New Citroen DS4: Why conform?

Citroen’s acclaimed DS line breaks new ground with the arrival of the dynamic new DS4 - which redefines expectations of a mid-size coupé with its unique blend of bold design, elegance and versatility.
 
The second model in the distinctively styled DS line, DS4 has already been voted “Most Beautiful Car of the Year” by more than 60,000 web users in 62 countries.
 
A jury from the worlds of design, sport, culture and the media presented DS4 with the “Most Beautiful Interior” prize at the 26th International Automobile Festival in January.
 
DS4 has also been honoured at the 2011 Auto Bild Design Awards in Germany where it was named “Most Beautiful Car” in the City and Compact Car class.
 
DS4 combines head-turning good looks with an unrivalled driving experience - both fundamental to the DNA of the DS line.  By abandoning the norms of conventional design, Citroen have created a pioneering and singularly desirable addition to the DS range.  Designed first and foremost as a sleek coupé, but with 5-door flexibility and a commanding, raised stance, DS4 takes ‘Créative Technologie’ to a whole new level.  DS4 is dominant, confident and powerful - a perfect sequel to the multi-award winning DS3.
 
DS4’s striking profile immediately portrays presence and prestige.  Its eye-catching lines are enhanced by a chrome-finished waistline and dark tinted windows.  Sculpted wheel arches emphasise the stylish alloys (up to 19”).  The taut roofline and rear spoiler add extra prowess.  Striking ‘always on’ light signatures at the rear and around the front fog lights ensure that DS4 stands out from the crowd.
 
DS4’s defined coupé physique belies its versatile 5-door layout.  Three full-size rear seats are accessed via seamlessly integrated rear doors with handles encased in the car’s extended window frames.  When open, these rear doors reveal their angular shape as a uniquely elegant design touch.
 
A sophisticated and beautifully appointed cabin offers exquisite comfort in a premium environment.  The interior exudes a sense of status, innovation and finesse through meticulous attention to detail.  From the carefully tailored acoustics to the premium cabin materials, DS4 projects an air of confidence and sophistication.  The drilled aluminium pedals, embossed door handles and a choice of five leather combinations completes the opulent atmosphere.
 
A large panoramic windscreen offers enhanced occupant visibility and illuminates the driver-focused cockpit, creating a bright and welcoming environment.
 
Keeping form and function in perfect harmony, DS4 boasts compact exterior dimensions - 4.27m (l), 1.81m (w) & 1.53m (h) - for exceptional versatility and day-to-day functionality.
 
There is room to seat five adults in comfort with generous head, leg and shoulder room throughout. A large 359 litre boot increases to 385 litres (VDA), using the under floor storage - bigger than many conventional hatchbacks.
 
In keeping with Citroen’s focus on ‘Créative Technologie’, the interior is home to a range of clever storage solutions for maximum convenience.  The intelligent cabin design includes a raised centre console (available on models fitted with EGS) with a cooled, illuminated and protected compartment that holds up to four 50-cl bottles and houses a connectivity area with a USB port and a 12-volt socket.
 
The serene onboard atmosphere is created by DS4’s meticulous soundproofing, which is comparable to models in the segment above.  DS4 offers the opportunity to personalise the onboard ambience with a range of polyphonic sound themes.  The colour of the dials and the instrument cluster can also be changed to further refine the driving experience.
 
DS4’s cabin boasts intelligent innovation for ultimate user confidence and first-class travelling comfort. Additional premium touches such as massaging front seats with electric lumbar adjustment, an advanced DENON audio system and Citroen’s integrated eMyWay navigation, entertainment and communication system are available to further personalise the cabin.
 
With its raised, taut and agile stance, DS4 is tuned for dynamic performance that will set the heart racing.The suspension and steering are engineered to be highly responsive and smooth, with exemplary control.
 
Citroen’s new DS4 is powered by a range of five Euro 5 compliant engines, delivering refined performance with optimised fuel and CO2 efficiency.  There are two diesels - HDi 110 and HDi 160 -and three petrol units that were co-developed with BMW - VTi 120, THP 155 and a new THP 200.
 
The spirited THP 200 dispenses thrilling power and performance with a top speed of 146mph and 0-62mph time of 8.5 seconds.  Extremely efficient, this engine returns an impressive 44.1mpg over a combined cycle with low CO2 emissions of just 149g/km.
 
The HDi 110 is also available as an e-HDi version.  Citroen’s innovative micro-hybrid technology, with second generation Stop & Start, boosts fuel economy by up to 15% in city driving conditions and lowers the model’s official CO2 emissions to just 114g/km.
 
One of the safest vehicles in its class, DS4 has been awarded a maximum 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating with a 97% score in the ‘Safety Assist’ category.  An extensive range of safety features are available as standard, including ESP with Intelligent Traction Control, ABS with EBD and EBA, six airbags and two Isofix mountings on the rear seats.
 
DS4 has also received the Euro NCAP Advanced award for its innovative eTouch Emergency & Assistance system.  Other safety enhancing technology includes programmable cruise control with speed limiter and Citroen’s new blind-spot monitoring system.
 
DS4 officially goes on sale in the UK on 4 July 2011 and will carry one of three signatures - DSign, DStyle and DSport.  Ownership starts at just £18,150 for the VTi 120 DSign, rising to just under £24,000 for the range-topping THP 200 and HDi 160 DSport versions.