Second Generation DS 4

After a three-year hiatus, the DS 4 returns for its second generation and it's now a sleeker and more stylish hatchback that is as French as the Louvre. Like it or not, the all-new DS 4 is a bold fashion statement that balances the good and bad characteristics of a proper French car. Let's investigate.

2022 DS Automobiles 4

2022 DS Automobiles 4

Priced at 38,500 Euros plus additional costs, the all-new DS 4 marks the return of the DS brand's first five-door hatchback after three years in new and almost exciting ways that will tickle the drivers' fancies within. 

Beginning with the design, the new model is now sharper-looking compared to the old DS 4, which is surprisingly great for a French hatchback but when you parked somewhere at a fancy party place in Ibiza or near the casino at Monaco, it's hard to pass itself as a luxury car because, despite its premium design, it's basically a Peugeot 308 underneath, like a commoner dressed for JS Prom. Even the Cross variant with its rugged looks won't budge it because it's too obvious to know.

Obvious aside, the new model is heavily made of reusable and recyclable parts, meaning it has a conscience to the environment and sustainability, something that most carmakers will learn and adapt to someday.

2022 DS Automobiles 4 interior

Check inside and you will notice that the dashboard feels like a mashup between Star Trek and Beat Saber. Riffing aside, the minimalist layout spells trouble for speedo boys behind the wheel and that spells confusion unless you have a Bachelor's Degree in IT. To add more French salt to the wounds, it even comes with the DS IRIS SYSTEM that mashes up Alexa and the gesture control from BMW. Brace yourselves for some talk marathon if you're sitting at its sweet spot.

Because the new model is bigger than before, it's surprisingly roomier and more comfortable, giving the impression that you're like riding in an A-Class or an A3, which are the DS 4's targets but that would be burgeois to compare it to the German luxury hatchbacks that priced less than this. As for the boot, it's bigger than the previous DS 4 and the rear seats can be folded down for more.

2022 DS Automobiles 4

The all-new DS 4 is powered by three different powertrains; the 1.2 PureTech, the 1.5 BlueHDI, and the 1.6L E-TENSE PHEV powertrain. The said E-TENSE powertrain combines the turbocharged 1.6L petrol engine with an 81kW electric motor, lithium-ion battery, and an e-EAT8 gearbox. It delivers a combined power output of 225PS, 360Nm of combined torque, a 0-100kph time of 7.7 seconds, a top speed of 233kph, and 1.3L/100km of fuel economy.

Sounds high-performance class until we get to know about its dynamics. Despite its cheap suspension layout that behaves like a mainstream Japanese family hatchback, the new DS 4 drives better than the previous model. It even comes with the DS ACTIVE SCAN SUSPENSION which uses cameras that can detect road conditions and adapts through it like an auto-correct feature on your word processing software. The Cross variant features Advanced Traction Control and Hill Assist Descent Control, which are good enough while traversing through the dirt. Not exciting to drive but it feels good everywhere. It's about as civilized, as cultured, and as poised as the Germans. Respect for that.

As expected, the new DS 4 is loaded with the most cutting edge ADAS features offered in this semi-luxury hatchback courtesy of its DS DRIVE ASSIST 2.0 with cruise control, semi-automatic overtaking, speed adjustment, Radar Corners, and more, especially the DS NIGHT VISION system that detects stuff in the dark.

This is by no means a major improvement compared to the previous DS 4, like it or not. Despite its suspension setup that made it behave like a mainstream car, the all-new DS 4 is a premium-looking luxury hatchback that deserves to be driven every day. With such packaging, this French artwork is too impossible to ignore.

Photo: DS Automobiles