Citroen DS4 metareview - once driven, never forgotten
With the introduction of the DS3, Citroen showed the world and its harshest critics how driving a small car can be practical, economical, stylish and above all: fun! With the ability to customise the look to suit your individual taste, it has won countless awards for its ingenuity.
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When Citroen announced that the next member of the DS range was to be released (the DS4), many thought the idea that Citroen could manage it again (and build a new category in the process) was an impossible feat. This article then is to show how the DS4 (in an incredibly short time) has built up an impressive following; with a plethora of critics who think the DS4 is worthy of wearing the DS badge and above all become a driver's delight.
Released only a few short months ago, the DS4 has already gained recognition within the industry. Bestowed the "Most Beautiful Car of the Year" award by an independent survey of 60,000 people across 62 countries, the remit of Citroen's design group has certainly been achieved. The Citroen DS4 has a 97% score in EURO NCap safety testing giving it a 5 star rating (the highest available).
Below are a select group of snippets of reviews from around the UK to explain how highly regarded the Citroen DS4 truly is:
Auto Express have highlighted how the interior of the DS4 sets it apart from other cars in its class, "the two-tone perforated leather seats look stunning" with the dashboard given some "striking" refinements. The engine is "eager and responsive through the rev range" and they describe how the car itself provides a "great noise" to the driver. With a firm, sporty yet comfortable ride, the DS4 provides a luxurious feel to the many coupes and hatchbacks on the road in 2011.
The Telegraph provides what must be the most important quote
of the year: "the latest model from Citroën's DS sub-brand, the DS4
crossover, is further proof that the French car maker is firmly back on
track". Praising the sport-utility
ride height and the fact that it manages to be a sports coupe along with a five
door hatchback, the DS4 has rear doors which are "highly stylised"
with space for adults in the rear. With "excellent visibility and a wide
range of adjustment" for wheel and seat, the DS4 is comfortable, stylish
and surprisingly practical. Driving the 200BHp model the reviewer noted that the
DS4 has an "addictive exhaust note and a terrific gearbox, which allows
you to snap up and down the ratios as if it was a rally car". "At
speed", as noted "it is positive and agile".
The Carbuyer review focuses on how the DS4 "gives more upmarket rivals a run for their money". With a "sporty drive mixed with family practicality", the DS4 manages a compromise between driving for family and driving for fun. The DS4 certainly left an impression as it was described as "something quirky yet practical: the Citroen DS4 brings additional style and a sporty feel to an already impressive family car". With sleek styling and stand-out looks on the road, the DS4 certainly leaves a great impression.
Parkers explain how the "DS4 is meant to blend coupe and hatchback bodystyles and the effect is pretty striking". With a "good looking exterior" and the fact that it is "comfortable as a daily driver" with plenty of boot space, the DS4 marries practicality with unrivalled driving pleasure.
What Car claims that "the DS4 is a good-looking,
high-quality alternative to a conventional small family hatch". With the
quality of the engine selection leaving an impression, the DS4 manages to drive
as good as it looks.
