Skip advert
Advertisement

DS 4 review - French luxury hatch sets its sights on prestige rivals - DS 4 design

Fledgling luxury brand needs stronger cars than DS 4 to prosper

Evo rating
RRP
from £20,045
  • Improved ride, impressive quality and materials
  • Dull dynamics, unimpressive performance

Design

This is the DS 4’s strongest area, as it’s a lovely thing to behold. There are some idiosyncrasies, though, such as the rear side windows… which don’t open at all. Also, that curvaceous rump means the C-pillars are pretty thick, which doesn’t help with rearward visibility when driving. Nevertheless, it cuts its own stylistic path in this market and should be praised for doing so, with a dominant front end working particularly well. It manages to not look gargantuan, despite its crossover leanings.

Advertisement - Article continues below

And if DS is going to be taken seriously as a brand for the fashionistas of the world, then personalisation is key. The roof and door mirror caps of the DS 4 can be painted in contrasting colours to the body, while the alloy wheels are – for some reason – named after Australian cities: the 17-inch design is the Canberra, the 18-inch wheel is the Brisbane and the 19s are called Cairns.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Volkswagen Passat 2025 review – a breath of fresh air next to leaden EVs
Volkswagen Passat front
Reviews

Volkswagen Passat 2025 review – a breath of fresh air next to leaden EVs

Being ‘only’ 1500kg has its advantages. The latest Passat in petrol-only form reminds us ‘normal’ cars can and should be above average
16 Apr 2025
Morgan Supersport 2025 review – Malvern's alternative to a Porsche Cayman GTS
Morgan Supersport front
Reviews

Morgan Supersport 2025 review – Malvern's alternative to a Porsche Cayman GTS

Morgan’s new flagship is its most versatile car yet. Does modernising mean losing the magic?
14 Apr 2025
Driving the iconic Renault Sport Clio 172 – car pictures of the week
Renault Sport Clio 172 – front
Features

Driving the iconic Renault Sport Clio 172 – car pictures of the week

In issue 332 of evo, we revisit the brilliant Renault Sport Clio 172 – these are our favourite shots
13 Apr 2025