DS4 Crossback Blue HDi 120 Review and Test Drive

Ooh La La…..you just can’t beat a touch of French flair and style and the latest offering from DS Automobiles has more than a little of that.

They call it the spirit of avant-garde and certainly it is different – if not experimental in the true definition of the phrase.

The DS4 is the newest to bear the ‘DS Wings’ logo following on from the smaller DS3 hatch and the bigger DS5 saloon, from the recently-created division which has taken over the formerly upmarket arm of Citroen.

The 4 has been around bearing the Citroen chevrons since 2011 and clocked up worldwide sales of 115,000, with 13,000 taking to roads in the UK.

Four years on, the latest version continues the stylish theme building the corporate look into a coupe-type premium compact vehicle. Actually they’ve gone a stage further by creating two distinct versions, the ‘standard’ DS4 and a Crossback, which with its raised ride height and tougher looks is aimed more at outdoor types who might venture into the countryside. It’s a competitive area – so-called crossover vehicles now make up 30% of the premium compact hatchback market.

Both models feature stylish lines, a range of new high-performance, low- emission engines and great opportunities for personalisation with no fewer than 38 colour combinations of roof and body paintjobs with names like Perla Nera Black, Whisper Purple, Virtual Blue or Tourmaline Orange.

Each have a new front end with the ‘DS Wings’ on the grille, first seen on the DS5 earlier this year, plus new LED headlamps and upmarket options including advanced connectivity with Apple CarPlay, door panels upholstered in Nappa leather and semi-aniline leather upholstery with the signature DS ‘watch strap’ design…..which come with a very pleasant massage function.

Apart from the different ground clearance – the Crossback is 30mms higher -the two models can be distinguished by black trim on the Crossback and body-coloured trim with chrome inserts on the hatchback.

Viewed from the side, both have a chrome ‘belt’ running around the dark-tinted side windows with the roofline ending in a spoiler. Both also have a panoramic windscreen, available for some time in Citroen models, which gives an extra upward vision of 45° helping add to the feeling of space inside the cockpit. Both the driver and front passenger have rigid blinds and folding visors which slide down for the rare occasions when the low sun can be a problem. The rear side windows are fixed because there’s nowhere in the shaped rear doors for them to drop into and there’s evidence that rear windows are rarely wound down anyway.

A new 7-inch colour touch screen controls all the vehicle’s functions from navigation to music which means there are now 12 fewer buttons to clutter up the centre console.

The range comes with six engines  – one PureTech, two THP and three BlueHDi – while the Crossback has a choice of three engines, one petrol and two diesels including the latest generation Euro 6 BlueHDi 120 which was in the featured test car. It comes with a unique exhaust line layout and Selective Catalytic Reduction module which helps reduce NOx emissions by up to 90% and CO2 emissions by up to 4%.

It is the entry-level diesel engine and can be paired with either an automatic gearbox or the smooth 6 speed manual in the test car. Claimed consumption figures in the low 70s mpg make it one of the best in its segment.

The Crossback has the name emblazoned across the rear door, distinctive black wheel arch trims, front end and rear spoiler and grey roof bars.

The greater clearance will be useful for any ventures off the beaten track but this is no real offroader. However, both versions have Intelligent Traction Control that keeps the front wheels on power on surfaces with little grip such as snow-covered or muddy surfaces.

Both models feel good on the open road but I preferred the driving position and visibility of the Crossback and the smaller 120hp engine was well up to the task.

The range starts at just under £20,000 but for that you’re getting the latest technology in a stylish sporty hatch and a good dollop of joie de vivre……

CAR: DS4 Crossback Blue HDi 120  6 Speed stop and start manual

PRICE: £23,495 (£24,545 as tested)

ENGINE: 1560cc 4cyl transverse in-line

POWER: 120 hp

TORQUE: 300 Nm

PERFORMANCE: Top speed 117 mph   0-62 mph 10.9 secs

MPG: 72 mpg combined

CO2 EMISSIONS: 103 g/km

TT Rating: