DS Automobiles has revealed the new 2020 DS 4, a premium hatchback that will come in two flavors, targeting the likes of the Audi A3 and the Mercedes A-Class, as well as a few crossovers like the Mercedes GLA and the Lexus UX. The all-new DS 4 is based on the also new EMP2 platform, featuring a striking exterior design with pretty nice proportions inspired by the company’s Aero Sport Lounge concept.
The DS 4 features the company’s new DS
Matrix LED Vision headlights, which are said to combine matrix and directional
lighting, complemented by two S-shaped rows of LEDs on each side acting as
daytime running lights. The doors come with flush-fitting handles while the
rear is highlighted by the longer and lower roofline and the muscular rear fenders.
The French premium brand of the newly
launched Stellantis decided to offer the new DS 4 with a range of tech features
usually found on more expensive models. These include things like the Active
Scan suspension, which uses a camera to read the road ahead and adjust the
suspension accordingly, a large head-up display that appears four meters ahead
of the windscreen thanks to its trick technology, and a Level 2 driving
assistance system.
The interior of the 2020 DS 4 looks
special and different, as expected from a new DS model. There’s a new
infotainment system that operates through a 10-inch touchscreen display with a
new interface and the ability to be controlled by both voice and gestures. The
central air vents are “invisible”, as they are nicely integrated with the
climate controls, while the window switches are mounted inside the door trim
for an uncluttered appearance.
Customers will get to choose between Nappa
leather, and Alcantara upholsteries for the high-density foam seats, as well as
brown ash wood trim, forged carbon, exposed stitching, and the list goes on. If
you ever wanted to see how it feels to sit inside an expensive purse, the new
DS 4 looks like a good place to do it.
The engine range will include a new
plug-in hybrid powertrain, as well as regular petrol and diesel units. The
plug-in hybrid DS 4 E-Tense model pairs a 178 HP 1.6-liter petrol engine with a
108 HP electric motor and a 12.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack for a combined
output of 222 HP. DS claims an EV range of more than 30 miles on the
WLTP cycle. The range is completed with the petrol PureTech models offering 128
HP, 177 HP, and 222 HP respectively, and the diesel
BlueHDi with 128 HP. All variants of the new 2020 DS 4 are paired to
an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The new DS4 will be offered both in base
and Cross body styles, the latter aiming to steal customers away from
soft-roaders like the Mercedes GLA and the BMW X2. The DS4 Cross however will
not offer an increased ride height as you might expect, as it’s limited to some
matt black trim on the body and the addition of roof rails, as well as a trick
traction control system with specific modes, depending on how slippery the
conditions are. The 2020 DS 4 will go on sale across Europe during the fourth
quarter of 2021.


