Our Test With The DS4 Crossback
DS4 CROSSBACK
Words by Giorgio Conti
Photos by Daniél Rikkard
DS, the refined rib of the Citroen brand, is imposing its presence in the best way, not wasting time in redundant promises, but demonstrating how it can produce cars capable of responding to the requests of an increasingly prepared and demanding market. The step immediately following the little DS3 is represented by the DS4, which in addition to having a body with more generous dimensions, has five doors and is also available in the Crossback variant – that of our test – wearing the garments of a compact sedan/crossover. Distinguishing it from a traditional DS4 there are plastic profiles on the wheel arches, roof bars, 18-inch specific alloy wheels and a height from the ground that is 3 cm extra than before. Traction still remains on the front axle only and keep in mind that the Crossback is not an off-roader, but it must be admitted that the extra centimeters from the ground turn a few kilometers on unpaved roads an easier thing.
As for the engine there is only one unit, a 1.6-liter turbodiesel 4-cylinder with 120 horses. The car of our test is equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission and the Sport Chic embellishment, which best combines the sophistication of the most sought-after materials with a sporty look particularly evident in the design of its black rims, which give a homogeneous look to the whole car, able to please both young and old people, the latter just like me. The DS4 Crossback is characterized by numerous details, authentic trait for all DS models; there are various chrome profiles and fineness that pleasantly capture a closer look, but it is logical to deal with it for what represents in first place, a car that has to behave well on road and be able to meet the needs of everyday life. The manual transmission is precise, the clutch is one of the best aspects of the car, which also shows an excellent behavior through corners, no matters the pace you’re in. Despite its 120 horses may seem a shy number, the engine delivers 300 Nm at just 1,750 rpm and this makes the DS4 Crossback able to overtake in small spaces, also because of an overall weight that does not exceed a ton and a half weight, even with the driver on board.
Entering the cabin we are greeted by an environment refined with the utmost care, composed of soft plastics and fantastic leather and Alcantara seats, with a decidedly sporty look at the front row. The steering wheel, very generous in size, filters a lot and requires a bit of habit, behind it there are three main dials, while in the center of the dashboard you have climate controls and the 7-inch touch display, which suffers from reduced dimensions and a somewhat obsolete graphics. The same, however, can connect your smartphone using Mirror Link technology and facilitate during maneuvering, with the help of rear cameras. One aspect that perplexes is the compromise due to the inclination of the third pillar and that sees the impossibility of opening the rear windows. Even the opening of the rear doors is not exceptional, but once on board, there is enough space for three people, exploiting also a pretty huge luggage compartment.
In conclusion, the DS4 Crossback is a car that you start to love as soon as you drive it, as it is able to combine driving precision, excellent habitability, a sober but refined look and noticeable figures in terms of consumption, with an average of 4,5 l/100km in city environment. And then, even if maybe it will not be the first thing you will appreciate on this type of car, the engine torque and the same delivery make it bright and pleasant, not making you feel even minimally the need to have a more powerfulk engine. The Crossback version of the DS4 starts at around € 27,550 with the So Chic package (just € 2,550 more expensive than the basic DS4), while opting for the Sport Chic or Moondust you need to spend at least € 29,850 or € 32,650 respectively and with manual transmission, while the automatic transmission option (always a 6 gears) will add € 1,750 to your estimate.
DS4 CROSSBACK BlueHDi Sport Chic
Layout – front-engined, front wheel drive
Engine – 4 cylinder 1.560cc – turbodiesel
Transmission – 6-speed manual gearbox
Power – 120 hp @ 3.500 rpm
300 Nm @ 1.750 rpm
Weight – 1.385 kg
Acceleration – 11,4 sec.
Top Speed – 189 kph
Price – from € 29.850