Is the new DS 4 2023 the best French car? Learn about the details of the Tennessee Hybrid with the DS 4 2023 lineup…
The new DS 4 2023 compact crossover is a major driver for the French brand DS, which doubled its market share in 2022, and some are asking is it a marketing game or does the DS 4 2023 have what makes it deserve this position?
The French manufacturer DS has big aspirations for the DS 4 2023. It stands out from its close competitors, and prides itself on quality, comfort and technology to underpin the DS 4 2023 lineup. It welcomes next year with a plug-in hybrid powertrain that, while comfortable, is well-refined and ‘revealed’, and finally represents DS 4 2023 is the company’s most compelling model to date.
And it’s fair to say that ever since it spread its wings as a stand-alone brand after taking Citroen out, DS hasn’t lightened the world with its products or sales performance. But the DS 4 2023 is set to completely change that, according to the French brand’s Fikr. Mechanically, there are few surprises. The DS 4 2023 rides on the Stellants EMP2 platform, and is shared by the larger Peugeot 308, Peugeot 508, Vauxhall Astra, Vauxhall Grandland X and the larger DS 9.
DS 4 Car Stand 2023
With an emphasis on being French and comfortable, the DS 4 E-Tense 2023 fills a very clear theoretical gap in the market, and it is time that will determine how this translates into actual sales.
The DS 4 E-Tense 2023 is highly electric and is at the top of the current lineup, utilizing the familiar 1.6-liter, 178-hp engine combination that is backed by an electric motor. A pure electric version will join the lineup in 2024.
DS4 2023 exterior styling
It’s a new generation DS 4 2023 hatchback , and it’s becoming a challenge with its dramatic proportions, attractive looks and muscular stance. The DS 4 2023 stands out for its unique proportions and impressive presence, which enabled it to win the “Best Car of the Year 2022” award, awarded by the jury of the 37th International Automobile Festival.
The lines of the DS 4 2023 are designed to be flowing and assertive with large wheels, a sporty silhouette and an aerodynamic look. At the back, the sculpted lights fit perfectly into its elegant shape, giving it a striking and inviting identity.
Interior Design for DS4 2023
Inside, enhanced technology integrates into the cockpit for a cool, high-tech design that’s easy to use for a quiet ride. It is designed to offer something completely different from the competition. A neat feature is the ambient LED interior lighting, which is standard on all DS 4 2023 models except the 1 Series and Bastille models.
They are comfortable, the seats are bolstered with many adjustment positions, yes the seating is not high, but you can get a good view of the road ahead. Cloth seat upholstery is standard, and Performance Line models have seats trimmed in Alcantara leather. The Rivoli and Cross Rivoli models have leather seats as standard. The air around you is also purified, to protect you and your family from outside air pollution, and the side windows are soundproofed on some models to reduce outside noise.
The quality of materials and the quality of finishing of the DS4 2023
The DS 4 2023 has good materials, a hand-stitched leather steering wheel and a plush instrument panel, as refined as the Mercedes A-Class.
The spaciousness of the DS4 2023
The DS 4 2023 is 4,400m long, 1,830m wide, and 1,470m high. The dimensions reflect the quality of the interior space. There’s plenty of headroom, multiple seating positions, and an impressive amount of headroom, plus you’ll find stylish storage spaces, including a pair of cup holders, and a deep compartment inside the armrest.
The DS 4 2023 is suitable as a main family car, the teenagers in the back will be comfortable, with adequate headroom and legroom, Isofix points are available in the rear seats and the front passenger seat, but the middle seat in the back row is not wide.
The luggage compartment of the DS 4 2023 can accommodate up to 430 liters of luggage, which is more spacious than the BMW 1 Series, Mercedes A-Class or Audi A3. That drops to 390 liters on the DS 4 E-Tense 2023 Hybrid, but it still has plenty of load space.
DS4 2023 infotainment system
The media system in the DS 4 2023 is impressive, the 10-inch screen is easier to operate than competitors’ screens, its response is very fast, and the menu layout is customizable (a bit like a smartphone). It’s standard across the lineup, with two USB-C ports on the front, and beyond the first category, two in the back. A wireless charging option is also available.
Screens are distracting while driving, but French brand DS has done the trick. There is a second, smaller touch screen positioned lower in the center console. Easily accessible, less distracting, used to power the main navigation system. But the rotary console remains practical and safer.
Engine Options for DS4 2023
The DS 4 2023 range includes five engine options, the first of which is a small, three-cylinder, 1.2-liter petrol engine with the Puretech 130 badge. It produces 130 horsepower, not a car of this size, but enough to keep up with traffic. We haven’t tested it, and the acceleration numbers for this engine have not been confirmed.
And for a more stable petrol engine, a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine is available with either 180 hp or 225 hp. The first will propel the car to 62 mph in 8.0 seconds, the second will take 225 hp in 7.9 seconds, and all engines of the DS 4 2023 are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Finally, there is a 225 hp, plug-in hybrid powertrain for the lower fuel consumption DS 4 E-TENSE.
There’s also a 1.5-liter diesel unit with 129 hp and 300 Nm of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic, and badge 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 gasoline engine, and an electric one that derives its power from a 12.4 kWh lithium-ion battery, and the car system seamlessly switches between gasoline and electric power. Putting 225 horsepower at your fingertips, it’s the fastest, sprinting to 62 mph in 7.7 seconds.
ds4 e tn engine performance 2023
We didn’t try the 2023 DS 4 with the 129hp, 129hp and 178hp PureTech 180 petrol engine, but we did try the most powerful version of the PureTech 225. It hesitates a bit on the pull, then builds up its pace easily after leaving the lower end of the rev range, and according to official figures, It can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 7.9 seconds. The 221 hp PHEV is faster, without hesitation. It goes fast thanks to the electric boost at its disposal, accelerating from 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds.
The standard eight-speed automatic in the DS 4 2023 is impressively smooth on the upswing, but choppy on the way back to lower gears, making it hard to slow down smoothly. They are at their weakest when they are in slow motion or stop/start traffic.
Driving impressions of the DS4 E TN 2023
The DS 4 2023 has an intelligent active scanning system that has a camera on the windshield to monitor the road ahead for faults. And if the system thinks you’ll hit a pothole, it supports the adaptive suspension, which reduces vibration in the cabin. It is a technology that is only available on expensive models such as the Mercedes S-Class.
Whether the DS 4 2023 comes with or without the optional adaptive suspension, you’ll find it a little more powerful 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 on the DS 4 E-Tense models.
Don’t expect the DS 4 to be as smart as a BMW 1 Series or an X2 either. Its steering is too light to encourage you to push, and there’s just as much pitch in turns and corners as the slightly wobble Mercedes GLA.
Driving Modes of the DS4 E TN 2023
E-TENSE models are equipped with several driving modes: The electric mode, which is always selected by default, enables you to keep gasoline consumption to a minimum, ideal for cruising in peace.To make the most of the driving dynamics of the DS 4 E-TENSE for intense driving pleasure, Hybrid mode automatically switches between 100% electric, 100% petrol, or a combination of the two when needed, and Hybrid mode adapts to all driving conditions to make the best possible use of electric power.
And when Sport mode is activated, you enjoy the combined power of the internal combustion engine and electric motor whenever you want it, with improved mapping of the accelerator, gear shifting and steering. In Comfort mode, it activates the DS ACTIVE SCAN SUSPENSION suspension control system to adjust the strength or smoothness of the suspension on the road surface, ensuring maximum comfort.
Charging the battery of the DS4 e Tennessee 2023 by braking
Regenerative braking technology allows you to recover energy and increase travel range. During deceleration or braking, the kinetic energy produced by the wheels is converted into electricity. Even if the battery runs out, you can still use regenerative braking to improve fuel consumption.
Driving comfort in the DS4 E TN 2023
In our plug-in hybrid cars, we experienced a completely quiet and fluid driving experience. It’s powerful and responsive, and while driving in all-electric mode, a blue LED lights up in the windshield as a signal to turn it on. To know it is moving you will be able to show that your car is in electric mode.
It makes you feel safe and reassured, especially with the many techniques available to keep you safe. It’s not a particularly big car, and the driving position isn’t as loud as you’d expect.
ds4 e tn 2023 maneuverability
The soft suspension makes it one of the most comfortable cars in its class. It absorbs potholes and road imperfections, especially in town at low speeds, and at higher speeds it can become less stable, so I found some ripples that made you swing from side to side. But it does give you a more stable ride at speed.
Unfortunately, the suspension’s softness compromises the handling, and causes it to bend significantly more into corners than the competition. In Sport mode Active Suspension improves cornering agility, the DS 4 isn’t muscular. If you want an SUV that will make you smile on a winding country road, we suggest looking at the sportier and more capable Formentor.
Refinement, noise and vibrations of the DS4 2023
Until the electric DS 4 goes on sale, the plug-in hybrid E-Tense is the most refined model you can buy. When it is fully charged, it can perfectly simulate an electric car, and go into the gasoline engine. When the combustion engine is required, the system will start it.
Regardless of the engines, the DS 4 is completely refined, as you’d expect from a luxury car. Only a small amount of road noise, especially with the 20″ alloy wheels.
DS4 E TN 2023 Safety Equipment
The brand prides itself on the DS 4’s “semi-autonomous driving” features. Together, they are bundled as DS Drive Assist, which features adaptive cruise (with the ability to fully stop and start in heavy traffic) as well as a lane-finding function. It won’t drive completely by itself, but it sure takes the stress out of long trips. Note that DS Drive Assist is only fitted as standard on the DS 4 Rivoli and Cross Rivoli trim levels, as well as the introductory La Premiere model.
There is a whole host of other driver assistance technologies fitted as standard across the range. This includes Driver Alert System (which alerts you if you’re not paying enough attention to the road), emergency braking (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 is the usual combination of airbags, while Isofix child seat attachment points are fitted to the front passenger seat and the outer 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 in the DS4 E TN 2023
If you take a lot of short trips and have the ability to charge at home, the extra DS 4 E-Tense can be a very effective option. If you can’t charge, we recommend one of the more traditional gasoline alternatives. Diesel power is pretty old, and the DS 4 BlueHDi should be the choice for highway drivers and long-dists—it’s officially 61.2 mpg. But it is not available in some Arab countries.
The Puretech 130 officially cuts up to 48.6 mpg in the WLTP fuel economy tests, while the Puretech 180 drops to 43.9 mpg. Surprisingly, the Puretech 225’s 1.6-liter engine gets 43.7 mpg.
DS4 2023 Reliability
It’s too new to be sure how reliable the DS 4 will be, but it shares mechanics with a wide range of Stellantis models. This should be good news in terms of reliability.
Prices of new and used DS4 2023 cars
The DS 4 E-Tense Hybrid is perhaps the most desirable model, but it is also the most expensive. You’ll pay over £36,000, with higher specification levels going up to over £40,000.
The base model DS 4 Bastille + with the Puretech 130 petrol engine costs you over £25,000, and there is the Puretech 225 in Performance Line + and approaches £35,000. And if you’re looking to save money (and skip the waiting list), look for a used DS 4. There aren’t many used ones, and the DS 4 will take some time to start showing up in the second-hand market.
DS4 E TN 2023 Models and Standard Equipment
The DS 4 model lineup looks a little confusing. The lineup starts with three base models, predating the Performance model, and the DS 4 Cross SUV-esque. All models are available in different variants. The first model bears the Bastille + badge. A level up takes you to the Trocadero, with additional improvements, and a windshield display. and additional technical advantages. The Rivoli tops the standard range, with interior and technology additions.
Performance Line + adds Iris navigation, a head-up display, rear armrest and tinted rear windows. The Cross Trocadero’s more aggressive look is defined by crossover exterior features, semi-integrated technologies and sensors. The Cross Rivoli adds black leather seats, DS Matrix headlights, and the DS Drive Assist semi-autonomous driving package.
DS4 2023 Safety Technique Classification and Techniques
The DS4 scored four safety stars when tested by Euro NCAP, and if you add the optional Safety Pack Plus, it upgrades the car to five stars. Without this package you get:
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Help keep aisle
- You get an upgraded AEB that runs at speeds up to 85 miles per hour
- Rear traffic alert.
Features of the DS4 E 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 DS4 E Tennessee 2023
- No fully electric version until 2024
- Competitors have better riding comfort
- Expensive high-spec models
- The performance and handling are unimpressive
- The rivals are more spacious in the back and more fun to drive
- Ride quality could be softer (especially with big alloy wheels)
- The model range is a bit confusing
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