DS 4
We get the inside line on our French luxury challenger
MILEAGE 8999
WHY WE’RE RUNNING IT
To assess DS’s progress as a premium brand and unpick this car’s dual identity
If DS has one goal, it’s to be a worthy rival to the German premium brands. And if there’s one area in which DS has achieved this with the 4, it’s the perceived quality and finish of the interior. It’s as good as in the rival Audi A3 Sportback, BMW 1 Series or Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
As a French brand, DS naturally wants to stand out in terms of its styling from the Germans, and to some extent it does. The 4 has an interesting diamond theme throughout. The touchscreen’s home button and engine start button are diamond-shaped, there’s silver diamond bezel detailing (not so dissimilar to Bentley’s) and there are other touches here and there that make it feel different.