DS Automobiles, the standalone brand hived off from Citroën, is forging ahead with launch plans for its hybrid and petrol DS 4 that will go on sale in the fourth quarter as a challenger in the Premium ‘C’ segment.

Marion David, Product Director, DS Automobiles, says: “DS 4 was conceived to redefine the outline of the Premium C segment. It’s aimed at customers attracted by two body shapes: the new aspirational Coupé-SUV and the traditional compact hatchback. At every stage of its design, the idea of appealing to these two segments drove our decisions.”

With a width of 1,83 metres and large 720-millimetre wheels (alloys up to 20 inches), for a compact length of 4,.40 metres and a roof height of 1,.47 metres, the dimensions provide an imposing presence and Thierry Metroz, Design Director, DS Automobiles, comments: “Even before drawing the first pencil line, we worked for two years with our engineers shaping the technical platform. When we began the creative process, the room for manoeuvre we had in devising a new concept was incredible.

“Inspired by the DS Aero Sport Lounge concept, the silhouette is unique in the segment with proportions that have never been seen before. The outline is athletic, very muscular, compact and sits on very large wheels. It’s turned out to be aerodynamic, efficient and charismatic all at once.”

The front is characterised by a new light signature and the slim projector headlamps feature the DS Matrix LED Vision system that combines matrix and directional lighting. They are complemented by Daytime Running Lights made up of two lines of LEDs on either side (98 LEDs in total). The DS WINGS link the headlamps to the grille. Depending on the version, this is made up of two parts with diamond tip motifs, in graduated sizes, that stand out in a three-dimensional grille.

At the rear, the roof stretches down low on a steeply sloping rear window with an enamel screen print and  the rear wings have muscular appearance with curves and sharp edges on the bodywork emphasising the C pillar, which has a gloss black finish branded with an inset DS Automobiles badge.

DS 4 Cross plays on the visual perception of an SUV with a treatment to the lower part of the bumper emphasised by special protection and matt black paint. The gloss black upper parts to the side window frames, gloss black grille, distinctive alloy wheels, roof bars and a roof the same colour as the bodywork finishes it off.

As an exclusive option, DS 4 CROSS gets Advanced Traction Control for improved grip with sand, snow and mud modes and Hill Assist Descent Control.

More dynamic, DS 4 Performance Line has an exterior trimmed in black with a Black Pack and black alloy wheels.

The new version of the EMP2 platform was conceived to accommodate a new generation plug-in hybrid drivetrain without compromising usability and boot space. A turbo-charged 134 kW 4-cylinder engine is paired with a 82 kW electric motor and an e-EAT8 gearbox, for a combined 167 kW.

It is powered by a more efficient battery with new, more compact and larger capacity cells located behind the deformable beam and giving a range of more than 50 kilometres in zero emissions mode (WLTP combined cycle).

The PureTech 96, 134 and 167 kW petrol versions and a 96 kW Diesel BlueHDi version will also be offered. All these models will only get the 8-speed automatic gearbox.

Already offered on DS 3 Crossback, DS 7 Crossback and DS 9, level 2 semi-autonomous driving has had a major update for DS 4 with DS Drive Assist 2.0.

The cruise control adapts speed depending on the traffic flow with the ability to stop and restart in traffic jams. The system also ensures precise car positioning in the lane of the driver’s choice.

For DS 4, operation is improved with three new features: semi-automatic overtaking, speed adjustment for corners and anticipated speed recommendations from signposts. The steering wheel features a grip sensor that continually checks if the driver is active because they should always be in control.

DS 4 is made of 95% reusable materials and 85% recyclable parts and 30% of its weight is from renewable or recycled materials, divided between metals and polymers. The dashboard in particular is made of 20% hemp for parts that cannot be seen. Among the recycled materials, polypropylene, polyester and elastomer fibres are used under the chassis as baffles, for noise reducing or as mounting points.

We wait to hear if it will be locally introduced.