Review Of The Citroen DS4 Diesel Hatchback
The new Citroen DS4 Diesel Hatchback is a premium family car that boasts a high-quality cabin, gorgeous looks and plenty of standard kit.
However, it’s a car with as many cons as there are pros, and there’ll be lots for buyers to weigh up here. For example, an unexciting drive hardly matches its exciting looks, while a cramped rear isn’t good for practicality.
OSV takes a closer look at what it’s all about with our 2018 Citroen DS4 Diesel Hatchback review.JTNDY2VudGVyJTNFJTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwd2lkdGglM0QlMjI1NjAlMjIlMjBoZWlnaHQlM0QlMjIzMTUlMjIlMjBzcmMlM0QlMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy55b3V0dWJlLmNvbSUyRmVtYmVkJTJGTWtiNFhleGd0cFUlMjIlMjBmcmFtZWJvcmRlciUzRCUyMjAlMjIlMjBhbGxvdyUzRCUyMmF1dG9wbGF5JTNCJTIwZW5jcnlwdGVkLW1lZGlhJTIyJTIwYWxsb3dmdWxsc2NyZWVuJTNFJTNDJTJGaWZyYW1lJTNFJTNDJTJGY2VudGVyJTNF
On The Road
If you’re looking for a car that will entertain you on the road, you’ll need to look past this one. It shares its underpinnings with the standard C4 model, and while it’s been set up to offer a sportier drive than its siblings, it’s miles off what the best in this class can offer in terms of fun.
Body lean is well resisted in bends and the car does feel fairly agile. Its steering is also fairly quick and heavy but there isn’t much communication. How good it all feels is relative; compared to the standard C4, the DS4 drives well. Compared to rivals in this class, it disappoints.[vc_single_image image=”77706″ img_size=”article-image”]
As a result, buyers might be a tad confused about how they feel. It’s not as comfortable as, say, a traditional crossover, and neither is it as fun as a VW Golf.
The option of an automatic gearbox is there, but we’d say avoid it, as it bumps up running costs and doesn’t boost performance.
In terms of its engines, the diesels are the most frugal – and they’re also pretty performative. A BlueHDi 180 automatic covers the 0-62 dash in just 8.6 seconds and has enough power to make motorway overtaking a cinch. A BlueHDi 120 diesel is also available; it costs almost £2,000 to buy but isn’t as versatile or as easy to drive on longer trips.
A BlueHDi 150 represents the middle ground and is our top pick, with its impressive returns of 64.2mpg. All diesels are refined and mostly quiet, but all of them deliver their power in a flurry, which can leave the car struggling if you’re in the wrong gear.
Citroen DS4 Diesel Hatchback Interior, Design & Build
[vc_single_image image=”77705″ img_size=”article-image”]The DS4 benefits from raised suspension that affords you a good view of the road ahead. A panoramic windscreen helps to this end, and it also adds to what is an already impressively upmarket cabin.
On the other hand, the DS4 also gets an overly stiff suspension that, while it gives the car a bit of a sportier edge, detracts from its ride quality. Compared to the standard C4 model, this one is more uncomfortable on the move.
We have no complaints with its dashboard, which has been lifted from the C4. It gets a strip of LED lights to distinguish it from its sibling, as well as a few different trim finishes.
The overall quality of the DS4’s cabin isn’t on par with a VW Golf, and the stereo controls are a bit fiddly, but this is still a pretty luxurious cabin.
Is the Citroen DS4 Diesel Hatchback practical? Its 385-litre boot is one of the biggest in this class and can be extended to 1,021-litres by folding the rear seats, but that’s about as good as things get on the practicality front.
The doors are strangely designed and access to the rear seats is poor, while for some inexplicable reason you can’t open the rear windows. On a hot day, anyone sat back there isn’t going to be too happy.
Those upfront will have no such complaints and head and legroom are fine for the driver and their passenger. Storage solutions are also overall good, but a small glovebox disappoints.
Equipment & Safety Of The Citroen DS4 Diesel Hatchback
Standard kit across the range is okay but we think buyers will be expecting more from a car that costs this much. The entry-level model comes with heated door mirrors, air conditioning, electric front windows, cruise control, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, LED daytime running lights and 17” alloys.
Move up to the Prestige model and you get brushed aluminium trim, sports seats, a reversing camera, 18” alloys, keyless entry and chrome detailing. It costs almost £2,000 more than the entry-level model and it’s the one we recommend.
The Performance Line, meanwhile, adds different paint options, gloss black alloys and a black roof.
In terms of how safe the car is, the DS4 was awarded all five stars when it was put through its crash test paces by Euro NCAP. It scored especially well for safety assistance technology and adult occupant protection, and its standard safety kit includes ISOFIX child seat mounts, electronic stability control and six airbags. Cruise control is frustratingly missing.
Costs Of The Citroen DS4 Diesel Hatchback
Prices for the new car start out from £29,315. For more information on our leasing deals, you can check out our page here.
In terms of its running costs, the BlueHDI 120 diesel model is the cheapest to run. It can manage returns of 74.3mpg and has a BiK rating of 22%. The bigger BlueHDI 180 is good for 64.2mpg economy and has a BiK rating of 25%.
Any diesel model you pick with be expensive to ensure, with the car occupying groups 18 to 24 out of 50.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
Pros and Cons Of The Citroen DS4 Diesel Hatchback
Pros:
Confident Looks
It has all the confidence of a Ford Mustang and will look great parked up on anyone’s street.
Feels Like a Premium Car
It might not be a BMW or a Mercedes but the DS4 feels and looks like one.
Well-Equipped
The entry-level model is a tad disappointing, but the mid-range model gets the likes of sports seats and brushed aluminium trim.
Cons:
Rear Seat Limitations
It’s cramped back there and the windows don’t even open.
Dull Drive
You’d expect more from a car that looks as sporty as this.
Citroen DS4 Diesel Hatchback vs BMW 1 Series vs Mercedes A-Class
Let’s see how the car fares against its rivals in the comparison section of our 2018 Citroen DS4 Diesel Hatchback review.
Citroen DS4 Diesel Hatchback vs BMW 1 Series
The new BMW 1 Series is a classy, powerful car that boasts a top-drawer interior and which is good fun to drive.
In fact, this is the best car to drive in this class. If you’re a keen driver looking to be entertained on the road, the 1 Series is the one to go for. Its rear-wheel-drive layout ensures good agility and the car does a good job of blending ride quality with handling finesse to good effect.
The speed-sensitive steering is light at lower speeds and heavier when you put your foot down, and this makes the BMW perfect in the cities, out on the motorways, as well as in the countryside.[vc_single_image image=”77708″ img_size=”article-image”]
In terms of its engines, there’s a lot to choose from. The entry-level 118i petrol might lack the power of the bigger units but it’s still got a fun engine that covers the 0-62 dash in 8.5 seconds.
The M140i sits at the top of the petrol range; it develops 335bhp, comes with six cylinders and replaces the M135i. However, it’s probably going to be too expensive for anyone who’s considering the Citroen.
If you’re a high mileage driver, you’ll want to take a look at the diesels. A smooth 116d is a perfectly fine engine, but we like the 120d model. It’s backed by a 2.0-litre engine that develops 190bhp and it covers the 0-62 sprint in 6.8 seconds.
Running costs? The diesels are super efficient for a car of this type, with both the 118d and 120d diesels capable of returning around a 60mpg economy. Because all models come with stop-start tech, even the petrols are frugal and all engines can return over 50mpg on a good day.
Inside, BMW has improved the 1 Series’ cabin by replacing its harder plastics with softer ones. New dials and controls have been introduced too, and on the whole, this is a much smarter cabin than last time.
There’s a real upmarket feel to the dashboard, but one issue you might have is that comfort has been largely sacrificed at the expense of a sporty ride.
The seats, however, are nice and supportive and hold you in place well, while visibility is fantastic despite the driver being set down so low.
Is the BMW 1 Series practical? Rear seat space is limited and it’s not as spacious as many of its rivals. You can choose between a three and a five-door model, but the former is best avoided if easy access to the rear seats is important to you.
That said, the five-door model comes with wheel arches that eat into back seat space.
The boot, meanwhile, measures 360-litres and can be extended to 1,200-litres by folding the rear seats.
Price:
Citroen – £29,315
BMW – £22,405 – £35,810
Citroen DS4 Diesel Hatchback vs Mercedes A-Class
The new Mercedes A-Class is stylish, well-built and one of the most comfortable cars in this class. It’s exactly what a Mercedes Hatchback should be.
The A-Class isn’t the most performative car in this sector, with Mercedes instead focused on making it as luxurious and comfortable as possible. Indeed, it doesn’t feel as powerful as the official figures suggest.
We reckon that won’t bother buyers who want a classy way of getting from A to B in the slightest. The A-Class is relaxed and refined, and aimed at drivers who want an easygoing driving experience.[vc_single_image image=”77704″ img_size=”article-image”]
In terms of its engines, a 1.5-litre diesel that powers the A180d model is the sole diesel in the range. It covers the 0-62 sprint in 10.5 seconds but ultimately lacks the power of the petrols.
The petrol line-up is headed by a A250 model that develops 221bhp, and which has a 0-62 time of 6.2 seconds. It feels like a hot hatch but doesn’t have as much punch as rivals. Instead, it’s comfortable, composed and controlled.
Sitting below it is an A200 model that works well as a cruiser, but with a 0-62 time of 8.0 seconds, it’s not going to satisfy enthusiasts.
Running costs? The diesel engine can return a very impressive 68.9mpg economy, and emits 111g/km of CO2 at the most. The A200 petrol, meanwhile, is good for 51.4mpg, while the racier A250 model struggles to return over 45mpg.
Inside, the A-Class outdoes the Citroen for tech, quality and interior design. It’s also one of the most comfortable cars in this class – if not the most comfortable.
So while it lacks a sporty personality, it makes up for it in terms of luxury. A seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard across the range, while a 10.25” screen is available as an optional extra.
Is the Mercedes A-Class practical? It’s bigger than last time, but while anyone sat upfront is going to have a great time, those tucked away in the rear will find that space is a bit more limited. Headroom is slightly better but a high floor hardly helps. If you’re looking for an out and out family car, the Mercedes might be one to avoid.
Its boot measures up well, though; it has a load capacity of 369-litres with all the seats in place and 1,210 when the rear seats are folded.
Price:
Mercedes – £24,920 +
Verdict Of Our 2018 Citroen DS4 Diesel Hatchback Review
It’s a Citroen – but not as we know it. There’s no longer a Citroen badge in sight and the car has a very premium feel to it. The problem is that it’s not sure where its strengths are; it’s not as usable as a hatchback, and it’s also not as sexy as a coupe.
Then there’s the niggling problem of trying to compete with BMW and Mercedes. The new Citroen DS4 Diesel Hatchback is good but probably not good enough for buyers looking for a premium car.[vc_row content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1464089844166{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1494257310211{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;border-bottom-width: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”]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
Fancy the Citroen DS4 Diesel Hatchback? Request a call back from one of our Vehicle Experts
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