Skip advert
Advertisement

DS 4 review - French luxury hatch sets its sights on prestige rivals - DS 4 design

Fledgling luxury brand needs stronger cars than DS 4 to prosper

Evo rating
RRP
from £20,045
  • Improved ride, impressive quality and materials
  • Dull dynamics, unimpressive performance

Design

This is the DS 4’s strongest area, as it’s a lovely thing to behold. There are some idiosyncrasies, though, such as the rear side windows… which don’t open at all. Also, that curvaceous rump means the C-pillars are pretty thick, which doesn’t help with rearward visibility when driving. Nevertheless, it cuts its own stylistic path in this market and should be praised for doing so, with a dominant front end working particularly well. It manages to not look gargantuan, despite its crossover leanings.

Advertisement - Article continues below

And if DS is going to be taken seriously as a brand for the fashionistas of the world, then personalisation is key. The roof and door mirror caps of the DS 4 can be painted in contrasting colours to the body, while the alloy wheels are – for some reason – named after Australian cities: the 17-inch design is the Canberra, the 18-inch wheel is the Brisbane and the 19s are called Cairns.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Audi R8 V8 (2007 - 2015) review – the Porsche 911’s equal is a bargain super sports car
Audi R8 V8
Reviews

Audi R8 V8 (2007 - 2015) review – the Porsche 911’s equal is a bargain super sports car

The Audi R8’s launch was perhaps one of the biggest moments in 2000s performance motoring. It’s as sweet today as back then
9 Sep 2025
£200k is a lot for a new 911 Turbo so here are some used options
Used Porsche 911 Turbo
News

£200k is a lot for a new 911 Turbo so here are some used options

The new 992.2 Turbo S has supercar-slaying performance and a bona fide supercar price. Pay less for a used one and get very nearly as much performance…
11 Sep 2025
Toyota GR Yaris Aero Performance pack detailed – Japan has all the fun yet again
Toyota GR Yaris with aero pack
News

Toyota GR Yaris Aero Performance pack detailed – Japan has all the fun yet again

We’re not getting the option of an Aero Performance pack in the UK. We’re still poring over the details, though
12 Sep 2025