DS 4 E-Tense test (2021): the Germans can start to shake

Choosing your finish at DS means embarking on a delicious tour of the emblematic districts of Paris. Bastille or Bastille+, then Trocadéro and Rivoli, ending with the exceptional La Premiere, an All Inclusive launch finish (and in a limited series) which sounds like a nod to the ultimate class at Air France. From Trocadero, DS proposes to branch off to other body variants as well. Performance Line then Performance Line + which add sporty elements such as real carbon fiber and alcantara. Or opt for the Cross Trocadéro and Cross Rivoli variants, which add to these finishes wheel arch reinforcements or roof bars, among other things, thus giving the DS 4 the air of an adventurous crossover. Be careful however, these different atmospheres are only aesthetic and do not modify the mechanics in any way.

Whatever the variant chosen in any case, the DS 4 displays a real aesthetic character, all in edges, very pinched with aggressive looks, the whole reminiscent a little of the stylistic insolence of Lexus. DS also offers a pneumatic mount climbing up to 20 inches (between 1,000 and 2,300 euros depending on the finish), which gives the air of a French concept. Even the Germans did not dare, an Audi RS3 stops at 19 inches, an A3 TFSI e Competition or Mercedes Class A250e AMG Line, more consistent competitors, cap out at 18 and 19 inches respectively. And to take advantage of an additional singularity, the Copper Gold color is standard on the DS 4. Without wanting to be patriotic, dressed in this way, the Frenchwoman gives our eyes a little old look to the two Teutonnes, however recent.

High quality colors and materials

Launch SlideshowDS 4 E-Tense (2021) | our test photos+67DS 4 E-Tense (2021)Photo Credit – Autonews

The treatment given by DS to the materials is felt if only through the vocabulary used (or rather the marketing inspiration). A real journey into the world of French-style luxury: Clous de Paris guillochage, Brown Criollo Nappa leather, bracelet making, Diamond Tungsten fabric and Black Basalt tortoiseshell-style DS canvas, Brown Ash inserts, Pebble Gray grained leather… “My darling, I love it!” Cristina Córdula would exclaim in her accent from the beaches of Copacabana.

These materials are integrated with attention to detail. Moreover, the entire cabin, dashboard included, is more subtle than a DS 3 Crossback, very original of course, but a little disgusting with all its diamond shapes. In the DS 4 there is a whole mixture of faceted shapes, such as diamonds, for the buttons or the inserts in wood, metal or plastic. The fabrics and leathers are designed with light curves. It's both quirky and avant-garde, albeit confusing at times, like those power window controls atop the door trim.

Geeks will love

Launch SlideshowDS 4 E-Tense (2021) | our test photos+67DS 4 E-Tense (2021)Photo Credit – Autonews

Confusing too, the man/machine interface. Among the positive points, the 100% digital 7-inch instrumentation, the central 10-inch touch screen and the E-Toggle touchpad in the center console are standard. The latter allows you to write a destination for example, with a “shooting star” effect when you swipe your finger, pretty as hell. The pad also allows you to configure your favorite shortcuts, just like the touch tiles under the main screen of the Peugeot 308, but positioned on the DS just in front of the palm rest. It is therefore more intuitive to us. Shortcuts can also be created via the pages of the central screen, which are also customizable. So that with all these possibilities, it is perhaps no coincidence that a physical “Home” button is well highlighted in a corner of the screen to easily… start all over again so much you can get lost rapidly.

In fact, it's a bit like the same interface logic of an Android smartphone compared to an Apple model. If the latter imposes a simple logic, the other offers so many customization possibilities that they sometimes become redundant. Thus, if the geeks will enjoy tweaking everything, the most refractory to new technologies will probably not even use a third of the capabilities of this interface.

It would still miss some of the strengths of the DS 4 which also benefits from equipment whose list is as long as the arm and already rich from the level of Trocadero finish. For the PHEV version, are included in particular the active suspension, the head-up display, the digital screens, the Smart Touch... In Rivoli, come the level 2 autonomous driving (of which a major update will arrive at the beginning of the year next), the matrix lights, the advanced air purifier or even the leather interior. On the other hand, if the 14-speaker FOCAL Electra HiFi System or the sunroof remain optional, it is difficult to understand why such common equipment as the 360° camera remains to be checked, even on the finish. the highest.

If in terms of soundproofing, the DS 4 is exemplary, in terms of rear space, it will not be necessary to measure more than 1.80m to remain comfortable. For luggage, the DS 4 PHEV is penalized by its battery, but still offers 390 liters against 345 liters for the Class A and barely 290 liters for the A3.

The era of plug-in hybridization

Launch SlideshowDS 4 E-Tense (2021) | our test photos+67DS 4 E-Tense (2021)Photo Credit – Autonews

The downsizing imposed by the antipollution standards breaks our hearts since it contributes to the gradual disappearance of the big V8s or even V6s, but at least it makes it possible to reduce the gap between the French (who offer nothing above a 4-cylinder, even at the top of the range), and the Germans who also have to force themselves towards less noble engines. Moreover, in this segment of compact PHEVs, they don't offer much better than the DS 4 and its 225 hp: 245 hp for the A3, 218 hp for the Class A. That's, anyway , a minimum to give some letters of nobility to a desired statutory model. And the French 4-cylinder also distills for that some not unpleasant GTI vocalizations, pushing in the towers. Without being particularly heavier (1,653 Kg) than its competitors, thanks to the update of the EMP2 V3 platform, our DS 4 e-Tense still drags a little to bring down the 0 to 100 km/h in 7, 7 seconds, for a top speed of 233 km/h (6.7s and 240 km/h with Class A, 6.8s and 232 km/h with A3). No frustration, however, thanks to the punchy effect of the electric in the low revs. The technical combination is similar to the Peugeot 308, mixing the PureTech calibrated here at 180 hp, with the 81 kW (110 hp) electric motor, integrated into the gearbox. No 4 wheel drive then. The whole offers an autonomy in EV mode varying from 55 km (mixed) to 65 km (city), which we were able to verify by carrying out 51 km without fuel, on our mixed route. It will then take 3h15 to recharge the battery from 20 to 80% on a conventional socket and 1h40 on a 7.4 kW wallbox for a 100% recharge.

Rechargeable hybridization is not necessarily relevant for everyone, the DS 4 is also offered in PureTech and BlueHdi 100% thermal, calibrated at 130 hp. However, this power was a little limited in performance in our eyes. So that a good compromise will be the PureTech petrol at 180 hp. Whatever the choice, these units are hooked up to the group's EAT8 automatic gearbox, which is not our favorite in terms of responsiveness, but does its job well on this DS 4 despite everything.

An ideally calibrated piloted suspension

Launch SlideshowDS 4 E-Tense (2021) | our test photos+67DS 4 E-Tense (2021)Photo Credit – Autonews

An advantage on the DS 4 compared to its cousins ​​308 and Astra is the possibility of opting for Active Scan Suspension which reads the road through a camera to adapt controlled damping in real time. It's standard on E-Tense (1,100 euros otherwise) and greatly contributes to the behavior of the DS. Whatever driving mode is activated, the rigor/flexibility compromise remains ideal. When approaching a series of curves, Sport mode activated this time, the plate is perfectly maintained while remaining very far from becoming a piece of wood in damping provided. A typing that somewhat recalls the qualities of the legendary active suspension of the Citroën Xantia Activa. So yes, you will surely read everywhere that the large 20-inch rims degrade the qualities of this system on the most complicated roads, but the benefit provided by the piloted suspension is still superior.

This time it's a real challenger

Launch SlideshowDS 4 E-Tense (2021) | our test photos+67DS 4 E-Tense (2021)"Credit Photo - Autonews

After riding in this second-generation DS 4, there's no shame in getting a little jingoistic. In style, in perceived quality, in interior atmosphere, in road feel, the DS 4 today challenges the Germans. The question of the durability of all its refinements remains posed, even if the gap is also narrowing significantly in the field. It is no coincidence that DS imposed itself last year on the French market for premium vehicles (mainly thanks to the DS 7 and DS 3 Crossback), thus showing to what extent the brand has won the trust of the most demanding clientele in our territory. It must also be said that at 47,500 euros for our E-Tense 225 Cross Rivoli model, the DS 4 already includes the majority of statutory gadgets. By positioning it alongside a Mercedes Class A 250 e (218 hp) AMG Line at 46,300 euros and Audi A3 45 TFSI e (245 hp) Competition at 45,810 euros, the DS seems expensive but that's without even checking the slightest option among its competitors and there will be many to choose from to approach the dowry of our Rivoli finish.

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In short

The DS 4 is the other Peugeot 308 or Opel Astra on which all the cursors have been pushed upwards to reach this chic clientele who swear only by the Germans. Thanks to the adoption of the common 3rd generation EMP2 platform, the Frenchwoman benefits from the very latest developments to date, embodied here by remarkable comfort and technologies comparable to production across the Rhine. Test of a model that pulls the French Touch high.

EditorFlorian DuchironPhoto Albums