DS 4 PureTech long-term test | Great looks, clunky gearbox

After a month behind the wheel of our DS 4, first impressions remain positive. The car really stands out when parked among drab-looking rivals. I particularly like the large daytime running lights that mirror the ‘S’ in DS.

On the inside, the interior is very plush. It feels like a much more upmarket car than the price tag suggests.

I particularly like the way the window switches and centre console buttons are integrated into the panels, looking as much like design features as they do actual controls.

All the touchpoints feel great too, with a higher quality finish to much of the components than we’re used to from Stellantis brands.

The infotainment screen is neatly integrated into the dashboard and uses a high-resolution display. It’s pretty easy to use with a physical ‘home’ button next to screen that makes exiting the menus straightforward.

Theres a second touchscreen mounted in the centre console that can be used for quick access to your preferred functions. I have to admit, at first glance I had no idea what it was for as the screen just displays a diamond all the time. I’ll dig out the manual, set it up properly and report back next time!

With 1,000 miles covered, the DS 4 is reporting average consumption of 37mpg. I’d have hoped for slightly higher, although a lot of recent trips have been in stop-start traffic and around town. On the motorway it’s more happy to crack 40mpg.

Performance isn’t bad either. It feels pretty responsive for a small engine, although the gearbox is indecisive and a bit clunky. It’s no match for the DSG unit used in VW group cars.

Nonetheless, I’ve been enjoying my time in the DS 4. It rides well, has good sound insulation and is extremely comfortable.

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DS 4 PureTech 130 Performance Line joins our fleet

DS is a marque with a lot of heritage, albeit one that only became a standalone brand in 2014.

It all started in 1955 with the innovative Citroen DS – a car that is still highly regarded today. Later came the Citroen DS3 hatchback, which successfully revived the DS name as a segment best-seller.

The current DS line-up utilises Stellantis underpinnings and shared powertrains, but with a degree of French luxury flair to set them apart.

The DS 4 sits in the C-segment, sharing its base with the Peugeot 308 and Vauxhall Astra. It’s quite a bit different to those cars, however, with bespoke styling and an upmarket interior.

From any angle the DS 4 is eye catching. It’s got some really neat styling cues, such as the flush-fitting chrome door handles and intricate light cluster design.

The line-up includes petrol, diesel, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. All DS 4s have automatic transmissions.

Our car is fitted with the entry-level 130PS PureTech petrol motor. In Performance Line trim, it costs £32,840. Comparatively, that’s a little more than an Audi A3 S-Line.

DS does provide a generous level of standard equipment, which includes Alcantara upholstery, heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry, LED headlights, parking sensors and a reversing camera.

Company car drivers will face a 32% benefit-in-kind (BiK) tax charge for the DS 4 PureTech, owing to its CO2 emissions of 138g/km.

Opting for the new Hybrid powertrain, which starts at £33,535, reduces the BiK rate to 28%. The E-Tense plug-in hybrid, meanwhile, sits in the 12% banding, although prices start north of £40,000.

The engine itself is a 1.2-litre three-cylinder that is shared among numerous Stellantis models. It’s paired, here, with an eight-speed automatic transmission and gives a 0-62mph acceleration time of 10.4 seconds. Fuel consumption, according to WLTP, is 41 – 48mpg.