The DS 4 Crossback is the second model available in Singapore under the the DS marquee, which now exists as a standalone brand.
What's changed?
Visually, not very much. Beyond the obvious change in badging and the black 'Crossback' lettering at the rear, the car is visually very similar to the Citroen DS4 model that came before. It retains its cute, compact dimensions, accentuated by short overhangs.
From the front, the DS 4 is a good-looking car. The air-intakes on the front bumper have been extended to connect both fog lamps, creating a sharply elegant fascia. Sharp lines across the body also adds to its contemporary feel.
And on the inside?
In a nod to market forces, the DS 4 comes in Crossback form, which means you get a big and easily accessible 359-litre boot. This raises the car's level of utility, making trips to Ikea a much less cumbersome affair. The number of buttons on the steering wheel and the centre console have been wisely reduced, so it feels less cluttered and confusing.
What's changed?
Visually, not very much. Beyond the obvious change in badging and the black 'Crossback' lettering at the rear, the car is visually very similar to the Citroen DS4 model that came before. It retains its cute, compact dimensions, accentuated by short overhangs.
From the front, the DS 4 is a good-looking car. The air-intakes on the front bumper have been extended to connect both fog lamps, creating a sharply elegant fascia. Sharp lines across the body also adds to its contemporary feel.
And on the inside?
In a nod to market forces, the DS 4 comes in Crossback form, which means you get a big and easily accessible 359-litre boot. This raises the car's level of utility, making trips to Ikea a much less cumbersome affair. The number of buttons on the steering wheel and the centre console have been wisely reduced, so it feels less cluttered and confusing.
It also retains that oddball quality we tend to associate with French brands. For example, the speedometer eschews a proper needle, instead opting for a small triangular marker moving along a tiny backlit band of numbers that are an absolute headache to read. It is much easier to just leave the electronic speed readout on at all times.
But there are certainly issues with the interior. It does feel a tad tacky, especially when compared to the recently reviewed DS 5. The rear doors also don't open wide enough, which makes ingress and egress awkward. And strangely, the rear windows still don't open.
Also, the USB port is situated very deep into the cubby hole under the centre console, which means that if you have fairly large hands (as this writer does), it makes it impossible to get your cable plugged in.
But there are certainly issues with the interior. It does feel a tad tacky, especially when compared to the recently reviewed DS 5. The rear doors also don't open wide enough, which makes ingress and egress awkward. And strangely, the rear windows still don't open.
Also, the USB port is situated very deep into the cubby hole under the centre console, which means that if you have fairly large hands (as this writer does), it makes it impossible to get your cable plugged in.
It's a diesel huh. Can't be any good on the roads then…
Diesels have come a long way in recent years, and this car is no exception. The 1.6-litre engine is punchy, pumping out 118bhp and 300Nm of torque. With this much torque in a relatively small car, the DS 4 is brisk and spritely to drive.
Objectively, the car scores high on driveability - assured handling, punchy drivetrain and a stable ride. Cruising down the highway, it's comfortable and easy to drive. You will be surprised at how easy it is to string together overtaking maneouvres and swing between lanes when you feel the need for speed. It also remains composed and flat through corners.
The biggest problem is that through it all, the DS 4 feels rather dead. There's a dearth of driving sensation. Step on the accelerator and there is a gush of power that pushes the car forward, but the pedal is so light and lacks tactile sensation that it feels oddly unnatural - almost like you didn't do it.
It's incredibly weird then, the disparity between the car's road-going ability and the lack of road-going sensation.
Diesels have come a long way in recent years, and this car is no exception. The 1.6-litre engine is punchy, pumping out 118bhp and 300Nm of torque. With this much torque in a relatively small car, the DS 4 is brisk and spritely to drive.
Objectively, the car scores high on driveability - assured handling, punchy drivetrain and a stable ride. Cruising down the highway, it's comfortable and easy to drive. You will be surprised at how easy it is to string together overtaking maneouvres and swing between lanes when you feel the need for speed. It also remains composed and flat through corners.
The biggest problem is that through it all, the DS 4 feels rather dead. There's a dearth of driving sensation. Step on the accelerator and there is a gush of power that pushes the car forward, but the pedal is so light and lacks tactile sensation that it feels oddly unnatural - almost like you didn't do it.
It's incredibly weird then, the disparity between the car's road-going ability and the lack of road-going sensation.
So where does the DS 4 Crossback really stand right now?
This is effectively a lightly refreshed model that, together with the new DS 5, forms the genesis of DS as a standalone luxury arm of Citroen.
As a car, the DS 4 Crossback is a mixed bag that certainly has its flaws. It works, but it won't wow you. And it is a real pity that while it actually drives remarkably well, the lack of sensation means that it never feels fun or exciting.
But taken in its larger context, the DS 4 Crossback (and the DS 5) reflect a trasitional transformation of the brand as it moves towards a more luxurious profile. Earlier this year, the DS E-TENSE supercar made its debut in Geneva, offering a peek into the brand's future. By 2020, the brand aims to have six all new models in its lineup.
The brand definitely has ways to go, and we are certainly looking forward to see what it comes out with when they release an all new model.
This is effectively a lightly refreshed model that, together with the new DS 5, forms the genesis of DS as a standalone luxury arm of Citroen.
As a car, the DS 4 Crossback is a mixed bag that certainly has its flaws. It works, but it won't wow you. And it is a real pity that while it actually drives remarkably well, the lack of sensation means that it never feels fun or exciting.
But taken in its larger context, the DS 4 Crossback (and the DS 5) reflect a trasitional transformation of the brand as it moves towards a more luxurious profile. Earlier this year, the DS E-TENSE supercar made its debut in Geneva, offering a peek into the brand's future. By 2020, the brand aims to have six all new models in its lineup.
The brand definitely has ways to go, and we are certainly looking forward to see what it comes out with when they release an all new model.
