DS4 1955 - three in one
While the DS cars are distinctly different from their Citroen cousins, the DS4 seems to have a lot in common with the cheaper C4. Is she able to defend her position in the newly created brand? We're testing a 4 limited edition DS1955.
What happened in 1955? Futuristic Citroen DS was presented at the Paris Motor Show. He was ahead of his time, which made a big impression. The number of innovations was simply staggering. Already 15 minutes after the curtain opened, the list of orders was covered by 743 items. By the end of the day, 12 thousand orders. After 20 years of sales worldwide, 1 units have already been used.
Today we have three models: DS3, DS4 and DS5. Everyone represents the spirit of DS in their own way. The DS3 is reminiscent of style - the shark fin-shaped B-pillar is reminiscent of its predecessor's C-pillar. Larger models should be just as unconventional. DS5 combines the features of a hatchback and a limousine. So what is it DS4?
Coupe, hatchback, crossover...
We may be disappointed at the first meeting. The style of the brothers is very individual, while the front here looks almost identical to the C4. Of course, the bumper has been changed and the suspension has been raised, but if the two cars, C4 and DS4, weren't standing side by side, it would be hard for me to tell them apart. Fortunately, this only applies to the front. The roofline has a curve that curves towards the rear window and extends to the bumper. The tailgate handle is built into the pillar to give the body a two-door coupe look. At this point, however, we must stop for a moment. The shape of the second pair of doors is incorrect, the glass protrudes significantly beyond the contour of the door. This is a very effective means of punishing passengers, although they impose this punishment on themselves unconsciously. It is very easy to hit such an element.
The 1955 edition is distinguished primarily by the original dark color with a blue tint. You'll find a golden DS logo on the hood, as well as the center section of the aluminum rims. The mirror housings are covered with a laser engraved pattern.
However, earlier this year, DS introduced an updated model. Once it gets to us, the complaints that it looks too much like a C4 should stop. The model will acquire a completely new face, adapted to the needs of a particular brand - incl. all Citroen labels will disappear.
And another minibus?
Well, not necessarily a minivan. However, the solution that we saw earlier in the Opel Zafira is striking. It is a panoramic windshield with a movable part of the roof lining to protect the eyes from the sun. This allows a lot of light into the interior, and visibility is similar to that known in larger family cars.
The console came straight from the Citroen C4. At least its shape, because the plastic is molded into DS4 they look a little different. They also need to be of higher quality. Their folding is at a decent level and we will not complain about the crunch. The nicer plastics do improve the feel of the interior, but no matter what, the changes from the C4 are small. And yet, "C" should be a simple model, and "DS" a higher shelf. Yes, in Volkswagen cars we get the same buttons in models from different price categories, but their dashboards are at least somewhat different. Here we see a slightly more interesting C4. With different shift knob and different door design.
However, there is nothing to worry about, because spending several hours a day in this cabin is not a traumatic experience. The chairs are quite comfortable, but the protruding panel with the “1955” logo interferes with the back of the head. Comfort is definitely enhanced by the massage and heating function. There is no lack of space in the front, but there is nowhere to look for space in the back - it is adapted for people up to about 170 cm tall.
Trunk volume is 359 liters and looks pretty decent. We have hooks, lanterns, nets - everything we are used to. The problem can only be a high loading threshold, which we must avoid when packaging. After folding the rear seats, the capacity is 1021 liters.
131 HP from three cylinders
In the test DS4 under the hood engine 1.2 Pure Tech. The small displacement and just three cylinders can generate 131 hp. at 5500 rpm and 230 Nm of torque at 1750 rpm. With such a low power, fuel consumption on the highway can be reduced to 6,5 l / 100 km, and in city traffic it is in the range of 8-9 l / 100 km.
However, there are limitations to this ability. The presence of a turbocharger was inevitable, but these devices have rather narrow performance characteristics. Before the turbo builds up the optimum compressed air pressure, i.e. from the moment of starting up to about 1750-2000 rpm, the engine is clearly weaker. The same applies to work near the red field. If the road is going up and we want to drive very dynamically, we will feel an annoying drop in power just before the gear change.
However, this car is not designed for such driving. Comfortable, soft suspension is also not going to provoke. Rather, driving should be done at a decent, leisurely pace that gives the body the necessary time to enter the turn. Sport is also not to be found in the steering system. DS4 rides correctly, but with a clear focus on comfort.
I just don't know what assumptions were made when designing the braking system. The historic DS still uses a unique floor button solution. However, he did not work at zero-one because he was sensitive to pressure. In fact, driving this car required retraining. Or maybe in DS4, they wanted to wink at us with the brake pedal and say: “a bit like in DC, huh?” It is like rubber, has a large dead zone and is not very linear. The braking force can change too much depending on the movement we make with the pedal.
However, these are characteristics of the French automotive industry, especially Citroen, from which the DS was born. You just have to love it.
Will he get better soon?
DS4 is a representative of a very young brand, the image of which is basically just being created. Initially, these cars were part of the Citroen catalog, but are gradually moving away from it. And so let's stop complaining that the middle model in the DS line is the most unremarkable among them. That it differs too little from the Citroen C4. The front end, introduced in Frankfurt, makes a much better impression and at the same time does away with the latest parent brand references on the grille. After all, it doesn't look like the interior is going to get any major changes, so in fact we'll continue to drive the slightly better C4, except it won't be visible from the outside.
Apart from the braking system, there are no regrets in the handling of the DS4. She definitely prefers a smooth, predictable ride and will appeal to drivers of this style. Block 1.2 Pure Tech is very well suited for this use.
DS4 We can buy it for PLN 76. In this edition we are waiting for, among other things, manual air conditioning, 900-inch wheels, radio with MP16 and tinted rear windows. This is in the CHIC version with a proven engine. SO CHIC for PLN 3 adds 84-inch wheels, dual-zone air conditioning, power front seats with massage, and leather and fabric upholstery in two colors to choose from. The most expensive version is "900", which costs at least PLN 17. The offer also includes a 1955 THP petrol engine with 95 hp. and 900 diesel options - 1.6 BlueHDi 165 hp, 3 BlueHDi 1.6 hp and the same version 120 Blue HDi 2.0 hp
