PARIS: DS is returning to the compact class, and the Stellantis subsidiary's new DS4 is set to lead the way into an all-electric era for the French company.
Starting in November, the luxury brand will roll out a new DS4 set to compete against rival cars like the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series.
Closely related to the Opel Astra and Peugeot 308, but better equipped and with a stronger engine, the DS4 will be the most expensive compact model in the family, with prices in Europe starting at €28,900, according to the manufacturer.
While the engines are also used in other models of the group, the appearance and ambience are unique: The DS4 will roll out as an eye-catching mixture of hatchback saloon, coupe and SUV.
The car measures 4.40 metres in length and has up to 20-inch wheels. While the DS4 wants to attract attention on the outside with three different fronts, striking daytime running lights and many sleek parts in chrome or black, the French manufacturer is showing restraint on the inside.
A minimal amount switches around the digital displays and many quiet surfaces in elegant materials should set a different tone than with the competition, DS claims.
The engine portfolio is pretty broad and in addition to three petrol engines and a diesel, it also includes two plug-in hybrids.
In a good two years, the DS4 will also be available as a pure electric car, the manufacturer says.
Until then, the base model will be powered by a three-cylinder petrol engine with a capacity of 1.2 litres and 130hp. Above that, there is a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with 181hp (from €37,900) or 224hp (from €44,400).
The diesel, starting at €32,400, produces 130hp from 1.5 litres of displacement.
And those who pay at least €37,900 get a combination of the 1.6-litre petrol engine and an electric motor, which together produces 225hp and, with a battery (12.4 kWh), are said to have an electric range of more than 50km.
The part-time electric car has a standard consumption of 1.2 litres (CO2 emissions: 28 g/km). For the diesel DS quotes 4.6 litres and 121 g/km, for the petrol 5.8 to 6.4 litres and 131 to 146 g/km.
Above all, with the prospect of the fully electric variant, DS wants to set itself apart from the army of conventional compacts. But this is only the beginning, the French announce: By 2024, the brand will only offer electric vehicles.
