We are at the dawn of an era: The rise of diesel cars. The sheer number of diesel cars we have sampled lately, perhaps, is a good hint of the trend.
And no, we are not complaining. They add more flavours to our local motoring climate, which is one good reason why local motorists (and car fanatics alike) should cheer.
The initial 1.6 THP EGS variant which we have tested last year has been phased out. In replacement are not one, but three guises - a THP 155 with fully automatic transmission; an up-tuned THP 200 with stick shift; and this - the e-HDi 115 diesel.
After the Citroen C4, the DS4 is the second diesel model from the French automaker to be offered in Singapore. Sharing similar mechanical setup and similar e-HDi 115 engine, their relation may be too close for comfort, especially when the DS4 is asking an $18,000 premium over the former.
And no, we are not complaining. They add more flavours to our local motoring climate, which is one good reason why local motorists (and car fanatics alike) should cheer.
The initial 1.6 THP EGS variant which we have tested last year has been phased out. In replacement are not one, but three guises - a THP 155 with fully automatic transmission; an up-tuned THP 200 with stick shift; and this - the e-HDi 115 diesel.
After the Citroen C4, the DS4 is the second diesel model from the French automaker to be offered in Singapore. Sharing similar mechanical setup and similar e-HDi 115 engine, their relation may be too close for comfort, especially when the DS4 is asking an $18,000 premium over the former.
Exterior
Keener eyes will not help to tell the petrol and diesel variants apart - the two are identical.
The DS4's novelty may seem to have worn off slightly over time, especially with the prettier DS5 stealing the limelight.
Still, the hatchback should have no problem turning heads. Few other cars in the market exhibit this extent of flair in their sheet metal. And despite having numerous crisp folds at its rump, the DS4 manages to pull off a contemporary look without feeling too complex.
Keener eyes will not help to tell the petrol and diesel variants apart - the two are identical.
The DS4's novelty may seem to have worn off slightly over time, especially with the prettier DS5 stealing the limelight.
Still, the hatchback should have no problem turning heads. Few other cars in the market exhibit this extent of flair in their sheet metal. And despite having numerous crisp folds at its rump, the DS4 manages to pull off a contemporary look without feeling too complex.
Interior
The interior of the DS4 has no lack of styling flourishes, and we reckon it is still one of the best looking we have seen thus far. For starters, the dashing tetris-styled cushions make one yearn to sit on, and are equally as comfy as they look.
To add onto the visual drama, the DS4 comes with bits of mood-setting features, such as interchangeable tacho and speedo lighting colours.
The interior of the DS4 has no lack of styling flourishes, and we reckon it is still one of the best looking we have seen thus far. For starters, the dashing tetris-styled cushions make one yearn to sit on, and are equally as comfy as they look.
To add onto the visual drama, the DS4 comes with bits of mood-setting features, such as interchangeable tacho and speedo lighting colours.
Another feature worth mentioning is the larger-than-life windscreen which extends way back to above the front occupants' head. It works like a sunroof for front occupants, lending a better view up front. The taller ride height, too, contributes to greater vision.
Looks aside, the DS4's practicality is compromised at the rear, particularly in the ease of ingress/egress, as well as non-opening rear windows. Utility wise, while the rear bench folds in 60:40 style, they do not form a level ground with the boot. Volume is also down from the C4's 408 litres to 370 litres in the DS4.
Looks aside, the DS4's practicality is compromised at the rear, particularly in the ease of ingress/egress, as well as non-opening rear windows. Utility wise, while the rear bench folds in 60:40 style, they do not form a level ground with the boot. Volume is also down from the C4's 408 litres to 370 litres in the DS4.
The Drive
The DS4's 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine puts 115bhp and 270Nm of torque at your beck and call. Frugality, no doubt, is one of the biggest benefits from the diesel drivetrain. Our time with the DS4 unveils an economy figure of 13km/L without having to drive with a feather-like feet.
The engine, however, has a noticeably narrower power bandwidth, which causes you to anticipate for the torque to kick in - a tad worrying in overtaking manoeuvres. And like many diesel engines, the DS4's isn't the keenest to rev.
But once the engine starts to dispatch the torque, it flows as though the floodgates are open. Creamy and delectable, it is effortless in propelling the hatchback past legal speeds.
The EGS gearbox is considered by many as the weakest link among Citroen's drivetrains. In the DS4, it does feel like the gearbox is undermining the full potential of the engine.
The DS4's 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine puts 115bhp and 270Nm of torque at your beck and call. Frugality, no doubt, is one of the biggest benefits from the diesel drivetrain. Our time with the DS4 unveils an economy figure of 13km/L without having to drive with a feather-like feet.
The engine, however, has a noticeably narrower power bandwidth, which causes you to anticipate for the torque to kick in - a tad worrying in overtaking manoeuvres. And like many diesel engines, the DS4's isn't the keenest to rev.
But once the engine starts to dispatch the torque, it flows as though the floodgates are open. Creamy and delectable, it is effortless in propelling the hatchback past legal speeds.
The EGS gearbox is considered by many as the weakest link among Citroen's drivetrains. In the DS4, it does feel like the gearbox is undermining the full potential of the engine.
The DS4's taller ride height may have however initiated the need for harder springs, so as to give it a sportier handling. The result may be less comforting as passengers would like, making road blemishes more noticeable.
Conclusion
Diesel cars need not be any less appealing than its petrol compatriot and Citroen achieves that by coupling one of its best designs with the strengths of diesel drivetrains.
The DS4's short on practicality and dynamism in its drivetrain department give it a slight disadvantage when pitted against its competitors. But if you are attracted by the intrinsic design and novelty, we reckon the shortcomings wouldn't be too much of a worry.
Conclusion
Diesel cars need not be any less appealing than its petrol compatriot and Citroen achieves that by coupling one of its best designs with the strengths of diesel drivetrains.
The DS4's short on practicality and dynamism in its drivetrain department give it a slight disadvantage when pitted against its competitors. But if you are attracted by the intrinsic design and novelty, we reckon the shortcomings wouldn't be too much of a worry.
