Overview

The DS 4 is the company’s premium hatchback with a distinctly Gallic flavour. It’s positioned between the 3 and the 7, and is aimed to appeal to buyers looking for something a little taller than more traditional rivals, such as the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series or Mercedes A-Class, but don’t want to go the whole hog with an SUV.

The DS 4 is available in regular form and as the DS 4 Cross – an SUV-themed version with a few design tricks to make it look like it’s beefier and taller – even though it isn’t. They’re both available with a wide choice of interior and exterior finishes, but there’s also a trim package called Performance Line that DS regards as a separate third version.

DS has you well covered when it comes to engines. There are three pure petrol engines, a sole 1.2-litre three-cylinder and a pair of 1.6-litre four cylinders, a plug-in hybrid and even a diesel. All are turbocharged and will be familiar to anyone that’s driven a Citroen, DS or Peugeot in the last couple of years. Because DS is a posh brand, you won’t find any manual gearboxes, just automatics.

It shares much of its technology with a range of hatchbacks and SUVs offered by Peugeot, Citroen and Vauxhall. But DS is a premium brand and is majoring on comfort, style, technology and a civilised ownership experience, rather than worrying about its dynamic similarities to the Peugeot 308 or Vauxhall Astra.

If like many, you’re in the market for a posh hatch, you’ve come to the right place. Over the next few pages you’ll be able to read everything you need to know about the DS 4, including its practicality, how much it costs to run, and what it’s like to drive. Most importantly, we’ll tell you whether you should have one or not.