Citroen DS4 1.6 THP 155 (A) Review
24 Dec 2012|22,465 views
The Citroen DS4 is the second model in the new premium sub-brand DS created to run alongside its mainstream cars. Based upon the Citroen C4, it features raised suspension to resemble a compact SUV and repositioned door handles to give a coupe-like silhouette.
A few months ago, we tested the Citroen DS4 1.6 THP EGS (A) and we were impressed by its contemporary design and unique styling which was precisely why the Citroen DS4 managed to clinch sgCarMart's Car of the Year 2012 award for Best Design.
A winner in the aesthetic department, the DS4 has been awarded with a number of accolades to date
Not restricted to local shores, it was elected "Most Beautiful Car of the Year" at the International Automobile Festival, even beating BMW's new 5 Series.
However, the drive did not really fall into our good books, no thanks to its clutchless manual transmission. Driving it again with the fully automatic version of the DS4, however, has changed our perception of this car.
Exterior
While hit points of the DS4's unconventional styling were previously discussed, this fully automatic version of the DS4 is no different in terms of the exterior body styling.
A few months ago, we tested the Citroen DS4 1.6 THP EGS (A) and we were impressed by its contemporary design and unique styling which was precisely why the Citroen DS4 managed to clinch sgCarMart's Car of the Year 2012 award for Best Design.
Not restricted to local shores, it was elected "Most Beautiful Car of the Year" at the International Automobile Festival, even beating BMW's new 5 Series.
However, the drive did not really fall into our good books, no thanks to its clutchless manual transmission. Driving it again with the fully automatic version of the DS4, however, has changed our perception of this car.
Exterior
While hit points of the DS4's unconventional styling were previously discussed, this fully automatic version of the DS4 is no different in terms of the exterior body styling.
 |
Similar to the previous test car, this one came in 'Brun Hickory' (brown) as well, with the same muscular stance.
Being a cross breed of an SUV and a hatchback (crossovers, if you may), the DS4's overall ride height has been raised, offering more ground clearance, thus enhancing the SUV look.
Up front, the chrome centrepiece grille makes the DS4 look larger than it really is while curvy rear ends and an integrated roof spoiler complete the look of a hatchback.
Viewed from a distance, the unique looking 18-inch alloy rims look small, probably due to the larger wheel arch and increased ride height. However, all of these complement each other, hence contributing to the SUV outlook.
 |
Interior
The cabin of this version does not differ much from the clutchless version. Perhaps the largest difference is the missing centre console storage compartment. In its place is a new standard gear lever in chrome, as well as a conventional handbrake, thus doing away with the electronic park brake as seen in the EGS version of the DS4.
There are minor differences such as a slightly different graphic interface on the dials and missing paddle shifters but these don't affect the luxurious feel, thanks to the 'watchstrap styled' leather seats, chrome trims and aluminium pedals.
Similar to the EGS version, a compact tail end coupled with a protruding side frame make entering the rear a little difficult, which may put the DS4 at a slight disadvantage.
Rear occupants may also feel a bit cramped with a slight lack of headroom and smaller rear windows. The rear windows are also fixed, adding onto the inflexibility of the rear.
Nonetheless, visibility of the road ahead is clearer thanks to the large panoramic windscreen with adjustable window shades to extend it further, thus painting a bigger picture for all on board.
 |
The Drive
Powered by the same 1.6-litre turbocharged engine found in the EGS version, the car you see here differentiates itself from its twin sibling via its transmission. The drive is now smoother and gearshifts are quicker, providing a much more confident drive. More notably, it provides a higher output figure of 161bhp compared to 155bhp in the EGS. At a standstill though, the engine of the fully automatic DS4 still gives out a slight grumble.
Performance is significantly better in the fully automatic version, which clocks a century sprint of just 8.8 seconds compared to the 9.9 seconds from its twin.
Although this version of the DS4 features more torque and power, there is still significant turbo lag, similar to the EGS version.
While performance figures vary amongst the two brethrens, handling the fully automatic version of the DS4 is no different from the EGS, with adequate feedback from the steering. Similarly, in the safety aspect, this version of the DS4 also features the Blind Spot Monitoring system, which detects a hidden vehicle and gives a visible warning in the side mirrors.
Conclusion
Contemporary looks and unique design, coupled with an improved drivetrain, make the Citroen DS4 shine in the crossover department.
The only downside would be the lack of better rebates compared to what diesel cars would get when the new Carbon Emissions-Based Vehicle Scheme (CEVS) kicks in next year. That said, we are sure the people at Citroen have plans for that. Perhaps a diesel DS4?
The Citroen DS4 is the second model in the new premium sub-brand DS created to run alongside its mainstream cars. Based upon the Citroen C4, it features raised suspension to resemble a compact SUV and repositioned door handles to give a coupe-like silhouette.
A few months ago, we tested the Citroen DS4 1.6 THP EGS (A) and we were impressed by its contemporary design and unique styling which was precisely why the Citroen DS4 managed to clinch sgCarMart's Car of the Year 2012 award for Best Design.
Not restricted to local shores, it was elected "Most Beautiful Car of the Year" at the International Automobile Festival, even beating BMW's new 5 Series.
However, the drive did not really fall into our good books, no thanks to its clutchless manual transmission. Driving it again with the fully automatic version of the DS4, however, has changed our perception of this car.
Exterior
While hit points of the DS4's unconventional styling were previously discussed, this fully automatic version of the DS4 is no different in terms of the exterior body styling.
A few months ago, we tested the Citroen DS4 1.6 THP EGS (A) and we were impressed by its contemporary design and unique styling which was precisely why the Citroen DS4 managed to clinch sgCarMart's Car of the Year 2012 award for Best Design.
Not restricted to local shores, it was elected "Most Beautiful Car of the Year" at the International Automobile Festival, even beating BMW's new 5 Series.
However, the drive did not really fall into our good books, no thanks to its clutchless manual transmission. Driving it again with the fully automatic version of the DS4, however, has changed our perception of this car.
Exterior
While hit points of the DS4's unconventional styling were previously discussed, this fully automatic version of the DS4 is no different in terms of the exterior body styling.
Similar to the previous test car, this one came in 'Brun Hickory' (brown) as well, with the same muscular stance.
Being a cross breed of an SUV and a hatchback (crossovers, if you may), the DS4's overall ride height has been raised, offering more ground clearance, thus enhancing the SUV look.
Up front, the chrome centrepiece grille makes the DS4 look larger than it really is while curvy rear ends and an integrated roof spoiler complete the look of a hatchback.
Viewed from a distance, the unique looking 18-inch alloy rims look small, probably due to the larger wheel arch and increased ride height. However, all of these complement each other, hence contributing to the SUV outlook.
Being a cross breed of an SUV and a hatchback (crossovers, if you may), the DS4's overall ride height has been raised, offering more ground clearance, thus enhancing the SUV look.
Up front, the chrome centrepiece grille makes the DS4 look larger than it really is while curvy rear ends and an integrated roof spoiler complete the look of a hatchback.
Viewed from a distance, the unique looking 18-inch alloy rims look small, probably due to the larger wheel arch and increased ride height. However, all of these complement each other, hence contributing to the SUV outlook.
Interior
The cabin of this version does not differ much from the clutchless version. Perhaps the largest difference is the missing centre console storage compartment. In its place is a new standard gear lever in chrome, as well as a conventional handbrake, thus doing away with the electronic park brake as seen in the EGS version of the DS4.
There are minor differences such as a slightly different graphic interface on the dials and missing paddle shifters but these don't affect the luxurious feel, thanks to the 'watchstrap styled' leather seats, chrome trims and aluminium pedals.
The cabin of this version does not differ much from the clutchless version. Perhaps the largest difference is the missing centre console storage compartment. In its place is a new standard gear lever in chrome, as well as a conventional handbrake, thus doing away with the electronic park brake as seen in the EGS version of the DS4.
There are minor differences such as a slightly different graphic interface on the dials and missing paddle shifters but these don't affect the luxurious feel, thanks to the 'watchstrap styled' leather seats, chrome trims and aluminium pedals.
Similar to the EGS version, a compact tail end coupled with a protruding side frame make entering the rear a little difficult, which may put the DS4 at a slight disadvantage.
Rear occupants may also feel a bit cramped with a slight lack of headroom and smaller rear windows. The rear windows are also fixed, adding onto the inflexibility of the rear.
Nonetheless, visibility of the road ahead is clearer thanks to the large panoramic windscreen with adjustable window shades to extend it further, thus painting a bigger picture for all on board.
The Drive
Powered by the same 1.6-litre turbocharged engine found in the EGS version, the car you see here differentiates itself from its twin sibling via its transmission. The drive is now smoother and gearshifts are quicker, providing a much more confident drive. More notably, it provides a higher output figure of 161bhp compared to 155bhp in the EGS. At a standstill though, the engine of the fully automatic DS4 still gives out a slight grumble.
Performance is significantly better in the fully automatic version, which clocks a century sprint of just 8.8 seconds compared to the 9.9 seconds from its twin.
Although this version of the DS4 features more torque and power, there is still significant turbo lag, similar to the EGS version.
Powered by the same 1.6-litre turbocharged engine found in the EGS version, the car you see here differentiates itself from its twin sibling via its transmission. The drive is now smoother and gearshifts are quicker, providing a much more confident drive. More notably, it provides a higher output figure of 161bhp compared to 155bhp in the EGS. At a standstill though, the engine of the fully automatic DS4 still gives out a slight grumble.
Performance is significantly better in the fully automatic version, which clocks a century sprint of just 8.8 seconds compared to the 9.9 seconds from its twin.
Although this version of the DS4 features more torque and power, there is still significant turbo lag, similar to the EGS version.
While performance figures vary amongst the two brethrens, handling the fully automatic version of the DS4 is no different from the EGS, with adequate feedback from the steering. Similarly, in the safety aspect, this version of the DS4 also features the Blind Spot Monitoring system, which detects a hidden vehicle and gives a visible warning in the side mirrors.
Conclusion
Contemporary looks and unique design, coupled with an improved drivetrain, make the Citroen DS4 shine in the crossover department.
The only downside would be the lack of better rebates compared to what diesel cars would get when the new Carbon Emissions-Based Vehicle Scheme (CEVS) kicks in next year. That said, we are sure the people at Citroen have plans for that. Perhaps a diesel DS4?
Photos by Julian Kho & Regan Ong
Car Information
Citroen DS4 1.6 THP 155 (A)
CAT B|Petrol|15.3km/L
Horsepower
120kW (161 bhp)
Torque
240 Nm
Acceleration
8.8sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Citroen DS4
Thank You For Your Subscription.
Tags
Products & Services
For Owners
Quick Links
About Sgcarmart
