Citroën DS Range Reviews

FIRST DRIVES: CITROËN DS4

It’s taller, sleeker and posher than the C4 it’s based on. In the new Citroën DS4, you get an extra 28mm uplift over a standard C4, pitching the car at the increasing numbers of people who like to perch a peg up. And not only do you get the ‘raised’ ride height, the DS4 is also a coupé in the sense that the window line is a bit sleeker, and the rear door handles have been hidden in the C-pillar.

So the DS4 aims to solve those low seating, chipped paint conundrums, while also throwing in some Gallic plushness, a dab of eccentricity and distinctive styling for barely the price of an entry-level BMW.

Luxurious – rather than sporty – touches are key to the offering: somebody has decided to design seats inspired by watch straps, which is pleasantly absurd, but the thick leather bolstered links look great. That said, in the context of volume hatchbacks such as the Focus or Astra, it’s on a different plane stylistically, as well as being sportier and plusher than its rivals.

The DS4 contains a surprising amount of fun. Flexible and responsive, it would give a Golf GTI a run for its money.

From: CAR – June 2011

DRIVE OF THE WEEK: THREE WISHES GRANTED

The DS4 is Citroën’s answer to stylish models from the likes of Alfa Romeo and Mini. It has been designed as three cars in one, aiming for the practicality of a `ve-door hatchback, the style of a coupé and the presence of an off-roader. When BMW tried the same with the X6, it created one of the ugliest cars so far seen this century. But the DS4 pulls it off and is really rather attractive.

Citroën has got to work and the resulting driving experience is thoroughly pleasant. Test-driving a 2-litre diesel model through town, down a motorway and onto some country roads showed up a competent car and should `t comfortably into the lives of its intended customers.

If you’re looking for a medium-size hatchback and are as concerned with form as function, there may well be enough here for it to make sense.

From: The Sunday Times – 15 May 2011

NEW CITROËN DS4

It’s the next stage in Citroën’s DS range, following the likeable and successful DS3. The DS4 is derived from the recently-launched C4, and like the DS3 it brings an upmarket cabin ambience and lots of design flourishes. This time, however, instead of a sporty three-door hatchback it’s a five-door with a highish ‘crossover’ stance, a coupé-like roofline and hidden rear door handles.

The DS4 is a genuinely entertaining drive. The steering is precise and feels natural in its progressive build-up of weighting, and the front wheels track keenly around a tightening bend. You can lean hard on the DS4 and not run out of bite.

From: Evo – May 2011

BEST SMALL CAR: WINNER CITROËN DS3

Rare is the car that shines out a future classic even when it is brand new. Citroën DS3 is such a car. It has style and panache, with distinctive good looks that are fresh and fun. It has an ageless air about it, with a youthful exuberance that gives it a trendy appeal, but at the same time exudes an enduring quality and substance. Everyone who drives a DS3 enthuses about it. The driving experience combines a secure ‘planted’ feel with a pert, grippy liveliness that makes it real fun behind the wheel. Citroën’s designers and engineers have done a cracking good job.

From: Diesel Car – June 2011