remember the first DS 4 , which we still know as Citroën DS4 (would be renamed DS 4 in 2015)? It was a family-friendly five-door compact with crossover genes — it was known for the rear-door windows being, curiously, fixed — produced between 2011 and 2018, but which ended up leaving no successor, a gap that will eventually be filled shortly.
The new DS 4, whose final revelation should take place in early 2021, is now anticipated by DS Automobiles not only for a series of teasers, but also for the early disclosure of several features that will be part of the list of arguments to face the premium competition.
Premium competition? That's right. The DS 4 is DS Automobiles' bet for the Premium C segment, so this Frenchman wants to interfere with the German Audi A3, BMW 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz Class A, with a bet on luxury, technology and comfort.
EMP2, always evolving
As part of the Groupe PSA, the new DS 4 will draw on an evolution of the EMP2, the same model platform as the Peugeot 3008, Citroën C5 Aircross or even the DS 7 Crossback.Therefore, in addition to the typical gasoline and diesel engines, a plug-in hybrid engine will be part of its range of engines. This is the one that combines the 1.6 PureTech petrol 180 hp with the electric motor of 110 hp, totaling 225 hp delivered only to the front wheels through the e-EAT8, a combination that we find in models like the Citroën C5 Aircross, Opel Grandland X or Peugeot 508.
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But being an evolution of the EMP2 we already know, it promises lighter weight and refinement — it introduces composite materials, has heat-stamped structural elements, and uses approximately 34 m of industrial adhesives and solder points — as more compact components (air unit conditioning, for example), and redesigned steering and suspension components (greater responsiveness while driving).
It also promises new proportions, especially in the body/wheel ratio — the latter will be large — and a lower floor in the second row of seats to suggest more space for the occupants.
technological leap
If the foundations of the new DS 4 promise to elevate the dynamic qualities and comfort/refinement, the technological arsenal it will bring will not be far behind. From night vision (infrared camera) to headlights with LED Matrix technology — also made up of three modules, which can rotate 33.5º, improving lighting in curves —, even including new interior ventilation outlets. Speaking of lighting, the new DS 4 will also debut a new vertical luminous signature, consisting of 98 LEDs.
Absolute novelty is the introduction of Extended Head-up Display , an “avant-garde visual experience (which) is a first step towards augmented reality,” says DS Automobiles. The “extended” or extended portion refers to the viewing area of this head-up display, which grows to a diagonal of 21″, with the information being projected optically 4 m in front of the windshield.
The new Extended Head-up Display will be part of the also new infotainment system, the DS Iris System . The interface was redesigned in the image of those found on smartphones and promises high levels of personalization, as well as superior usability. It will also allow voice commands (a kind of personal assistant) and gestures (aided by a second touch screen, which also allows zoom and handwriting recognition functions), in addition to being able to be updated remotely (over the air).
The new DS 4 will also be semi-autonomous (level 2, the highest authorized by regulators), with the combination of various driving assistance systems taking place in the so-called DS Drive Assist 2.0 . Here, too, there was room for some new features, such as the possibility of overtaking semi-automatically.
As with the DS 7 Crossback, the brand's new compact family can also come with piloted suspension, where a camera positioned on top of the windshield “sees” and analyzes the road on which we travel. If it detects irregularities on the road, it acts on the suspension in advance, adjusting the damping of each wheel, in order to guarantee the maximum levels of comfort for its occupants at all times.