 years (battery warranty 160 000 km / 8 years)