DS 4 review - French luxury hatch sets its sights on prestige rivals - DS 4 prices, specs and rivals

Since the range rejig that saw DS separate from the Citroen mothership, the regular DS 4 has been available in only two trim levels, Elegance and Prestige. There is however an entirely separate line of DS 4 Crossback models, which continue the DS 4's previous crossover vibe with a raised ride height and chunkier styling.

The PureTech 130 kicks the range off at £20,045 in Elegance trim, stepping up to £21,295 as a Prestige model. The same engine in the Crossback will set you back £22,295. Equipment levels are high regardless of the trim level - even the 'basic' Elegance models come as standard with a panoramic windscreen, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, automatic lights, DAB and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Diesel models begin at £21,795 for an Elegance BlueHDi 120. Moving to Prestige trim adds £1350 to the price tag and automatic models are a further £1200. An Elegance BlueHDi 150 is £22,795, the BlueHDi 180 (Prestige-only) is £26,045, and the 165 and 210 THP models are £22,995 and £23,545 respectively.

Prestige trim could be well worth the extra for some, adding keyless entry, a reversing camera, Xenon headlights and LED foglights, Nappa leather on the steering wheel and 18-inch alloy wheels. Crossback models get a range of gloss black-painted details, aluminium-coloured roof bars, a raised ride height and various other crossover styling details.

Rivals are hard to pin down but anything even remotely C-segment in either size or pricing could be considered a competitor. Citroen would want you to think it’s a rival to Audi’s A3, the BMW 1 Series and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class – we think it has a way to go yet before it can be truly considered in the same vein, as it lacks the German cars' dynamics (in both ride and handling terms) and despite DS's impressive concessions to quality, it's not quite up to the same level.

Infiniti has recently launched a rival too, in the shape of the Q30. It's an acquired taste and like the DS 4 it's not a car to make you grin on a good road, but it's comfortable and feels high-quality inside and out.