DS 4 is introduced in the second generation

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The new DS 4 will stand in the portfolio of the independent brand next to the small DS 3 Crossback crossover, DS 7 Crossback SUV and DS 9 flag limousine.

At the same time, it is an important model from the point of view of the PSA group or the newly formed Stellantis. It is the first to arrive on an innovated compact version of the EMP2 modular platform. New editions of the Peugeot 308, Opel Astra and possibly the Alfa Romeo Giulietta will follow in the same segment.

The new DS 4 draws on the established design language of the young brand, the exterior is captivated by a distinctive radiator grille in a form called DS Wings, ie with chrome wings.

Angled LED elements at the edges of the bow are also a significant element. At the back, the fourtry to capture the horizontally placed lamps with silver details. The outgoing door handles they share with the DS 3 Crossback will also impress.

The novelty has a compact length of 4400 mm and a height of only 1470 mm.

Although it is again a hatchback, the Cross version is also available. Similar to the Crossback variant in the case of the first generation, it offers SUV design elements, led by plastic-coated fenders, sills and bumpers.

Inside, the DS designers swung again, including the rhombus details - on the other hand, at first glance, it looks as if the interior was a bit tighter.

The driver's digital instrument panel, the central screen with the new DS Iris infotainment and the large-screen head-up display are complemented by a small display on the center console, which can be used to touch key elements. When controlling ventilation, however, the French this time opted for physical buttons.

DS 4 is also supposed to be about luxury materials inside. The creators mention, for example, sewing with the guilloche pattern Clous de Paris, which was inspired by luxury watch products. Forged carbon steel or ash wood, for example, is also used.

The acoustics are provided by the top hi-fi system Focal Electra with an output of 690 W with 14 speakers.

The DS 4 always has an eight-speed automatic transmission, but the range of engines is varied. The twelve-cylinder petrol engine offers 130 horsepower, the 180-horsepower and the HPHD diesel variant.

The highlight is the plug-in hybrid with the possibility of recharging from the network. It is a well-known combination of a petrol sixteen and an electric motor. The system power reaches 225 hp. The DS promises a range of more than 50 kilometers on electricity, according to the stricter WLTP protocol. For DS, there is an enlarged battery to a capacity of 12.4 kWh. You will find it under the luggage compartment, which limits from the original 430 liters to 390 liters.

The French carmaker also boasts technologies that are not common in the C segment. Like the DS 7 Crossback, the DS 4 has a road scanning function, in which the camera alerts you to potholes and adjusts the shock absorbers to the type of unevenness.

The novelty achieves semi-autonomous control of the second level, so it can stay in the middle of the lane, as well as at a distance from the surrounding traffic.

The matrix headlights with the coverage of the surrounding traffic are a matter of course, but the segments in the headlights also rotate physically. After all, the Citroen DS was the first car with this function in the 1960s.

Sales of DS 4 will begin in the fourth quarter of 2021 at prices not yet specified.