In an attempt to invigorate DS4 sales among people not being able to differentiate Citroën’s C4 from it’s upscale DS line, the company introduced the DS4 and DS Crossback this week at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
One look at the side however and one has to wonder why their latest styling innovation is now trying to copy the curves of Korean car maker Hyundai? And, as with the latest generation of DS products, we no longer find the double chevron on the new DS4. It now sports the “DS Wings” badge. But why there two of them in the front; one in the oversize grill and one on the hood, baffles us. Lack of front end synergy aside, keeping up with trends the DS4 now sports directional Xenon headlights while its new “scrolling” turn signals emulate the latest from Audi (like those found in the R8).
To give it more of an adventurer look roof bars, black wheel arch extensions, and other “noir effect” lacquer touches attempt to define aggression and force in the French style. Presumably Citroën hopes to salvage sales by offering color choices; 38 possible combinations including different colors for roof and body!
Dimension wise the DS4 changes slightly, growing by just over 1 cm in length (4,28m) and decreasing by less than 2cm in height, with no changes in interior size.
Inside, while there is the adoption of new, more luxurious materials and coatings, the presence of a 7-inch touch screen on the dashboard in place of pimple controls is the biggest change. Inclusion of CarPlay MirrorLink connectivity allows occupants to replicate the contents of smartphones on the touch screen center console.
The engine range will comprise of six offerings of both gasoline and diesel engines. A manual 6 speed gearbox is standard.
The new DS4 and DS4 Crossback will be available before the end of the year.