STYLISH CITROËN DS4 NOW ROAMS MZANSI ROADS

A second Citroën DS model in the form of the DS4 now struts its stuff on South Africa’s roads, following the local launch which took me around some of GP’s scenic routes. Part hatch back, part crossover SUV, all Citroën premium, the DS4 actually has no direct rivals to speak of. In a way it’s in a segment of its own really.

Then again, you can look at the MINI Countryman or CrossPolo, or even the BMW X1 for inspiration. Secondary to that you have the Volkswagen Golf to contend with. That it only stands 33mm higher than C4 is but a small feature. Mind you there is no all-wheel-drive 4x4 system here, only the front grid does the grip. Nevertheless peering over the magnificent dashboard one does feel just a little more superior than the guy in the next hatch, if only by a few centimetres.

The DS line is a premium line, which means some components used are that much more expensive, or exclusive if you like. DS3 is one prime example, another will be the upcoming DS5 which we’ll see in Mzansi in 2012.

So one of the DS4’s outstanding features is the interior, which really feels and looks more expensive. Not Rolls-Royce expensive, but more than what the car actually costs. French people are quite proud of their chic, understated style, nothing as brash as the Italians. In some models you can even order special leather seats with a design pattern called Habana that looks like a watch chain. Oh so chic! Add to that is how well-appointed it is, including an optional satellite navigation system, USB port for music lovers, dual climate control and an onboard trip computer. The hand brake is electro-magnetic and automatically disengages as you move off.

I immediately felt cocooned before our drive, felt safe and pampered, without realising too much that I was behind the wheels of a small Citroën, not a German luxury car. The leather-covered multi-function steering wheel sits firm on the skin, feels weighty and turns really well. It does well to help the car achieve a turning circle of 10.7 metres. Those standard 17-inch alloys with 215/55 R17 tyres do make a statement, but probably not as loud a statement as the 19-inch Cairns alloys with 225/40 R19 Michelins. Pay extra for those, but they really look stunning.

Citroën opted to launch the cars with only the 6-speed manual gearbox, although an automatic might be offered later if demand uhm, demands it. Gear changes are smooth enough and the gear lever itself is really cool to hold on to. Chrome strips are evident all round, including on the steering wheel and gear lever.

I was swept off my feet by the two engines sampled, although I think the turbo diesel could do better with an automatic. In any case, the 1.6-litre THP turbo used in the THP 200 Sport, and was developed in cahoots with the BMW Group, lays bare a nice 147kW of power at 5800rpm, with maximum torque of 275Nm building from 1700rpm. A sprint time from 0 – 100km/h of 7.9 seconds is listed, along with a top end of 235km/h. During a few hours of driving on public roads I did not even try and test the top speed, but I reckon it would be hard to achieve. The car is supposed to return 6.4 litres per 100km in combined driving, with a matching C02 figure of 149 g/km.

On the other hand we have the fuel-sipping HDi 160 which has a lovely 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine with 120kW on 3750rpm, peak torque of 340Nm at 2000rpm. Probably not as powerful as German equivalents, but the case of a tank range of around 1100km is to be respected. The drive experience is also good, if not as “hurry-up” as the THP. Citroen will also offer a baseline VTi 120 1.6 with natural aspiration and 88kW, although I’d keep away from that one if spirited driving was my thing. Which it is.

Already Citroën sells what we could consider niche products in South Africa, although worldwide the brand sold 1.5 million cars in 2010. DS4 is a niche within a niche, meaning no more than a couple of hundred units will be sold per month. Standing out in this world of “me too” can be hard work, but with the DS4 it will be effortless.

Citroën DS4 Pricing

VTi 120 Style (R254 900)

VTi 120 Style (R272 900)

THP 200 Sport (R319 900)

THP 160 Sport (R319 900)