DS 4 E-Tense review: classier than a Mercedes A-Class?

Рет қаралды 54,631

Күн бұрын

2022 DS 4 E-Tense review: carbyr.uk/3p5E1e4
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DS is the upmarket offshoot of Citroen, and the DS 4 is its latest family-sized model to take on the Volkswagen Golf and BMW 1 Series. The plug-in hybrid DS 4 E-Tense is also a direct rival to plug-in models like the Audi A3 TFSIe and Mercedes A 250 e, along with the hybrid Lexus UX. It has a battery pack big enough to provide a 35-mile electric range, reducing CO2 emissions to below 40g/km and boosting its appeal for company-car drivers. While admittedly more crossover than SUV, the DS 4 has a fashionable raised ride height and sharp design that only adds to its appeal. Its interior also looks impressive, with upmarket materials, crisp digital displays and a bigger boot than the Merc. So is this the perfect posh hatchback if you want to stand out? Sara puts it to the test.
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00:00 - Introduction
01:16 - Interior & technology
02:54 - Engines
03:58 - Trim levels & pricing
04:55 - Driving impressions
06:00 - Running costs
06:28 - Practicality & boot space
07:50 - Dealmakers & dealbreaker
08:33 - Verdict

Пікірлер: 123

@jmccallum34 Жыл бұрын

I'd have one. I currently own a mk 1 DS4, and whilst it's really not up there with the German marques, it's still one of the best cars I've ever owned. So yes, I'd definitely have a new DS4.

@whatever_12 Жыл бұрын

Recently got into a ds 3 and it's interior quality is better than audi and bmw, and rival my 21 a200... On the driving it's more on the comfy side

@klausschelling8159 Жыл бұрын

This review is about the DS4, "mate".... the DS3, the car you mentioned, is an older generation car. The DS4 is BETTER than its German counterparts. I am German and I have ordered mine. Interior quality, materials, etc... it's on same level of quality as the big 4 German car makers (Mercedes, Audi, BMW and VW). And the design is just sensational, what a beauty. My wife didn't know about DS when I told about that car, we went to the DS store and in less than 5 seconds, she told me "what a car ! So beautiful !" The French have really levelled up since 2012, it's no longer the 90's. Check out what Peugeot does, the 3008, the 508, the brand new 408. The 2008 or the 208. Come to Germany, French cars everywhere.

@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain Жыл бұрын

Excellent review, I recently reviewed a DS4 Cross on my channel and was very impressed with the DS4, I really like the Alcantara effect on the dash, if I had the £40k then I would have this in a heartbeat.

@carbuyer Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@anthonystevens8683 Жыл бұрын

A great concise review Sara. If I was in the market for a car of this class I'd certainly take a closer look. Styling is different in a good way and I do like those almost stingray (the fish) daylight running lights that sweep around. Definitely the best DS so far as you mention. I hope it sells well but that asking price might be asking a little much from those who prefer a different badge on the beak. Rear seat space may be an issue for those who want to carry larger passengers often but apart from cars on the school run I do not see many cars with the rear seats occupied on my 30 mile commute to work. Personally I'm not bothered about the badge on the snozzle but more about the dealer network and how they are rated.

@picardlouis2653 Жыл бұрын

THIS LOOKS AMAZING and today is my birthday

@carbuyer Жыл бұрын

Happy birthday!

@backdoorbursta2866 Жыл бұрын

This looks crap and my cat died, big deal, lol

@picardlouis2653 Жыл бұрын

@@carbuyer :)

@picardlouis2653 Жыл бұрын

@@backdoorbursta2866 :(your aw man its a car from my home country and now this :( :( :( :( :( :( this made made birthday 1% worst

@skunkpussy07 Жыл бұрын

A great review Sara look forward to seeing more great reviews

@themanipulator1 Жыл бұрын

It's a shame most of the buying public will blindly buy small German crossovers based nothing on objective quality but purely on false brand prestige.

@bondjamesbond9041 Жыл бұрын

Well said

@lucasworktv Жыл бұрын

French cars never had Good quality, so why do they have to start have it? And yes, this car isn’t cheaper as a German car!

@richgl31 Жыл бұрын

@@lucasworktv but do generally now have better reliability than German cars🤔

@lucasworktv Жыл бұрын

@@richgl31 no

@richgl31 Жыл бұрын

@@lucasworktv Your opinion is about a decade out of date. Some French models now rate highly in reliability lists and some German cars are notable as being high in Unreliability list; there is no longer a solid argument either way- so then the next metric have to look is the cost of servicing and there is a huge difference in the UK ; German cars 2 to 3 times more (so you should expect them to be reliable!).

@nicolahume Жыл бұрын

Loving your work Sara!👏👏👏

@carbuyer Жыл бұрын

Aww Nic! Too kind.

@AR-zr1om Жыл бұрын

Love this, gonna get the mid spec 180bhp one next

@wainerollins2587 Жыл бұрын

Definitely classier than the A Class. The A Class is a nice looking car, but it doesn't look sensational like the DS4 does. The DS4 also has the advantage of being less ubiquitous.

@krasimirdimov4778 Жыл бұрын

Hahahah "The designerrs didn't know when to stop designing", loved that phrase !!!!!

@bertie1989 Жыл бұрын

Very nice looking car yet misses out on some key equipment across all trim levels, heated seats are optional extras, adaptive cruise control is an optional extra, auto-hold isn’t available at all. Unforgivable to miss these items out at this price range

@robincurston7086 Жыл бұрын

The things you list are standard on top of the modals

@Nexus.Achiles Жыл бұрын

Très bien Sara, merci.

@seancotter4610 Жыл бұрын

If I was in the market for a small premium hatch I’d buy this

@mendistudio Жыл бұрын

It does look great and expensive. The roof lining should be black to match the rest of the interior though.

@carbuyer Жыл бұрын

That's often the case on sportier models, but the benefit of a lighter rooflining is a brighter interior. Not helped here by small rear windows and a chunky C-pillar, mind...

@dufonrafal Жыл бұрын

I prefer it like that.

@TheKejmul Жыл бұрын

What a great review!

@carbuyer Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@BikeSausage Жыл бұрын

There is very little to choose between German and French “quality” nowadays. I very nearly bought a C5X - the show stoppers there were lack of AWD for now and the PHEV boot is smaller than ICE. Mercedes have gone a bit “Disney bling”, BMW’s grilles are “beaver bling” and Audis are just too corporate. I ended up with a Volvo V90 CC - but the C5X I’m pressed me when I saw it.

@patriotbarrow Жыл бұрын

The world is full of samey crossovers and hatchbacks, and the DS line tries to buck that trend with different styling, yet here is carbuyer telling people that the styling is a dealbraker. Get real.

@challyho2u244 Жыл бұрын

Mercedes a class are everywhere this ds4 is the best looking car out there beats the Germans

@oliverstemp9132 Жыл бұрын

What a great car, the DS3 is pretty nice too. Very negative conclusion though, considering you spent most of the video saying how good the car is

@chakawhyte5753 Жыл бұрын

I remember her from ‘A Place in the Sun’; has she been hanging out with Danny Dyer or summink?

@jamiep61 Жыл бұрын

I enjoyed watching the Video Review. It definitely looks more stylish than the Mercedes A-Class

@klausschelling8159 Жыл бұрын

To those who say that it's just a Citroen with fancy buttons : first of all , DS is not owned by Citroen but by Stellantis. Also, Lexus is owned by Toyota, Infiniti is owned by Nissan. Same applies to Audi and Porsche, owned by VW. Yet you wouldn't call a Lexus a Toyota , right ? You wouldn't call a Porsche "a VW" , right ? So stop calling DS a Citroen because it's not one. DS is a stand alone brand since 2015..... 7 years. Some idiots love to disrespect this car just because it's a French one. Idiots in the UK seem to live in the past and think that French cars are the same than in the 90's. It's time to wake up and smell the coffee. The French brands deliver really nice cars since 2010, particularly Peugeot and DS. The French have dramatically increased the quality and the design , they have levelled up BIG TIME. Check out Peugeot models : they put to shame anything Mercedes or BMW release. The Peugeot 3008, 208 and 2008 and the best cars in all Europe in their respective categories. The brand new 408 is sensational, it's like a baby Lamborghini Urus. The DS4 E-Tense is a jewel, so beautiful. I really don't get the hatred this car gets from British viewers. I think it's just pure Francophobia. Every where I go to Europe, I see French cars everywhere and it's totally justified. The Brits live in the past, as always. They have an obsession for German cars that made Mercedes and the others super rich. In the UK, people buy cars to impress their neighbours, that's ridiculous.

@bondjamesbond9041 Жыл бұрын

Along with several other brands, both Citroen and DS are owned by Stellantis. DS also shares some engines and many other parts with Citroen and Peugeot.

@klausschelling8159 Жыл бұрын

@@bondjamesbond9041 Sharing something with Citroen or Peugeot doesn't make DS cars Peugeots or Citroens. Audi and Porsche are owned by VW, they do share stuff with Skoda (actually, much more than what most people might imagine), but that doesn't make them Skodas.

@lucasworktv Жыл бұрын

But DS is Citroen

@klausschelling8159 Жыл бұрын

@@lucasworktv Do you have a brain your head ??? I did explain that DS has been a stand alone brand for 8 years now, and is not owned by Citroen, but by Stellantis.... What is your F problem that you are even able to work that out ???

@bondjamesbond9041 Жыл бұрын

@@stephen10. not with their engines. Cambelts running in oil is a bad design. 3 cylinder engines installed in medium to large cars does not bode well for longevity

@robincurston7086 Жыл бұрын

Top of the range just under 48K with a few extras. The elec one I would think for the top of the range it would be round 50k.

@Ben-kp6bp Жыл бұрын

This new reviewer is great

@carbuyer Жыл бұрын

Glad you think so, Ben! Plenty more to come.

@billydonaldson6483 Жыл бұрын

The ‘A’ class is one of the best selling cars in the U.K. for a reason, it is an excellent car that holds onto its value.

@bondjamesbond9041 Жыл бұрын

Long term MB are endless money pits.

@bw1376 4 ай бұрын

Best-selling doesn't automatically make them good. I wouldn't want to own one outside of the warranty period, especially the Renault engine poverty-spec models.

@Fantic1980 Жыл бұрын

At least she figured out how to lower the seat this time.

@kruno1861 27 күн бұрын

Low on engine options. If you don't want hybrid, you are in problem.

@InterPaul13 Жыл бұрын

Where’s Nicola?

@leemurray2500 Жыл бұрын

Hang on! Please tell me, why the VW Golf?? Worst of all, why say "then of course, the VW Golf" ? Of course? Why do you put that vehicle on a pedestal? The DS4 definitely is a class above the Golf. Let me remind you that the Golf has been widely criticised throughout the press and sales have reflected this criticism. Sara, people listen to your advice. If you keep recommending lacklustre cars (Golf), what chance do the class leaders have?

@bondjamesbond9041 Жыл бұрын

Lee very well said. I completely agree. The Golf like many VW brands is boring. Also let us not forget diesel gate....

@leemurray2500 Жыл бұрын

@@bondjamesbond9041 Funny that you mention DieselGate James, I was making enquiries to join one of the legal 'groups' that are cumulatively seeking compensation from VW (amongst others). Watch this space . . . 😉😉

@alastairs3727 Жыл бұрын

Looks wicked, nice one Citroen - it makes the competitors looks so bland. Love it

@CharlieGB03 Жыл бұрын

It’s a DS…

@Ts.Dotsov Жыл бұрын

Ds is a model of Citroen, DS was originally a model line of Citroen and DS is currently a premium brand of Citroen! So that's a cool Citroen 😍

@CharlieGB03 Жыл бұрын

@@Ts.Dotsov DS is it’s own brand which is owned by Citroën, just like Audi and Porsche are owned by Volkswagen. You wouldn’t call an Audi a VW so why call this DS 4 a Citroën when it isn’t? They may share parts but that’s the same with almost all car brands.

@Ts.Dotsov Жыл бұрын

@@CharlieGB03 Your comparison is wrong. Vw appropriated Audi! DS is a newly created brand inspired by Citroën's model of the same name, so to say that Citroën and Ds have nothing in common is wrong and stupid. After all, the DS was originally a Citroën line and then they spun it off! I think of Maybach, which in 2005 was an independent BRAND of Daimler, and in 2015 became part of the top range of Mercedes. And here it might be time to return the DS back to Citroen!

@CharlieGB03 Жыл бұрын

@@Ts.Dotsov I didn’t say that Citroën and DS have nothing in common, so what you just said is wrong and stupid. Just read my comment again.

@youraveragejoe1 Жыл бұрын

I wonder how they made it that slow with 225hp. I guess the hybrid batteries must be very very heavy

@jetthicks6658 Жыл бұрын

They're really heavy

@polardabear Жыл бұрын

But the question is, is it quieter inside than a Mercedes? I drive a lot of highway miles and the cars interior has to be quiet.

@GrazieD Жыл бұрын

I have just taken a long Journey in my DS4 E-Tense. Although smaller, it has similar refinement to my previous 2 cars (Volvo V90 and Mercedes E Class). Loses a bit of refinement when the battery runs flat as only a 1.6l. when running in hybrid or electric it's limo smooth.

@polardabear Жыл бұрын

@@GrazieD+ Good to hear. Im always sceptical about car reviewers opinions on things like cabin noise. Like on a new Qashqai the interior being quieter than on a older one which wasn't true when i test drove them.

@betrenthmouze6336 Жыл бұрын

It is really quiet on board. I drive the DS4 Performance Line+ PureTech 130 now for 1 year and 4 months. Cruising with it is an absolute joy. You only hear the engine when accelerating. Tire and wind noise are not noticable. Front and back windows are all double glazed.

@alanwayte432 Жыл бұрын

Come back Nicola

@bondjamesbond9041 Жыл бұрын

This is way more interesting than boring A class/ BMW 1 series and the very boring Golf. If only DS could offer Lexus like customer service (which it does not) then it would be a winner for me. Unfortunately the unimaginative general public will continue to buy the boring German brands with their so so reliability and customer service.

@klausschelling8159 Жыл бұрын

I call BS on your comment. I have ordered my DS4 and it went perfectly well. Top DS store in Germany with great customer service. And poor reliability ? French cars score excellent in safety tests in all Europe. I know that because I checked it out online, in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and Italy (I haven't checked Spain). French cars are absolutely not inferior to German cars about safety, and it's a complete and grotesque myth that they fall apart in a few years. My own brothers drives a Peugeot 3008 since 2016, superb car, 100.000 km + and still 0 technical issue. He had Citroens previously and never had a single problem. Don't know why the Brits love that bad to trash talk anything the French do.

@bondjamesbond9041 Жыл бұрын

@@klausschelling8159 don't think you read my first comment properly. Yes this DS/Citroen is interesting. But my main comment was that Citroen don't offer good service and are not the most reliable brand. These facts can be backed up by several customer surveys including JD power, what car,auto express,osv and which magazine. Think the aforementioned are a more accurate source than you. Note in my original comment I did not say that French cars are inferior to German cars!! But French cars don't offer the same level of customer service as Lexus.FACT!

@klausschelling8159 Жыл бұрын

@@bondjamesbond9041 1/ It's true that I misread your first comment. 2/ "This Citroen is interesting" = sorry to break it to you, it's not a Citroen. It's a DS Automobiles and it's getting REALLY TIRING to have to explain it over and over to low IQ people that are uncapable to get it.... 2/ Citroen doesnt offer good service and is not the most reliable brand = to me, they offer good service, I dealt with them and everything went very well. Not the most reliable brand ? Of course they are not, they are not number 1, but they offer decent reliability, much better than what most people think it is. Sorry, I wouldn't trust your surveys, they come from english speaking people, so they are massively biaised against French cars. I know, I often read the anglo press. I find car reviews made lighty, there is no seriousness, they don't get go in depth... It's just amateur work... Even when French cars are excellent, they are so reluctant to admit it... it's so biaised... I am German, I only trust surveys coming from Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands and Scandinavian countries. Because they are made by competent people , unbiaised. DS Automobiles scores absolutely excellent in safety tests in all European countries. I checked it out for 8 European countries. I did my research. I really couldn't care less what "JD Power" or "Whatcar" may publish. Trust me, those guys are funny amateurs compared to the AutoZeitung or other German speaking publications.

@mandyarnage2530 Жыл бұрын

@@klausschelling8159 funny how your sat there watching a UK video

@klausschelling8159 Жыл бұрын

@@mandyarnage2530 I just came to see what the English think and post, and I have to say : you guys are so predictible.

@Ts.Dotsov Жыл бұрын

Citroën 🥰 🎯

@klausschelling8159 Жыл бұрын

It's a DS, how stupid can you be

@2010SmartFortwo Жыл бұрын

Lmao why are you guys hating on her??

@philipc239 Жыл бұрын

Because she looked like their mom who left them when they were little a life of misery 😂😂😂😂😂

@andreydavydov6417 Жыл бұрын

She's a great presenter there's no doubt, but someone still misses Nicola 😿

@walnutcookies Жыл бұрын

Personally it's too blinky to me with that diamond-ish styling.

@podge5555 Жыл бұрын

Great looking car but will be cursed with French luxury cars dismal resale values

@klausschelling8159 Жыл бұрын

still this silly idiotic "resale value" argument the Brits throw out all the time. Boring.

@podge5555 Жыл бұрын

@@klausschelling8159 I’m not British and it still very much exists!

@QatarVegan Жыл бұрын

@@klausschelling8159 not silly or idiotic when you decide to sell it. ‘Do the math’ as an American would say.

@anakinskywalker4113 Жыл бұрын

I wouldn’t spend so much money on a DS or any other small car for that matter. I think anything over £25,000 is too expensive for my liking.

@youraveragejoe1 Жыл бұрын

Under 25k for a hatch is a bit of a struggle these days. The cheapest spec Peugeot 308 starts at 25,380, golfs cheapest spec starts at 25,600. At least there’s still the seat leon

@tonyb3629 Жыл бұрын

I think the key think here, despite attempts to make it appear premium, is the big question - who'd spend £40k on a Citroen? It's a lot of money in the first place, and would you spend YOUR money on a French car that tries to pretend it isn't?

@jmccallum34 Жыл бұрын

It's not a Citroen. It's a DS.

@jmccallum34 Жыл бұрын

@@stephen10. quite correct.

@pb5x5 Жыл бұрын

Just too fussy looking on the outside, just trying to hard. Inside is much better. But I wouldn't pay that much for a Citroen.

@CharlieGB03 Жыл бұрын

That’s like saying you wouldn’t buy an Audi because it’s owned by VW. Or is it because you’re a brand snob? 🤔

@pb5x5 Жыл бұрын

@@CharlieGB03 I wouldn't pay that much for any new car. Bands aren't worth paying for either now. All cars are way over priced and most are over styled.

@jmccallum34 Жыл бұрын

It's not a Citroen. It's a DS

@pb5x5 Жыл бұрын

@@jmccallum34 Like Lexus isn't a Toyota really. Its called badge engineering.

@FleetAdmiral215 Жыл бұрын

My money wouldn't touch anything French & this is just a citroen with shiny buttons but £40K?, the depreciation would be a bigger nightmare than normal, I'll stick with the German Marques, Great video though !

@1m_megapixels Жыл бұрын

stop living in the past you boring goon

@patriotbarrow Жыл бұрын

Good for you! Keep buying unreliable cars to make yourself feel better.

@CharlieGB03 Жыл бұрын

DS is much more than “a Citroën with shiny buttons” but if you want to be a brand snob then go ahead - you’re missing out on great cars!

@klausschelling8159 Жыл бұрын

That's a grotesque comment, from a low IQ individual. I am German, can tell you there is a lot of anger in Germany towards Mercedes, Audi & co because the level of quality no longer what it used to be and cars are OVERLY EXPENSIVE. You Brits aren't aware of what's going on on the continent. 40.000 for a DS, yes, yet go see similar models of Audi and check out the prices. You'll have to pay 10.000 or even 15.000 more to get a car... Silly clowns like you love to pay extra money just to get the German badge and impress the neighbours. DS Automobiles is one formidable brand and they are only gonna get better. Already on same level of quality as German cars.

@Adam-ps4kg Жыл бұрын

Would you buy a merc