DS 4 Review 2026

Cars like the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3 are a little too successful for their own good. If you're a junior executive, splashing out £300 a month on a PCP on a German hatch is no longer going to impress your mates. Citroen's premium brand, DS, might have the answer – and, for once, it might not quite be the compromise you'd expect.

The new DS4 is based on the same platform as the latest Peugeot 308 and Vauxhall Astra. That means it comes with a range of electrified engines, clever infotainment and a lengthy list of standard safety systems.

But it also has a dose of Parisian style found lacking on more mainstream models. From its flush door handles to its watchstrap upholstery and hand-stitched steering wheel, the DS4 looks (and feels) truly special. The same can't really be said for German alternatives, can it?

It's easy to get overwhelmed by the choice of DS4 models available when you first open the brochure. First, you need to decide what vibe you're after – choices include the standard DS4, the sporty DS4 Performance Line and then there's the SUV-like DS4 Cross. Each are then available in a number of different trim levels, all of them generously equipped as standard. No DS4 can really be described as 'entry-level'.

There's a strong mix of engines available, too, including petrols, diesels and a plug-in hybrid model with a 35-mile electric range. A pure-electric version is set to follow in 2024.

While the PHEV makes sense for company car drivers, its relatively high list price means it probably won't be on the radar of many private buyers. That's a shame as its 39-mile electric range means you might be able to cover the commute without the petrol engine kicking in at all.

You can't buy the DS4 with a manual gearbox – no great loss, in our eyes, as the eight-speed auto is incredibly smooth shifting. No matter which engine you choose, though, it's a car that's happier taking it a little easy. It's not as agile as the BMW 1 Series, while its almost SUV-like dimension mean it'll roll about on twisty roads.

Prices start from around £25,000 for a standard DS4 Bastille+ with the PureTech 130 engine, rising to more than £40,000 for a high-spec La Premiere or Rivoli model with the E-Tense 225 plug-in hybrid motor. That puts it roughly in line with cars like the Audi A3 and Mercedes A-Class. You'd be making a very strong statement buying a DS4 over one of these – but standing out is part of the appeal, right?

Looking for a second opinion? Read a DS4 review on heycar

Considering that DS is the posh arm of Citroen – a brand known for comfort – you'd have thought it'd attempt to sell itself on its exemplary ride quality. Instead, it takes a very German approach, with a focus on style over substance (particularly if you spec one with 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels).

Trick DS Active Scan suspension is standard on select models, using a camera positioned at the top of the windscreen to monitor for imperfections in the road and brace the suspension if necessary.

Despite this, the DS4 will crash over potholes around town and doesn't really settle down when you increase speed. We have only sampled the DS4 with massive 20-inch wheels and rubber-band tyres, though; some extra side wall ought to help considerably here.

The harsh ride quality doesn't translate to sporty handling, either. The overly light steering doesn't give you the confidence to get a shift on, while it'll roll about corners just as much as SUV alternatives like the Mercedes GLA.

The most affordable DS4 models come with a Puretech 130 petrol engine. This is a rather small 1.2-litre engine producing, as its name suggests, 130PS. We're yet to sample this in the DS4 but don't dismiss it straight away – punchy little turbocharged engines like this are often fine for drivers who aren't too fussed about blazing down a motorway slip road.

There's also a 1.6-litre petrol engine available with 180PS (the Puretech 180) or a warm-hatch-rivalling 225PS (Puretech 225). All come with an eight-speed automatic gearbox which shifts very smoothly indeed – we doubt anyone will find themselves longing for a manual gearbox in the DS4, it's just not that kind of car.

There's also a diesel DS4. This might seem surprising in the era of electrification but you only need to look at the number of diesel Audi A3s on the road to see there's still a market for it. This uses a 1.5-litre BlueHDi 130 engine, again paired with the EAT8 automatic gearbox.

While none of these engines are particularly noteworthy, the DS4 is available as a plug-in hybrid badged the E-Tense 225. Pairing a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, this produces – you guessed it – 225PS, and can officially travel up to 38.5 miles under electric power alone.

There's also set to be a pure-electric version of the DS4. This won't go on sale until 2024, though, so you might want to look at alternatives like the Volkswagen ID.3 if that's what you're after.

As you'd expect from a premium hatch, there are quite a few trick safety systems on hand to keep you on the straight and narrow. These include DS Drive Assist which, the brand says, allows semi-autonomous driving thanks to features like adaptive cruise control (with stop and go functionality) as well as lane positioning assist.

The DS4 also gains DS Night Vision, previously seen on the DS7 Crossback. This uses infrared cameras to display an image of the road ahead on the digital driver's display. It can identify things you probably should be looking out for – people, for example, and highlights them, helping you avoid a collision.

High-spec models come with an advanced emergency braking system, while Matrix LED headlights allow you to drive with main-beam on all the time without dazzling other drivers.

With almost SUV-like dimensions, you won't be surprised to hear that the DS4 is fairly spacious inside. Most drivers will have no worries about fitting in the front, while there are all the usual storage areas for emptying your pockets into.

Things are a little more cramped in the rear – but no more so than in an Audi A3 or BMW 1 Series. Kids should be happy enough back there, with a decent view out of the side windows and Isofix points on the outer rear seats (as well as on the front passenger seat).

With 430 litres of luggage space, the boot is pretty capacious compared to rivals. The batteries of the E-Tense model eat into this slightly, dropping total boot space to 390 litres, but it's still bigger than you'd find in a lot of competitors.

Inside, don't expect the DS4 to feel just like a Vauxhall Astra or Peugeot 308 with a few nice finishes – the interior is something rather special. It gives the impression that interior designers of rival models have been resting on their laurels, while the DS design team have been given an unusual amount of freedom without any input from the bean counters in the finance department.

All DS4 models come with a smart leather steering wheel (individually hand-stitched), front central armrest and 'invisible' air vents that blend into the doors. While even the most affordable trim levels feel pretty plush, the overall vibe of the DS4's interior is very much dependent on which model you buy.

Leather seats are provided as standard on Rivoli and La Premiere models, for example, although you can spec them for an extra £950 on the DS4 Trocadero. For the ultimate in plush seating, the DS4 Rivoli is available with brown watchstrap leather seats – at £2450, it's an extravagent option, but perhaps worth it for the wood inserts on the dash.

All DS4s come with a large 10-inch touchscreen media system, along with a smaller touchscreen display low down on the centre console. This can be used for navigating the main infotainment screen on the move – it's less distracting than having to lean forward and press the big display. It's an easy system to navigate, while a diamond-shaped button will take you to the home screen when you just want to get back to where you started.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are on hand to mirror apps from your smartphone, while higher-spec models come with navigation too. A seven-inch digital instrument cluster is standard on all DS4 models, while pricier trim levels also come with an extended head-up display.

The most affordable way into a DS4 is with the Bastille+ trim level paired with the PureTech 130 petrol engine. This'll cost you around £25,000 and you get quite a decent equipment list for your money – things like 17-inch alloy wheels (good news for ride comfort), the 10-inch media system and a leather steering wheel.

A budget closer to £30,000 opens up a wider choice of DS4 models and engines, although you'll need closer to £35,000 for a plug-in hybrid E-Tense model. Range-topping variants are more than £40,000 – even if you can get a discount, you might want to avoid these for reasons that will become clear in the section below...

The cheapest DS4 to run could also be the most expensive – if you don't use it properly. The plug-in hybrid E-Tense 225 is officially capable of up to 232.3mpg, but you'll only see anywhere near to this if you charge it regularly. When it's fully charged, it can travel 38.5 miles under electric power according to official WLTP tests. Once it's empty, it's going to be quite a bit thirstier.

If you're a long-distance driver, we'd recommend the diesel BlueHDi 130, which is officially capable of up to 61.2mpg. Mid-50s mpg should be attainable in the real world with minimal effort.

The DS4 Puretech 130 officially returns up to 48.6mpg, the Puretech 180 43.9mpg and the Puretech 225 43.7mpg.

In terms of VED (car tax), the first year's fee is based on emissions but lumped into the on-the-road price – so you don't really need to worry about that. After that, most DS4 models will cost a flat rate of £155 a year, although the plug-in hybrid E-Tense is eligible for a generous £10/year discount.

Cars with a list price of more than £40,000 (even if you don't pay that much) are subject to a 'premium car tax' for five years from the second time it's taxed. That adds an extra £335 to the annual bill – something to bear in mind if you're considering a high-spec DS4.

There are three core flavours of DS4. There's the standard model (badged the DS4), the slightly sporty one (DS4 Performance Line) and the more rugged one (DS4 Cross). Beyond that, each is available in a variety of different variants.

The entry-level grade in the standard DS4 range is badged the Bastille+. Highlights of this include 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and a black front grille. Inside, there's a front central armrest, leather steering wheel and cloth seats. Infotainment is provided in the form of a 10-inch touchscreen system (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) as well as a seven-inch digital instrument cluster.

The DS4 Trocadero builds on the Bastille+ with 19-inch alloy wheels and a chrome front grille. Inside, you'll find embossed cloth seats, the DS Iris system (3D connected navigation with voice recognition) and a head-up display. Further tech highlights include keyless entry and start, front parking sensors, DS Connect Box (emergency and assistance system) and a reversing camera.

The DS4 Rivoli tops the standard range, with black leather seats, Matrix LED headlights, scrolling rear indicators and DS Drive Assist (with adaptive cruise control and lane positioning assist). Dark tinted rear windows are also standard, as well as laminated acoustic insulated glazing.

For those seeking a sportier model, the DS4 Performance Line builds on the spec of the DS4 Bastille+ with black 19-inch alloy wheels and gloss black exterior highlights (including the grille, DS wings and window surrounds). The inside is finished in black Alcantara, while tech highlights include front parking sensors and a rear-view camera.

The DS4 Performance Line+ adds the DS Iris navigation system, extended head-up display and the DS Connect Box. Those in the back get a rear armrest as well as tinted rear windows. Adaptive cruise control is standard as well as an advanced emergency braking system.

The DS4 Cross Trocadero features Cross exterior highlights (including black roof bars, black door sill protectors, front and rear skid plates, black front and rear bumpers) and 19-inch alloy wheels. The seats are finished in Tungsten Diamond Cloth, while tech highlgihts include the DS Iris navigation system, front parking sensors and a reversing camera.

Building on this is the DS4 Cross Rivoli, which adds black leather seats, DS Matrix headlights, scrolling rear indicators and DS Drive Assist semi-autonomous driving package. A rear cross traffic alert system is also standard, as well as dark tinted rear windows.