PSA Group is developing the
second-generation DS 4 premium compact vehicle and this is the first time a
prototype is seen in public. As these spy shots clearly show, the all-new DS 4
will come in crossover guise, effectively offering a follow-up to the
discontinued DS 4 Crossback. However, things are not that simple as PSA’s
premium brand is also expected to offer the upcoming DS 4 with a more
traditional hatchback body style as well.
Said variant will compete directly with
the likes of the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class, while the DS
4 Crossback will take on the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Mercedes GLA. While this
camouflaged example does show some resemblance to recent prototypes of the
next-generation Citroën C4 coupe crossover, the DS 4 will reportedly use the
Efficient Modular Platform 2 (EMP2) instead of the C4’s stretched CMP
architecture.
Shared with the Peugeot 308 and DS 7
Crossback, EMP2 will enable the next-generation DS 4 to offer plug-in hybrid
powertrains in addition to gasoline and diesel engines. However, there is
currently no all-electric model based on the EMP2 platform which means the
upcoming DS 4 won’t come in zero-emission flavor. However, the architecture
should allow the DS 4 to pack the latest driver assistance systems, including
semi-autonomous driving.
As for the styling, the 2021 DS 4
Crossback looks pretty sleek with the production body. As with the
next-generation Citroën C4, it features a sloping roofline but the rear end has
a conventional, more harmonious styling. The horizontal headlights and taillights
remind of the DS 7 Crossback, as does the entire vehicle, actually. The main
difference (besides the smaller size, obviously) is the fact that the new DS 4
Crossback appears to have a flatter body which gives it a sportier appearance.
Expect the new DS 4 Crossback to debut
later this year, likely at the Geneva Motor Show next month. The regular DS 4
hatchback will launch later, possibly in 2021.
