DS 4 facelifted, adds new Crossback crossover variant

Now separate from the Citroën brand, DS Automobiles has started revamping its existing lineup to reflect its new, more premium positioning within the PSA Peugeot Citroën group. After the facelifted DS 5, Different Spirit has now taken the knife to its high-riding hatchback, the DS 4, adding an even higher-riding pseudo-crossover variant – the Crossback – in the process.

Inspired by the Citroën Numero 9 concept, the new face features a large, heavily-chromed “DS Wings” grille connected to headlights incorporating revised internal graphics – the latter mates LED modules and LED sequential indicators to directional xenon projectors.

The front bumper has also been reshaped – adding a full-width chrome bar connecting the fog lights – while the side rubbing strips gain thicker chrome trim. Also new is a two-tone colour option – the roof, rear spoiler, door mirrors and hubcaps can be painted Perla Nera Black, Whisper Purple, Virtual Blue or Tourmaline Orange; these match up to the nine body colour choices, including the new Tourmaline Orange, Artense Grey and Platinum Grey.

Adding a slight pretence of adventure, the Crossback variant has seen its ride height jacked up 30 mm and adds a gloss black finish to the centre front bumper panel, wheel arch trims and door trims, as well as grey roof rails and black door sills and carpets.

Inside, there’s a new seven-inch touchscreen infotainments system with screen mirroring for iOS and Android devices, as well as Apple CarPlay compatibility for the first time on PSA vehicles; this also reduces the button count on the dashboard by 12.

A DS Connect Box option adds SOS and emergency assistance services, vehicle information monitoring, GPS-based alerts and vehicle tracking functions. Also added is the option for a reverse camera, keyless entry and start and blind spot monitoring.

Under the bonnet, the updated DS 4 dispenses with the old naturally-aspirated VTi 120 powertrain on the base version with a new PureTech 130 S&S turbo mill that develops 129 hp and 230 Nm, increases of 9% and 44% respectively. Conversely, fuel consumption and carbon dioxides have been cut by 21% with the six-speed manual transmission, to 5.1 litres per 100 km and 119 grams of CO2 per kilometre.

Elsewhere, the 1.6 litre THP turbo engine now gets 163 hp/240 Nm (with a six-speed auto) and 208 hp/285 Nm (with a six-speed manual) outputs – despite the former cutting fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by a staggering 29% over the old THP 160 – while the BlueHDI 120, 150 and 180 diesel mills now meet Euro 6 emissions standards. Suspension tuning has also been revised, with specific adjustments for both regular hatch and Crossback variants.

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