The DS4 is the second car in Citroen‘s reborn DS brand, following the success of the DS3 supermini launched last year.
The DS4 falls somewhere between a coupe and a five door hatchback, but with the ride height of a SUV. It’s an odd mix, rivalling anything from a Volkswagen Golf to a Nissan Qashqai: A Citroen spokesman says: “We’re giving customers a coupe with more practicality and flexibility associated with it.”
The most powerful diesel version, as tested, with a 2.0-litre 160hp engine is impressive with good acceleration, while handling and steering – albeit it on the light side – are also a pleasure to drive. It falls into the 19% Benefit-in-Kind tax band with 134g/km CO2 compared to the most efficient iteration, a 1.6 110hp emitting 114g/km.
The brand expects two-thirds of buyers to be fleet: there won’t be high volumes, but those that do choose this leftfield alternative, will be pleased.
|