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
Price
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

Italy bans Alfa Romeo Milano name, so now it’s Alfa Romeo Junior
Alfa Romeo Junior/Milano
News

Italy bans Alfa Romeo Milano name, so now it’s Alfa Romeo Junior

Just a few days after the Milano's reveal, Alfa Romeo has been forced to change the car’s name entirely
15 Apr 2024
Aston Martin DB12 Volante 2024 review – Britain’s Ferrari beater?
Aston Martin DB12 Volante
Reviews

Aston Martin DB12 Volante 2024 review – Britain’s Ferrari beater?

First drive of the new V8-engined DB12 Volante, the latest model in Lawrence Stroll’s armoury to turn the company around
15 Apr 2024
Kia Stinger GT S Fast Fleet test – 12,000 miles in the V6 sports saloon
evo Fast Fleet Kia Stinger GT S
Long term tests

Kia Stinger GT S Fast Fleet test – 12,000 miles in the V6 sports saloon

After covering 12,000 miles on the Fast Fleet, did the Kia Stinger GT S convince us that it’s a credible alternative to its European rivals?
15 Apr 2024