- The DS4’s boot is practically-sized and boasts 385-litres.
What’s not?
- Always more interesting than the C4 on which it’s based, but we wonder if the DS4 is looking a bit dated compared to the premium rivals DS is aiming at. We’re not sure if the quirky style will appeal in this sector?
- The DS4 isn’t really a proper four-seater, as access is tight and there’s not a lot of legroom when you get there. Then, rear passengers probably won’t like the fact that the DS4 still has sealed rear windows!
- We’re not convinced the interior is premium enough in the DS4 either. The standard leather felt really ordinary, really needing the lift of the optional watchstrap leather. While the plastics on the top half of the dashboard feel good quality, you don’t have to look too hard to find scratchier finished plastics lower down the DS4’s interior.
- The DS4’s switchgear feels old and clunky and despite the removal of some buttons, the dashboard ergonomics are a bit haphazard.
- DS might have worked hard to improve the comfort and refinement of the DS4, but when fitted with the optional 19-inch alloys most of the engineers’ good work is undone. Why? Well, the bigger alloys result in a crashy, unsettled ride at lower speeds and around town. We also tried a 1.2 PureTech petrol Prestige and it felt noticeably more composed on standard 18s.
- The steering is also disappointingly lifeless and seems to weight up oddly.
The Verdict
The DS4 in 2.0 BlueHDi 150 Prestige form is an interesting and luxurious alternative to other premium hatches, such as the Audi A3 or the BMW 1-Series. But, we’re not sure it’s premium enough to take on these Germans and is in fact too similar to the outgoing car. Like the DS5 before it, we think you’ll have to be a real fan of the Citroen brand and DS history before it, to buy into this new French challenger.
Get past the avant-garde looks and the lack of rear space and the DS4 makes an interesting business car alternative in HDi 150 form. On top of the strong performance, the 2.0-litre diesel is capable of over70mpg, while CO2 is just 103g/km. These figures mean company car tax figures are going to be affordable and leasing costs competitive.
DS Automobiles DS4 2.0 BlueHDi 150 Prestige
The Low Down…..
| Doors and body style | Five-door hatch |
| Engine/gearbox: | 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel/Six-speed manual |
| CO2 Emissions: | 103g/km |
| Economy: | 72.4mpg |
| Power/torque: | 150PS/ 370Nm |
| 0-62mph/top speed: | 8.8secs/ 129mph |
| Insurance group: | 26 |
…..and what it costs
| P11D Value | £ 23,440 |
| Monthly business rental (ex VAT) | From £N/A (3yrs/30,000 miles) |
| Road tax (VED) | B |
| Company Car Tax Bands 2015/16 to 2016/18 | 18%, 17%, 19% |
| Benefit in kind 2015/16 to 2017/18 | £4,219, £3,985, £4,454 |
| Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (20%) | £796 /£66.33 |
| Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (40%) | £1,591 /£133 |
| Annual/monthly company car tax (20%) | £844 /£70 |
| Annual/monthly company car tax (40%) | £1,688/£141 |
| Figures correct at time of posting | |
| For latest figures | Use our company car tax calculator |
