DS4 plug-in test drive

DS 4 is suitable for those who don’t like to be part of the crowd and are willing to pay a premium for avant-garde design and Citroën-class comfort. The hybrid-charged system adds power and fuel savings, but only if you make sure to charge the battery.

First things first – Who’s DS?

DS Automobiles is a French premium automotive marque founded in 2009. It was initially launched as a sub-brand of Citroën but became a standalone brand in 2014. The brand was established with the aim of embodying French luxury and savoir-faire in the automotive industry. Since its launch, DS Automobiles (now part of Stellantis group) has introduced several car models, each reflecting a combination of elegant design, advanced technology, and refined driving experience.

Here is an overview of DS Automobiles from its launch till today, including the car models it has launched:

1. DS 3 (2010 – Present): The DS 3 was initially introduced as a model under the Citroën brand before DS Automobiles became a standalone brand. It is a premium compact hatchback known for its distinctive styling and customizable options. The DS 3 offers various engine choices, including petrol, diesel, and electric powertrains, providing a range of options for different customer preferences.
2. DS 4 (2011 – Present): The DS 4 is a compact executive car that showcases a blend of sleek design and comfort. It features a spacious interior, premium materials, and advanced technology. The DS 4 is available in both hatchback and Crossback (crossover) variants, catering to different customer needs.
3. DS 5 (2011 – Present): The DS 5 is a luxury executive car that emphasizes elegance and sophistication. It offers a stylish and distinctive exterior design with a spacious and refined interior. The DS 5 combines comfort with advanced technologies, including hybrid powertrain options, delivering a high level of performance and efficiency.
4. DS 7 Crossback (2017 – Present): The DS 7 Crossback is a premium compact SUV that represents DS Automobiles’ entry into the SUV segment. It embodies the brand’s commitment to avant-garde design, craftsmanship, and cutting-edge technologies. The DS 7 Crossback offers various engine options, including petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid variants, providing versatility and efficiency.
5. DS 9 (2020 – Present): The DS 9 is a luxury sedan that showcases French savoir-faire and elegance. It offers a spacious and refined interior, featuring premium materials and advanced technologies. The DS 9 combines powerful performance with electrified powertrain options, including plug-in hybrid and pure electric variants, demonstrating DS Automobiles’ commitment to sustainable mobility.

In addition to these core models, DS Automobiles has also launched limited edition versions and concept cars to showcase its design prowess and innovative spirit. The brand focuses on providing a unique and exclusive ownership experience through personalization options, advanced technology features, and attentive customer service.

Design & Configuration

The DS 4 is based on the Peugeot 308, and it’s not difficult to find its source in it. But thanks to impressive design work, it rises to play in a high league where it competes against a very small number of luxury models, mainly German. Its weapon: a unique avant-garde design that starts on the outside and amplifies within the passenger compartment and the driver’s surroundings.

For this test, we took the CROSS RIVOLI E-TENSE version – one of two plug-in hybrid versions, which is equipped with the high-end and expensive level of equipment. In terms of price, the DS 4 competes against the BMW 1 Series and the Audi A3 – cars that provide a typical “German” driving and riding experience with a level of rigidity intended to support dynamic capabilities rather than focusing on comfort and pampering. DS 4 found its own path and focuses on design that breaks conventions, high-level comfort in the driver’s environment, and unique exterior design.

The DS 4 is built on the same platform as the Peugeot 308 and Opel Astra and has a close relationship with the Astra, especially since both are manufactured on the same production line at Opel’s factory in Rüsselsheim, Germany. In terms of this aspect, the DS 4 is undoubtedly the most “German” product of DS.

The exterior design of the DS 4 has a crossover essence with a clear inclination towards a “coupe” direction, similar to the BMW X2, Volvo C40, or Audi Q3 Sportback. The most prominent design features include a vertical front with a large and sharply slanted front grille, and a rear section of the roof that slopes sharply downwards to create a “coupe” feel. The “diamond-shaped” motif, which is quite common in the DS brand, is repeated in both the exterior and interior design. From a profile view, there are angular design lines that “intersect” the doors and strive to give the car a characteristic design typical of the brand. The rear windows are darkened, and the DS logo is integrated into the rear taillights. The door handles are retractable, adding to the impressive design.

The “CROSS” designation in the version’s name is purely design-related, such as the addition of roof rails, and all versions feature stylish and impressive LED lighting. The emphasis on the design of the headlamps and the style of the lighting contributes significantly to the impressive visual effect.

Interior design

The design of the passenger cabin and driver’s environment is suitable for the definition “avant-garde”: the narrow window line, the dashboard positioned higher than the occupants to provide a sense of sitting inside the vehicle, the minimal penetrating lighting into the cabin, and the intimate atmosphere. The diamond motif repeats itself: in the remote key fob, buttons, metallic knobs, and even the touchscreen located on the center console, with its default display resembling a digital diamond. The materials, various elements, and physical buttons convey a sense of quality, and the colors combination is impressive. The test vehicle has thick nappa leather upholstery hand-stitched (for an additional fee).

Not surprisingly, being “Avangard” requires some peculiarities or “being different,” such as arranging controls on the driver’s door – window control buttons, concealed internal handles to open the doors, and a grip socket for closing them. Some might not get used to it.

The driver’s environment features three digital displays: the instrument cluster, a central 10-inch multimedia display, and a screen located below the gear selector that allows for shortcuts and input of words on interfaces. For example, it is possible to enter an address for the navigation system.

The front seats are electrically adjustable and have heating, ventilation, and a nice selection of soothing massages. When the car is turned off, the front seats move backward to allow for easy entry and exit. There is noticeable attention to detail, but if you make an effort, you can discover a few small features that require the driver to learn or think a little more during operation. Thanks to DS designers, there is a focus on physical shortcut buttons for frequently used systems like climate control, Unfortunately, there are several functions that can only be operated through the touch screen, which is not safe while driving.

The rear passengers have air conditioning vents, USB sockets, personal lighting, and a removable armrest, but these do not compensate for the limited living space. Two adults can feel very comfortable, however a third adult will make things way too crowded.

The cargo compartment of the Plug-in version has a volume of 390 liters, which means that 40 liters are sacrificed for the battery compared to the regular version. More concerning is the fact hat the floor beneath the rear passengers feet is raised, which reduces the passengers living space.

Driving it

A significant advantage of the plug-in version compared to the gasoline version stems from an adaptive suspension system. Its control system receives information from cameras that scan the road and prepare it for the hurdles it needs to overcome. The adaptive system adjusts the shock absorbers’ stiffness or softness and also responds to the driver’s choice between “comfort” and “performance.

There are four driving modes to choose from: Sport, Comfort, Hybrid, and Electric. The first two options affect the level of stiffness and comfort. However, even in “Sport” mode, the DS 4 is not a “driving machine” but still does not penalize comfort. In contrast, the Comfort mode provides a smooth ride at the expense of noticeable body roll during cornering.

The level of comfort is particularly impressive in urban driving thanks to effective handling, even in the most brutal conditions such as speed bumps, protrusions, and potholes. The passenger cabin is quiet and isolated, and only rarely do noise dampeners penetrate the passenger compartment.

In interurban travel, the soft suspension is especially noticeable on bumpy roads, creating unnecessary oscillations, but it is not very bothersome. Overall, a good balance is achieved between vehicle oscillations and excellent absorption. The best combination for it is the “comfort” mode in urban driving and the “sport” mode in interurban driving. The level of grip is good and provides a sense of security. The steering is not communicative however it’s precise and responds quickly. Its’ weight is particularly good in “sport” mode. In other situations, it is slightly too light.

Performance

The 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine is connected to an electric motor that adds 12.4 kilowatts of power when both are operating together. This combination produces 225 horsepower and 36.7 kg-m of torque. The power is transmitted to the front wheels through an 8-speed automatic planetary transmission, and pressing the accelerator pedal provides a very spirited feeling.

The electric propulsion delivers powerful acceleration from a standstill, and when the need for overtaking arises, the result is not disappointing. The transmission occasionally hesitates and the gear shifting action is sometimes very noticeable. Since the DS4 is supposed to be a premium car, we had to mention it.

The performance doesn’t create too much of excitement on its own but blends well with the balanced and pleasant character of the DS 4. The driver’s level of engagement can have a significant impact on fuel consumption. Those who make sure to connect the cable to the charging station and hit the road with a fully charged battery will achieve impressive results in this regard. However, those who are lazy will find themselves carrying around a heavy system that could potentially affect their fuel consumption even compared to a non-hybrid car. In our test, where we started with a fully charged battery and continued in regular hybrid mode, we achieved a reasonable but not brilliant result of 7.4 liters/100km (31.75 miles/gallon). A driver who takes the time to charge the battery can save a lot of fuel and air pollution.

Features and safety systems

The DS 4 CROSS RIVOLI E-TENSE, compared to lower trims, includes additional features (in the EU. Consult your local dealer for precise features list):

Exterior Features:

• Automatic headlight activation
• Roof bars
• Electric mirrors
• Panoramic sunroof
• Tinted windows
• Reversing camera
• 19-inch alloy wheels

Interior and Comfort Features:

• Central armrest
• On-board computer
• Adjustable steering wheel
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Hill start assist
• USB digital radio
• Automatic air conditioning
• Rear central armrest
• Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters
• Height-adjustable driver’s seat
• Adjustable passenger seat
• USB audio socket
• Ski hatch
• Touchscreen display
• Pollen filter
• Multi-zone climate control
• Drive mode selection
• Energy recovery during deceleration
• Steering wheel adjustments (height and depth)
• Cooled front center armrest with storage
• ADML PROXIMITY: Hands-free access and start with automatic unlocking and deployment of flush-fitting door handles when approaching the vehicle
• Side air vents mounted on the doors
• Rear parking aid
• Central airbag between the front seats
• Shark fin radio antenna
• 4-way adjustable integrated headrests
• Two-tone warning
• Collision risk warning
• 2/3 – 1/3 split-folding rear bench
• And more

Safety Features:

• ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
• Front airbags
• Side airbags
• Traction control
• Tire pressure monitoring
• ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
• Automatic parking brake
• Front radar for obstacle detection
• ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation)
• Emergency brake assist
• Electronic brakeforce distribution
• ISOFIX child seat attachments
• Curtain airbags
• Automatic door locking while driving
• Speed limiter

Powertrain:

• Hybrid E-Tense powertrain
• Combined power output: 225 horsepower
• Advanced e-EAT 8-speed automatic transmission
• 1.6-liter PureTech engine
• 110 horsepower electric motor with 320 Nm of torque
• 12.4 kWh battery capacity providing up to 62 km of electric range
• Fuel consumption: 1.2 liters/100 km according to WLTP protocol
• CO2 emissions: 27 g/km [2]

Warranty:

• 5-year warranty for mechanical parts
• 8-year or 160,000 km warranty for the E-Tense hybrid battery, whichever comes first

Final thoughts

A part of the definition of premium, for which some are willing to pay a lot of money, is uniqueness. Whether it’s about refined design or non-routine dynamic capabilities, some are willing to pay more to avoid driving the other guy’s car. DS in general, and DS 4 in particular, definitely marks a big check mark on the exclusivity section, and those who drive this model won’t see this car at every traffic light. One can like or dislike the design, but there’s no doubt that it is unique and well-crafted, and it’s not limited to the exterior design but accompanies the driver and passengers throughout their journeys.

The performance is also not disappointing, with high-quality materials and a presentation that meets the expectations in the category. In practical aspects, DS 4 meets expectations even though it does not bring any additional value in terms of dynamic capabilities or driving pleasure.

The choice between the plug-in hybrid version or the regular petrol turbo version primarily depends on the availability of a home charging station and, no less importantly, the intention of the driver or owner to use it. For those who do not intend to make the effort to connect to the electric grid, it’s not worth dragging along the extra weight and ultimately not really saving on fuel.