[Auto] DS 4 2021: The club of premium compact cars is dangerously animated

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The PSA Group promised them very happy when DS Automobiles became independent from Citroën. Creating a premium firm from scratch has not been easy for them, especially when their first models were based on those of their parent firm. The first generation of the DS 4 tried to stand up to products such as the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class but it was not easy at all. Especially for its excessive resemblance to the commoner Citroën C4.

It wasn't until he underwent a restyling that things perked up. At that moment the CrossBack bodywork arrived and it was then that customers became interested in it. Now, the second generation of the DS 4 lands on the market and it seems that a thousand years have passed since the previous one stopped being sold. Especially since those responsible for the firm have created a truly premium product for design, interior quality, technological and mechanical possibilities.

The image of the DS 4 2021 is inspired by that of the AERO SPORT LOUNGE concept

Unlike the previous DS 4, the new one sports a silhouette inspired by the DS AERO SPORT LOUNGE concept. The powerful front is highlighted by the DS MATRIX LED VISION lighting system that combines matrix and directional lights by light diodes. Next to them there are daytime running lights that are made up of 98 LEDs. The grille, which is linked to the optics via DS WINGS, is divided in two and features a diamond pattern.

If we go to the side view we can see torn and flowing lines. It is in this area where the differences between the DS 4 and the new CROSS jacket version are most appreciated. Especially for the discreet plastic protections and the alloy wheels. These come straight from the AERO SPORT LOUNGE and are 20 inches. We must also highlight the format and finish of the «C» pillar in contrast to the roof and the chrome that adorns it.

State-of-the-art, premium-quality interior

If the exterior evolution of the DS 4 is gigantic, inside it is no less. The structure of the French compact is new, betting on digitization and ergonomics divided into three planes. First we have a configurable digital instrument cluster that is complemented by the 21-inch DS EXTENDED HEAD-UP DISPLAY. Crowning the dashboard is a screen for the 10-inch DS IRIS SYSTEM infotainment system.

Finally, in the central tunnel we have a gesture control system called DS SMART TOUCH. It charges thanks to a 5-inch touch screen that identifies movements such as zoom in, zoom out and has handwriting recognition. If we go to the intermediate zone, we discover the DS AIR air conditioning system. As you can see there are no vents, as they are hidden behind the controls to manage the climate.

In the lower area of the central console we have controls for the warning as well as other direct accesses. Another detail to highlight is the location of the ventilation outlets and the controls for the power windows on the doors. They're uptown, Range Rover style. Regarding the combination and quality of materials, the DS 4 2021 lives up to the best premium compacts on the market with leather and wood everywhere.

As for active driving aids, the DS 4 2021 will have a level 2 semi-autonomous driving system. For this, it has the latest evolution of the DS DRIVE ASSIST 2.0 system with aids such as lane keeping, frontal radar or camera located on the windshield. All this will help the DS ACTIVE SCAN SUSPENSION suspension and the DS NIGHT VISION night vision system to function properly.

 

Mechanical offer to match: E-TENSE versions included

Finally, we take a look at the mechanical range that brings the DS 4 2021 to life. Stellantis has put all the meat on the grill by employing an evolution of the EMP2 platform. Thanks to this architecture, it can offer a wide range in which there is no shortage of gasoline, diesel and E-TENSE plug-in hybrids. The first three is made up of the 1.2 PureTech block with 130 hp complemented by the 1.6 PureTech with 180 hp and 225 hp.

The diesel family consists of a single version, the 1.5 BlueHDi with 130 HP of power. In all cases, the associated transmission for its management is automatic by a torque converter with 8 EAT8 ratios. The E-TENSE version combines the 180 hp 1.6 PureTech block with a 110 hp electric and an e-EAT8 transmission. The combined power is 225 hp and thanks to a new battery it reaches 50 kilometers of autonomy in electric.

As expected, and it happens in other sister models, the revamped DS 4 is a pure front-wheel drive. This technical characteristic must also be applied to the new version of the CROSS jacket. The main aid for off-road driving comes from the hand of advanced traction control. To improve grip, it has different driving modes: sand, snow and mud and assisted descent control on slopes.

 

When and how will the new DS 4 hit the market?

The arrival of the French compact will take place in the fourth quarter of the year. It will do so in three versions: DS 4, DS 4 CROSS and DS 4 PERFORMANCE LINE. Depending on the chosen one, it will have different accessories and ornaments. Seven colors are available to dress it, two of them new: COPPER GOLD and LACQUERED GRAY. The others are: PEARL CRYSTAL, PLATINUM GRAY, RED VELVET, PEARL WHITE and PERLA NERA BLACK.

For now we do not know what their official prices will be, although between now and the end of the year there is a lot of time to get to know the DS 4 2021. Do you like it?