A Unique Design Blending SUV and Coupe Elements

"How many times in your life have you said 'yes'? Sometimes, have the courage to say 'no.'" This is the message of the DS4's television commercial airing in its home country. With its distinctive styling and customizable options, the DS4 seems to target individuals who appreciate this playful spirit.

While current Citroën models are prefixed with 'C,' the DS series, launched in 2009, represents a strategy to expand sales in mature markets by targeting niche segments. The DS4 is part of this expanding range.



The DS4 features a high seating position, reminiscent of an SUV, while its design incorporates elements that give it the impression of a coupe, with rear door handles subtly integrated to maintain a personal feel.

The model lineup consists of two variants: the DS4 Chic (3,090,000 yen) with a 1.6-liter turbo engine producing 156ps paired with a 2-pedal automatic clutch transmission, and the DS4 Sport Chic (3,450,000 yen) with the same displacement but a more powerful 200ps engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. Optional two-tone leather seats are available.

An Intricate Design That Changes Appearance Depending on the Viewing Angle

"When designing the window graphics, I envisioned a tall coupe. At the same time, I felt that cars of this type should have an intimate relationship with their occupants, so I wanted to imbue it with personality. Therefore, I focused on how the front mask could convey a gaze, like one person looking at another."

These are the words of Olivier Vincent, who led the exterior design of the DS4 at Citroën.

Chic

Panoramic Front Window

Beyond its proportions and front fascia, the DS4 has other distinctive features. The rear door windows are narrow and wide, and are actually fixed. The fenders, both front and rear, are sculpted with curves, giving them a strong presence. From a rear three-quarter view, the smooth curve from the roof to the bumper is reminiscent of the Audi TT. There are new discoveries to be made from every angle. It's a car with an intricate design.

Inside, a notable feature is the large windshield, called the panoramic front window. Sitting in the driver's seat and looking up, the sky seems to stretch endlessly, creating a strong sense of openness. The seating position is slightly higher than in a typical sedan. The controls are arranged functionally, making it easy to operate even for first-time drivers.

The Sport Chic Delivers Agile Driving Befitting Its Name

With two DS4 models available, one with an automatic and the other with a manual transmission, choices in this market might be predetermined. However, to get straight to the conclusion, I found that the Sport Chic, equipped with the manual transmission, offers a higher level of both enjoyment and comfort.

The 2-pedal Chic, featuring a small, unique gear selector, is powered by a 156ps engine that is sufficiently powerful for daily use. Its transmission smoothly shifts gears by automatically engaging and disengaging the clutch. For those who primarily drive alone but occasionally carry passengers or need the convenience of four doors for luggage, the Chic, with its distinctive design available for 3,090,000 yen, is a rather good choice.

The Sport Chic, with its increased output of 200ps, features dedicated components such as dampers and larger 18-inch wheels, reflecting its "Sport" designation.

The gear selector has a relatively large knob, and the shift throw is somewhat long. Furthermore, like many European cars, the clutch engagement point is set quite high to prevent premature wear of the clutch plates from excessive use of the half-clutch. This might be slightly disorienting for those unaccustomed to it.

When driving the Chic, there are moments where the damping adjustment seems insufficient at higher speeds. Perhaps due to its comfort-oriented tuning, the car tends to oscillate once after encountering bumps.

However, the Sport Chic, while slightly firmer, handles these situations adeptly, providing an enjoyable driving experience. Generally, larger wheels can improve steering response but negatively impact ride comfort. In the DS4, the Sport Chic successfully balances both aspects.

The Sport Chic is equipped with a 1.6-liter inline-4 DOHC turbocharged engine, delivering 147kW (200ps) at 5,800rpm and 275Nm of torque at 1,700rpm.

Perhaps subtle differences, such as the Chic's Michelin tires being optimized for fuel efficiency with a firmer tread and softer sidewalls, are influencing this perception?

Ample Torque Available from Low RPMs

The Sport Chic also excels in handling. Despite its light steering, the car responds promptly to subtle inputs, demonstrating skillful integration. With 275Nm of torque available from 1,700rpm, there's no shortage of power, making driving enjoyable on both highways and winding mountain roads.

"Sport Chic"

The DS4 Sport Chic truly shines on the highway, showcasing its power. Even at high speeds, a light press of the accelerator pedal results in immediate torque driving the front wheels, leading to swift acceleration. Road noise is minimal at legal speeds, making long journeys stress-free.

One minor point of concern with the Sport Chic is the gear selector's operation; the gates are not always clearly defined. Shifting down from fifth to fourth gear, for instance, can sometimes be uncertain when attempting a quick change. This might improve with familiarity, as one gets used to the lever's fore-aft and lateral travel.

The Citroën DS4 boasts a bold form. Particularly with the well-executed manual transmission model, its driving enjoyment is its greatest asset. In line with Citroën's message to say 'no' to conventional automotive thinking, choosing this as your daily partner will make every drive a pleasure. Isn't that the most important thing?

CITROEN DS4 Chic
Body Dimensions: Length 4,275mm x Width 1,810mm x Height 1,535mm
Wheelbase: 2,610mm
Vehicle Weight: 1,360kg
Engine: 1.6-liter inline-4 DOHC with Turbocharger
Max Power: 115kW (156ps) / 6,000rpm
Max Torque: 240Nm / 1,400-3,500rpm
Transmission: 6-speed AT
Fuel Economy: 11.7 km/ℓ
Price: 3,090,000 yen

CITROEN DS4 Sport Chic
Vehicle Weight: 1,400kg
Engine: 1.6-liter inline-4 DOHC with Turbocharger
Max Power: 147kW (200ps) / 5,800rpm
Max Torque: 275Nm / 1,700rpm
Transmission: 6-speed MT
Fuel Economy: 12.9 km/ℓ
Price: 3,450,000 yen