Is the new DS 4 2023 the best French car? Learn about the details of the Tennessee hybrid with the 2023 DS 4 lineup…
The new DS 4 2023 compact crossover is a major driver for the French brand DS, as it doubled its market share in 2022, and some are wondering if it is a marketing game, or does the DS 4 2023 have something to deserve this position?
The French manufacturer DS has big aspirations for the 2023 DS 4. It stands out from its close competitors, and prides itself on the quality, comfort and technology to underpin the 2023 DS 4 lineup. It ushers in next year powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain and, besides being comfortable, it is well polished, and finally represents DS 4 2023 The company’s most compelling model yet.
And it’s fair to say that since it spread its wings as a stand-alone brand after splitting from Citroen, DS hasn’t set the world on fire with its products or sales performance. But the 2023 DS 4 is set to change that completely, according to a thought by the French brand. Mechanically, there are few surprises. The 2023 DS 4 rides on the EMP2 platform from Stellants, and is shared by the Peugeot 308, Peugeot 508, Vauxhall Astra, Vauxhall Grandland X and the larger DS 9.
DS 4 2023 Prestige
With an emphasis on being French and ergonomic, the 2023 DS 4 E-Tense fills a very clear theoretical gap in the market, and it is the time factor that will determine how that translates into actual sales.
Highly electric, the 2023 DS 4 E-Tense tops the current lineup, and it uses the familiar combination of a 1.6-liter, 178-horsepower engine, which is backed by an electric motor. An all-electric version will join the lineup in 2024.
The exterior design of the DS4 2023
It is a new generation of the 2023 DS 4 hatchback , and it has become a challenge with its dramatic proportions, attractive appearance and muscular stance. The 2023 DS 4 stands out for its unique proportions and stunning presence that enabled it to win the “Best Car of the Year 2022” award, awarded by the jury of the 37th International Auto Festival.
The lines of the 2023 DS 4 are designed to be flowing and assertive with large wheels, a sporty silhouette and an aerodynamic profile. At the rear, the sculpted lights fit perfectly with its elegant shape, giving it a striking and eye-catching identity.
DS4 2023 interior cabin design
Inside, enhanced technology is integrated into the cockpit for a cool, high-tech, user-friendly design for a quiet ride. Designed to offer something completely different from the competition. One neat feature is the LED ambient interior lighting, which is standard on all 2023 DS 4 models except the 1 Series and Bastille.
It’s comfortable, the seats are supportive with plenty of adjustments, yes the seating isn’t high, but you can get a good enough view of the road ahead. Cloth seat upholstery is standard, and Performance Line models have Alcantara leather-trimmed seats. On the Rivoli and Cross Rivoli models, leather seats are standard. The air around you is also purified, to protect you and your family from outside air pollution, and the side glass is soundproofed in some models to reduce external noise.
The quality of the materials and the quality of the finishing of the DS4 2023
The 2023 DS 4 has good materials, a hand-stitched leather steering wheel, and a plush dashboard that’s as upscale as competitors like the Mercedes A-Class.
The spaciousness and spaciousness of the DS4 2023
DS 4 2023 measures 4,400m in length, 1,830m in width and 1,470m in height. The dimensions reflect the quality of the interior space. Generous headroom, multiple seat adjustments, and an impressive amount of headroom, plus you’ll find neat storage spaces, including a pair of cup holders, and a deep compartment inside the armrest.
The 2023 DS 4 is decent as a major family car. Teenagers in the back will be comfortable with decent head and legroom. Isofix points are available for the rear seats and front passenger seat, but the center seat in the back row is not spacious.
The trunk of the 2023 DS 4 can hold up to 430 liters of luggage, which is more spacious than a BMW 1 Series, Mercedes A-Class or Audi A3. That drops to 390 liters in the 2023 DS 4 E-Tense Hybrid, but it still has plenty of load space.
DS4 2023 infotainment system
The 2023 DS4’s media system is impressive, the 10-inch screen is easier to operate than competitors’ screens, it’s very responsive, and the menu layout is customizable (a bit like a smartphone). Standard across the lineup, it has two USB-C ports in the front, and beyond the first category, it has two ports in the back. A wireless charging option is also available.
Screens are a distraction while driving, but the French brand DS has done the trick. There is a second, smaller touch screen positioned lower in the center console. Easily accessible, and less distracting, it is used to operate the main navigation system. But the rotary controller is still more practical and safer.
Engine options for the 2023 DS4
The 2023 DS 4 range includes five engine options, the first of which is a small, three-cylinder, 1.2-liter petrol engine badged as a Puretech 130. Producing 130 horsepower, it’s not befitting of a car this size, but it’s enough to keep up with traffic. We haven’t tested it, nor have the acceleration figures for this engine been confirmed.
And for a more stable petrol engine, there’s a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine available with 180hp or 225hp. The first will push the car to 62 mph in 8.0 seconds, while the second, 225 horsepower, takes 7.9 seconds. All DS 4 2023 engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Finally, there is a plug-in hybrid powertrain, with an output of 225 hp, specific to the DS 4 E-TENSE model and which consumes less fuel.
There’s also a diesel unit, the 1.5-liter, with 129 hp and 300 Nm of torque, and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, badged as BlueHDi 130. It takes 10.9 seconds to accelerate from 0-62 mph.
Our favorite model is the DS 4 E-Tense plug-in hybrid. It includes a 1.6-liter petrol engine and an electric one that derives its energy from a 12.4 kWh lithium-ion battery, and the car system seamlessly switches between petrol and electric power. Putting 225 horsepower at your fingertips, it’s the fastest, sprinting to 62 mph in 7.7 seconds.
2023 Tennessee DS4e Engine Performance
We didn’t test the 2023 DS 4 with the 129hp, 129hp and 178hp PureTech 180 petrol engines, but we did test the most powerful version of the PureTech 225. It hesitates a bit on the pull, then easily builds pace after leaving the lower end of the rev range, and according to the official figures, It can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 7.9 seconds. The plug-in hybrid version (PHEV) with 221hp is faster, without any hesitation. It cruises quickly thanks to the electric boost at its disposal, accelerating from 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds.
The standard eight-speed automatic gearbox in the 2023 DS 4 is impressively smooth upshifting, but it’s choppy on the way back up to lower gears, making it difficult to slow down smoothly. They are at their weakest when in slow motion or stop/start traffic.
Driving impressions of the 2023 DS4e Tennessee
The 2023 DS4 has an intelligent active scanning system that has a camera on the windshield to monitor the road ahead for defects. And if the system thinks you’re going to hit a pothole, it supports the adaptive suspension, which reduces vibration in the cabin. It is a technology that is only available in very expensive models such as the Mercedes S-Class.
Whether or not the 2023 DS 4 comes with the optional adaptive suspension, you’ll find it a bit stiffer than you’d expect from a French luxury car. But it’s not helped by the large alloy wheels and the extra weight of the hybrid batteries in the DS 4 E-Tense models.
Don’t expect the DS 4 to be as nimble as the BMW 1 Series or the X2, either. Its steering is too light to encourage pressure, and there’s just as much sway in turns and corners as a slightly wobbly Mercedes GLA.
2023 DS4E Tennessee Driving Modes
E-TENSE models are equipped with several driving modes: Electric mode, always selected by default, enables you to keep your petrol consumption to a minimum, ideal for a quiet commute. To make the most of the driving dynamics of the DS 4 E-TENSE for intense driving pleasure, In hybrid mode, automatically switching between 100% electric and 100% petrol or a combination of the two when needed, hybrid mode adapts to all driving conditions to get the best possible use of electric power.
And when you activate Sport mode you enjoy the combined power of the internal combustion engine and electric motor whenever you want it, with improved mapping of the accelerator, gear changes and steering. Comfort mode activates the DS ACTIVE SCAN SUSPENSION control system to adjust how firm or soft the suspension is on the road surface, ensuring maximum comfort.
Charging the battery of a 2023 DS4E Tennessee by braking
Regenerative braking technology allows you to recover energy and increase range. When decelerating or braking, the kinetic energy produced by the wheels is converted into electricity. Even if the battery runs out, you can continue to use regenerative braking to improve fuel economy.
Driving comfort in the 2023 DS4E Tennessee
In our plug-in hybrid cars, we experienced completely quiet and flexible driving. It’s powerful and responsive, and while driving in all-electric mode, a blue LED light in the windshield illuminates as a signal to turn on the 4WD. To know it’s moving you’ll be able to show your car is in electric mode.
It makes you feel safe and reassured, especially the many technologies available to keep you safe. It’s not a particularly big car, and the driving position isn’t quite as high as you’d expect.
The handling and maneuverability of the 2023 DS4E Tennessee
The soft suspension makes it one of the most comfortable in its class. It soaks up potholes and road imperfections, especially in town at low speeds. At higher speeds it can become less stable, with some undulations that make you sway from side to side. But it gives you a more stable ride at speed.
Unfortunately, the softness of the suspension hurts the handling, making it lean more noticeably in corners than the competition. In Sport mode and the Active Suspension system improves cornering agility, the DS 4 is not muscular. If you want an SUV that will make you smile on a twisty country road, we suggest looking at the sportier and more capable Formentor.
Refinement, noise and vibration in the DS4 2023
Until the electric DS 4 goes on sale, the E-Tense plug-in hybrid is the most refined model you can buy. When it is fully charged, it can completely simulate an electric car, and go into a gasoline engine. When the combustion engine is required, the system will start it.
Powertrains aside, the DS 4 is just as refined, as you’d expect from a luxury car. Just a small amount of road noise, especially with the 20-inch alloy wheels.
Safety equipment for the 2023 DS4E Tennessee
The brand is proud of the DS 4’s “semi-autonomous driving” features. These are bundled together as DS Drive Assist, which features adaptive cruise (with full stop-and-start ability in heavy traffic) as well as a lane-finding function. It won’t quite drive itself, but it’s sure to take the stress out of long trips. Note that DS Drive Assist is only fitted as standard on DS 4 Rivoli and Cross Rivoli trim levels, as well as the entry-level La Premiere model.
There is a whole host of other driver assistance technologies fitted as standard across the range. These include a driver alert system (which alerts you if you’re not paying enough attention to the road), an emergency braking system (it can apply the brakes if it detects a potential collision) and speed limit recognition. All models come with a reverse camera, while the DS 4 La Premiere features a 360-degree camera system.
There’s the usual mix of airbags, while Isofix child seat anchors are tucked into the front passenger seat and outboard rear seats. The DS 4 was awarded four stars when tested by Euro NCAP in 2022, or five stars when equipped with the optional Safety Package.
Fuel economy of DS4e Tennessee 2023
If you take a lot of short trips and have the ability to charge at home, the DS 4 E-Tense add-on could be a very effective option. If you can’t charge, we recommend one of the more conventional petrol alternatives. Diesel power is very outdated, and the DS 4 BlueHDi should be the choice of highway and long-distance drivers – it officially gets 61.2 mpg. But it is not available in some Arab countries.
The Puretech 130 engine officially tops out at 48.6 mpg in WLTP fuel economy tests, while the Puretech 180 engine drops to 43.9 mpg. Surprisingly, the 1.6-liter Puretech 225 gets 43.7 mpg.
DS4 2023 reliability
It’s so new that I’m not sure how reliable the DS 4 will be, but it shares mechanics with a wide range of Stellantis models. That should be good news in terms of reliability.
Prices for the new and used DS4 2023
The DS 4 E-Tense plug-in hybrid model is perhaps the most desirable, but also the most expensive. You’ll pay in excess of £36,000, increasing at high specification levels to over £40,000.
The base model DS 4 Bastille + with Puretech 130 petrol engine will cost you over £25,000, and there is a Puretech 225 engine in the Performance Line + model and closes to £35,000. And if you’re looking to save money (and skip the queue), look for a used DS 4. There aren’t many used ones, and it will take a while for the DS4 to start appearing on the used market.
2023 DS4E Tennessee Models and Standard Equipment
The DS 4 line-up looks a bit confusing. The lineup starts with three base models, preceding the Sport Performance model, and the DS 4 Cross SUV-esque model. All models are available in different variants. And the first model bears the Bastille + badge. Upgrading takes you to the Trocadero, with additional upgrades and a head-up display. And additional technical features. The Rivoli tops the standard range, with interior and technology extras.
The Performance Line+ adds Iris navigation, a head-up display, a rear armrest and tinted rear windows. A more rugged look is defined by the Cross Trocadero, with crossover exterior features, semi-integrated technologies, and sensors. The Cross Rivoli model adds black leather seats, DS Matrix headlights and the DS Drive Assist semi-autonomous driving package.
Classification and safety and security technologies for the DS4 2023
The DS4 scored four stars for safety when tested by Euro NCAP, and if you add the optional Safety Pack Plus, it upgrades it to five stars. Without this package you get:
- automatic emergency braking (AEB)
- Help maintain the lane
- You get an upgraded AEB that works at up to 85 mph
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Features of the DS4e Tennessee 2023
- Comes with a lot of equipment as standard
- Intuitive infotainment system
- Smooth automatic gearbox and distinctive design
- The interior is remarkably well finished and has a high interior quality
- Available in petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid power
Disadvantages of the DS4e Tennessee 2023
- There is no fully electric version until 2024
- Competitors have better ride comfort
- High-spec models are very expensive
- Performance and handling are not impressive
- Competitors are roomier in the back and more fun to drive
- Ride quality could be a bit softer (especially with the big alloy wheels)
- The lineup of models is a bit confusing
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.