Citroen DS4 HDi 160 DSport 5dr Car Review - July 2013

The Citroen DS4 DSport HDi 160 has the most powerful diesel engine in the range, a 160bhp unit producing 251lb-ft at 2000rpm. The top-of-the-range DSport HDi comes with either a six-speed manual gearbox, or a six-speed automatic, the latter costing an additional £1,600. The manual model is good for a sub-ten second 0-62mph time, reaching that speed in 9.3 seconds, and can do 132mph. The car puts its power on the road impressively, but the raised ride height and stiffened suspension compared to the conventional C4 on which it is based does come with ramifications. The ride is jarring and the steering vague, although excellent body control in the bends makes some amends for these deficiencies.

Part of the premium DS range, the DS4 is a quirky but attractive 5-door hatchback. It wears its raised ride height comfortably and elegantly, while concealed rear door handles help to give the cars profile coupe looks. The styling has been very well received by press, public, and industry insiders alike, winning numerous awards and plaudits. The DSport trim level is well equipped. The DS4 DSport HDi 160 comes as standard with such features as power steering, central locking, stability control, alloy wheels, climate control, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, cruise control, rear parking sensor, leather seats, alarm, immobiliser, cd player, bluetooth, and MP3 connectivity. Optional extras which can be added include metallic paint for £520 and satellite navigation for an additional £750.

Euro NCAP, the independent consumer organisation who perform crash and safety tests on new cars released on the European market awarded the Citroen DS4 a full five stars out of five overall. The Citroen DS4 DSport HDi 160 comes with a full compliment of airbags - with driver, passenger, and front side airbags included as standard – as well as other safety features such as stability control. The Citroen DS4 also comes with a 3-year, 60,000-mile manufacturers warranty. The space in the front is good for both driver and passenger alike. However, passengers are well advised to shout ‘shotgun’ as it is a different story in the rear. The coupe looks come back to haunt the DS4, the plunging roofline impeding headroom, while ingress and egress is hindered by the rear wheel arch. The lack of opening rear windows add to the claustrophobic feel, so travel sickness sufferers will be reaching for the paper bags. Moving on from the doom and gloom, the boot capacity is a generous 359 litres, which grows to 1021 litres once the split-folding rear seats have been lowered.

The Citroen DS4 DSport HDi 160 has a price tag of £23,240, placing it at the top of the DS4 range. The DS is designed to be a premium range within Citroen’s line up, and as a result is considerably pricier than conventional models such as the C4. Citroen as a brand has traditionally disappointed with regard to residual values, and the French car maker will be hoping the premium DS range will buck that trend. The chances of this will be boosted by the DS4 DSport HDi 160’s sensible running costs. The model returns a combined fuel economy of 55.4mpg, and with CO2 emissions of 134g/km it falls into Road Tax Band E. The car does feel of superior quality to more workaday Citroen models, which will further enhance its image in the eyes of used car buyers.