Citroen DS4 review 2012
New Citroen DS4
By Ian Lynas, 25th May 2012
Citroen has always been famous generating style that sets it apart from the competition and over the years this has become something of a trademark for the French car maker. I recently had the opportunity to drive a DS4 for a few days and was really looking forward to the experience, having owned Citroens - it's the uniquely Gallic styling which always draws me.
The DS4 is a very handsome car - judges in more than 60 countries voted it as being one of the most beautiful cars in the world. The aesthetics are eye catching, it is coupe-like, yet it's a practical five door hatchback which also delivers a sporting performance. Those concealed rear doors are not a new concept - Alfa and a few others have been doing this for years.
New 2012 Citroen DS4
To settle myself into the DS4, I drove it during a weekend away in Donegal to sample the challenging roads and the scenery of one of the prettiest counties in Ireland. There have been improvements to many of the roads, but some still remain in the condition they were 20 years ago.
Handling is sharp and precise and the comfort levels are excellent, none of the soft feel materials of Citroens of the past. A good compromise exists between ride, handling and comfort; it handled bumps with ease. The cabin is spacious with supportive seating and a commanding driving position. The drilled aluminium pedals, embossed door handles and a choice of five leather combinations completes the opulent atmosphere. I liked the large panoramic windscreen: it enhances occupant visibility and illuminates the driver-focused cockpit.
Citroen DS4 interior
Power choice is a wide one with five engines to choose from; two diesels, HDi 110 and HDi 160 and three petrol units that were co-developed with BMW, VTi 120, THP 155 and a new THP 200. The HDi 110 is also available as an e-HDi version, combining Citroen‘s micro-hybrid technology, with second generation Stop & Start which boosts fuel economy by up to 15% in city driving conditions with a CO2 figure of just 114g/km.
Occupant safety is of prime importance and there is an extensive range of features as standard, including ESP with Intelligent Traction Control, ABS with EBD and EBA, six airbags and two Isofix mountings on the rear seats. The DS4 has also received the Euro NCAP Advanced award for its innovative eTouch Emergency & Assistance system and other safety enhancing technology includes programmable cruise control with speed limiter.
Citroen DS4
Three trim levels are offered, DSTYLE, DSIGN and DSPORT, all of which are extremely well equipped.
This is a very complete car, in every sense and while being thoroughly modern, there are still echoes of Citroen's past.
