The DS 4 has been given a heavy update, bringing in a fresh look, a new name and the option of an electric powertrain for the first time.
The C-segment hatchback has been the French brand’s best-seller in the UK since its 2021 launch, albeit with just 2300 sales.
While it has done much better in Europe, amassing 10,405 sales in 2024, DS is struggling, with overall deliveries dipping 22.4% last year.
It was recently suggested that parent company Stellantis was ready to offload DS last year, but instead it has publicly backed the brand.
In a bid to rejuvenate itself, DS has brought to market a new flagship SUV in the No8 and given its best-seller a wide-reaching update.
This starts with a new name, No4, which follows last year’s new SUV and is part of an effort to move DS back into the premium sphere.
Yet, it will be the addition of an electric variant that should give the model added appeal – especially in the UK, where manufacturers are pressed to sell an increased number of EVs.
Using the same powertrain as the similarly sized Peugeot e-408 and recently facelifted Citroën ë-C4, the No4 E-Tense is fitted with a 58.3kWh (net) battery that delivers up to 280 miles of range.
Power is supplied by a single electric motor that sends 210hp and 253lb ft of torque to the front wheels.
A 0-62mph time has yet to be confirmed, but the e-408 can despatch it in 7.6sec.
Like its Peugeot sibling, the new DS can be rapid-charged at rates of up to 120kW, allowing for a 62-mile top-up in 11 minutes.
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I think you'll find that the DS4 competes in the D-sector, or what used to be called the upper medium class. Either way, and despite the stunning appearance, I doubt that many will be sold. DS has spent a decade selling cars perceived as tarted up Citroens and that reputation looks set to remain. If Citroen had just spent the time getting its quality sorted and looking after its customers, it could have avoided the pointless exercise of rebranding.
Why are Stellantis persisting in flogging a dead cheval? Even in Europe their sales are minuscule and most think of the DS brand as just a glitzy Citroen - certainly not a premium marque or one that is going to give shy lost sleep to Skoda. The market is littered with failures of big global manufactures wanting a bit of the German's pie but thinking they could get away with using a volume platform and dressing in a party frock. It has taken an almighty effort by Toyota to establish Lexus.but they sensibly started at the top and worked downwards. Sadly, even JLR have not been able to sustain the Jaguar brand despite its heritage and the money ploughed into investment of recent models. Saab, Cadillac, Infiniti gone, Genisis struggling and attempts by others - remember Ford's half hearted Vignale line - should have been a warning to PSA. You have to conclude that DS is a little bit of chivalry by the French so that President Macron can have a French state car. Who doesn't laugh when we see him in a Peugeot 5008 in comparison with De Gaulle's imperialist presence in a proper DS. Stellantis would have been wiser and saved themselves a lot of money to stick the DS badge on a Lancia - another illustrious brand that is effectively dead. How long is it going to be before a new CEO is going to wield the axe at Stellantis and get real.
You just regurgitate the same old crap about being a Citroen. It's not, it uses the platform from the Peugeot 308, whereas Citroen C4 uses the EMP1 platform. They used to be, not anymore.
And what if it was??? Lots of Brits buy rebadged Opels which are also pretty much the same as the equivalent Peugeot.
Some even drop a shitload of money on rebadged Discos.
Anyway, the car looks amazing, although the front-end is a bit too fussy. The interior is above anything else you get in its class. Just look at how tacky is the A Klasse or how boring the 1 Series is.