Background
Citroen has been on a charge recently to take the brand more
upmarket. The new direction started out with the DS3,
and now the all-new DS4 is set to continue the trend.
The Citroen DS4 is larger than the DS3, and also a little more
grown up in its appearance. It's not an ugly car by any means,
but it's also not that exciting or groundbreaking.
Drivetrain
At launch the Citroen DS4 will be offered with a choice of five
different engines. The two HDi diesels - an HDi 110 (also available
as an e-HDi version) and an HDi 160 - are both equipped with
Citroën’s Diesel Particulate Filter System. The three
petrol powerplants - VTi 120, THP 155 and the new THP 200 -
were developed in partnership with BMW. The new THP 200 - based
on the 1.6-litre engine - delivers flexible power delivery and
performance thanks to its power output (200horsepower), plentiful
torque (275Nm at 1,700rpm) - with low CO2 emissions of just
149g/km.
For those who want to get the best fuel economy the e-HDi 110
diesel model is the one to go for. Citroen's micro-hybrid e-HDi
technology features a stop-start system which cuts emissions
and CO2 by as much as 15 percent in built up areas, an alternator
which recovers electrical energy during breaking, and an electronically
controlled gearbox which optimises gear changes for better fuel
economy.
Drivers who want something a little more entertaining might
want to consider the 200 hp THP 200 petrol option.
All the engine options are available with either a six-speed
manual or automatic transmission.
Suspension and Brakes
Citroen's always been pretty proud of the way they can make
a car handle - even when it doesn't. And they've often employed
some unusual tech to get the job done. But for the DS4, Citroen's
engineers have used pretty unremarkable and standard technology.
Up front are MacPherson struts, while at the rear is a a flexible
transverse beam setup.
Jeremie Maestracci, project manager for the DS4, said of the
car: "We really wanted drivers to feel like they have
the road at the tips of their fingers".
Depending on the trim level, the Citroen DS4 comes with large
340mm diameter ventilated disc brakes as standard. Electronic
braking aids include ABS (of course), Electronic Brakeforce
Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA). Basically
all these systems make sure that the driver can bring the car
to a halt as quickly as possible, without the car loosing its
balance or control.
Bodywork and Styling
As said before the Citroen DS4 isn't a revolutionary design
which will light up the world. But for the market it's aimed
at it's more than adequate. It's a good solid design, with a
few nice features including; a panoramic windscreen which extends
high into the roof, hidden rear door handles which give the
car a sleeker appearance, and stylish chrome trim elements.
Interior
The interior of the Citroen DS4 features a range of gadgets
- or as Citroen prefers to call it 'Creative Technologie'. Features
available include an advanced audio system with graphic equalizer
which offers high quality sound throughout the cabin. To keep
you comfortable and supple during long drives, massaging front
seats are available with electric lumbar adjustment in the front
passenger's and driver's seat backs.
Making the car a little more personal, drivers can also choose
their own on-board ambiance from four ranges of polyphonic sounds
- Classic, Crystal Symphony, Jungle Fantasy & Urban Rythmik
- for alerts and reminders; select from three air-conditioning
flow levels - soft, average & intense; and choose from an array
of colours for the instrument panel.
The Citroen DS4 is available with a choice of five leather combinations,
including two-tone options. High-spec models are also fitted
with a leather trimmed dashboard and door panels - complete
with an unusual 'Bracelet' design on the seats.
For an added touch of luxury, there is chrome detailing on the
air vent surrounds, instrument cluster, gear lever and parts
of the central console. Aluminium pedals, embossed leather door
handles and ambient lighting are also featured in the DS4
Similar and related vehicles:
Citroen DS3 Racing (2010)
Citroen C4 VTS (2004 - 2008)
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