Citroen DS4

2012 Citroen DS4

With the success of last year's Citroen DS3, the first of Citroen's new DS (Different Spirit) line that characterizes more of a "premium youth" sub-brand, (much like Hyundai's Premium Youth Lab), the second book of the Citroen DS line begins and this time, it was based on the second-generation Citroen C4. Called DS4, the second runner of the Citroen DS range was heavily based on the Citroen DS High Rider Concept as seen at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. Unlike the Citroen DS High Rider Concept, which has three doors on it, the Citroen DS4 is essentially a 5-door hatchback, noticeably the secret rear doors similar to the Alfa Romeo Giulietta hatchback. Is this what they called the successor of the axed Citroen C4 Coupe? The French car enthusiasts said "non" (French for no) because one hint at the Citroen DS4's secret rear door and they'll be ready to burst out their POV (points, opinions, violent reactions) why the production version of the DS High Rider concept added an additional two doors. Is the DS4 suppose to be the three door version of the Citroen C4 II? Forget about it, but still it was worth it because the DS4 is all about premium styling targeted for the "premium youth" in France.

2012 Citroen DS4 interior

The premium interior of the new Citroen DS4 is outstanding because of the high-tech features loaded on it. Although it was heavily derived from the Citroen C4 II, the DS4 made some modest order-made touches, and also take note, the highly luxurious front seats on the DS4 Sport Chic, in order to bring out its premium sedan-like amenities at the heart of this prestigious French 5-door hatchback. Now, if only France-tan would love to see this.

With France-tan steals the show with its gorgeous exterior, the Citroen DS4 offers six engine types such as the VTi 120, THP 150, THP 200, HDi 110, HDi 165, and the all-new e-HDi 110 loaded with micro-hybrid technology sourced from the Citroen C4 II. The micro-hybrid technology loaded on the Citroen DS4 e-HDi 110 provides the exceptional Idle Stop and Go function, which allows the diesel engine to be automatically shut off when stopped at the red light. There are three kinds of transmissions available on the DS4, depending on the variant, such as a 5-speed manual for those who are getting a head start at the DS4, a 6-speed manual transmission applicable for the hardcore DS4 owners, and the electronically controlled 6-speed manual transmission with paddle shifters.

My comment:
Despite it was a production version of the Citroen DS High Rider Concept, the Citroen DS4 was essentially a 5-door hatchback because of the secret rear doors similar to its biggest opponent, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. This is becoming a bad news for those who want to know that the DS4 is the replacement of the Citroen C4 coupe. As I thought, it was a "promise unfulfilled" for the enthusiasts but despite that, I'm really impressed about the DS4's elegant exterior that makes it more luxurious than the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. Consider it a good choice but for the pricing, the DS4 takes a minor damage against the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. It's up to you to decide how far the DS4 goes.

Photo: PSA Peugeot Citroen