Review: Citroën Mk.2 DS4 (2012-17)

Overview

Released in March 2012, the Citroën Mk.2 DS4 was a five-door hatchback. Manufactured in Mulhouse, France, the front-wheel drive DS4 range initially consisted of 1.6 THP 115 and 147 variants, powered by 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engines (with six-speed semi-automatic and manual transmissions, respectively). In May 2012, however, the range was expanded with the introduction of the 1.6 e-HDI which had Stop and Start system (to shut down the engine when stationary) and an electronically-controlled alternator that recovered energy during braking. In October 2012, the 1.6 THP variant was introduced with a conventional six-speed automatic transmission. The full range is given in the table below.

Although there was no Mk.1 DS4, the Mk.2 DS4 was so-called because it was based on the Mk.2 C4 . Compared to the Mk.2 C4 , the DS4 had higher-riding suspension and fixed rear windows. With respect to dimensions, the DS4 was 55 mm shorter (at 4275 mm), 82 mm wider (2052 mm), 33 mm taller (1523 mm), yet had a 4 mm longer wheelbase (2612 mm). Furthermore, the Mk.2 DS4 had MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, front seatbelt pretensioners and front and outer rear seatbelt load limiters. A blind spot monitoring system was also fitted as standard.

The 1.6 e-HDi variant was fitted with 283 mm by 26 mm ventilated front disc brake sand 268 mm by 12 mm solid rear discs, while the 1.6 THP 115 and 1.6 THP 120 variants were fitted with larger 302 mm by 26 mm ventilated front discs. The 1.6 THP 147, however, was fitted with 340 mm by 30 mm ventilated front brake discs and 290 mm by 12 mm solid rear discs.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , the DS4 received a five star safety rating which included a 90 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 80 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the frontal offset crash test, protection for the front occupants chest and lower legs were rated as adequate; all other areas were rated as good. Maximum points were awarded in the side impact test and, in the more severe pole test, protection of the chest and abdomen was rated as adequate. Under ANCAP’s methodology, this testing resulted in a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 35.68 out of 37.

Features

Standard features for the DS4 DStyle included 18-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with a CD player, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary inputs (3.5mm/USB), dual-zone climate control air conditioning, power and heated adjustable front seats with massaging functions, cruise control, front and rear fog lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, a cooled glovebox, leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors with folding function, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, a power-operated park brake, a 12 volt power outlet, courtesy lamps, ambient lighting, a trip computer, an electrochromatic rear view mirror, alarm and immobiliser. Models with semi-automatic transmissions were also fitted steering wheel gearshift paddles.

The DS4 DSport was further equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, leather trim, drilled aluminium pedals and embossed door-handles.

Related links

• Press Kit: Citroën DS4 (March 2012)
• Press Kit: Citroën DS4 THP120 (October 2012)
• Specifications: Citroën DS4 (January 2014)
• Specifications: Citroën DS4 (May 2014)
• Specifications: Citroën Mk.2 DS4 (September 2014)
• Citroën Automobiles Australia: Citroën DS4
• Wikipedia.org: Citroën DS4