Review
/5
- Pros:
- Gives more upmarket rivals a run for their money
- Sporty drive mixed with family practicality
- Sleek styling stands out on the road
- Cons:
- Some interior plastics could be better for price
- Rear side windows don't open
- Smaller boot than a standard C4
reviewed by Carbuyer
“Something quirky yet practical: the Citroen DS4 brings additional style and a sporty feel to an already impressive family car.”
At a glance
- The greenest
- DStyle e-HDi 110 Airdream EGS6 5dr
£22,145 - The cheapest
- DSign VTi 120 5dr
£18,150 - The fastest
- DSport THP 200 5dr
£23,650 - Top of the range
- DSport HDi 160 5dr
£23,950
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French firm Citroen is heading upmarket with its new DS range by introducing special variants of its existing models to give buyers that something extra. The high-riding DS4 hatchback offers style, practicality and a sportier driving experience, with plenty of luxury thrown in. Purchasers can choose from five engines – three petrols and two diesels. Equipment levels are high and there are lots of sophisticated touches in the cabin.
Drive
Petrol engines pack a punch
The Citroen DS4 will suit family motorists looking for a sporty vehicle. The car's suspension tweaks over the C4 mean it offers a more exhilarating drive without compromising practicality. There's a selection of five engines: diesel buyers can choose from a 110bhp 1.6-litre unit with e-HDi stop-start technology and regenerative braking, and a 160bhp 2.0. The petrol choices are a 120bhp 1.6 VTi, and a pair of 1.6 turbos with 155bhp or 200bhp.
Comfort
Sportier set-up doesn't come at the expense of comfort
The Citroen C4's ride is smooth, and comfort is not sacrificed in favour of driving thrills, despite more stiffly sprung suspension. This is good for family motorists, but not so good if you are looking for a really sporty machine.
Reliability
DS4 is based on latest C4, while engine range is proven
Citroen doesn't have the strongest reputation for reliability, but the firm's rating at number 19 in the annual Auto Express Driver Power reliability and customer satisfaction survey is a great improvement over past performances, and bodes well for this new model.
Practicality
Curvy lines mean there's less boot space than standard C4
The DS4's unusual styling sees a coupé-like silhouette with ‘hidden’ rear doors, teamed with a raised ride height. This brings both advantages – such as an elevated driver's view of the road – and disadvantages. The latter include a smaller boot than the standard C4, although it's still bigger than that of most rival family hatches, and rear windows that don't open. The DS4 is shorter, wider and taller than the normal C4, but there's plenty of room for five. Large passenger door pockets, front underseat drawers and a cooled centre console storage bin are standard.
Value for money
Premium features for not much more than a C4
With additional external trim and LED lights giving a more exclusive appearance, the classy Citroen DS4 is looking to attract buyers away from the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series, thanks to a more affordable price. Comfortable cabin has an upmarket feel thanks to exclusive materials and finishes, and there are plenty of DS logos and a choice of themes to make you feel you are driving something special. Safety kit includes intelligent traction control, which makes the car surefooted on snow, icy or wet surfaces.
Running costs
Engine range is at the cutting edge for economy and efficiency
With economy and efficiency the most important words to most car buyers today, the Citroen DS4's line-up of five engines offers a good mixture of frugality and fun, keeping running costs reasonable and Road Tax low.
*Our monthly finance prices are updated on a regular basis, but due to the dynamic nature of the market are not guaranteed accurate. You can always confirm the monthly finance price with FinanceAcar.
