Many cars when they SUV-up a smaller vehicle try to lose weight….but it keeps finding them. One of the things you could say about the brand new Citroen DS4 is that it has cleverly raised the ride height of the Citroen C4 without affecting the overall weight of the car, by much. And don’t you love the DS4 design? I reckon I like the raised suspension, musclier rear haunches and the beautifully swoopy backside. The Citroen DS4, certainly, has a greater on-road presence than the standard Citroen C4. Let’s take a closer look.

The DS4 comes to Australia boasting a well-earned five-stars in Euro NCAP testing, aided by the fact that all versions are equipped with six airbags and electronic stability control, automatic lighting in emergency braking assistance and departure ramps. This is a sturdy little car that packs plenty of room and easily rivals the class leaders: the Volkswagen Scirocco, Honda Civic, Mini Countryman and the BMW 1 Series. Volvo’s C30 might take some beating, though.

Top equipment levels ensure that the distinctive French interior has all the favourite goodies present and accounted for. A panoramic windscreen, LED daytime running lights, fog lights with cornering function, cruise control with speed limiter, electric front seats with massage, and an audio system with six speakers, and USB connectivity Bluetooth keep the DS4 every bit as good as any of the car’s competitors.

Now, for the price that Citroen Australia are letting the Citroen DS4 DStyle out the door it’s amazing to see the car coming standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, a leather multi-function steering wheel, aluminium sports pedals, dual-zone air-conditioning, cloth sport seats, rear parking sensors, automatic illumination of headlights and even rain sensors. Three versions are currently available. The Citroen DS4 DSport, being the flyer, adds 19-inch wheels, grey leather upholstery with standard watchstrap, heated seats and a leather gear shifter.

Completing the 0-100 km/h dash in a fleeting 9.9 seconds, the Citroen DS4 DStyle pushes 115 kW, via a 1.6-litre, turbo petrol engine. Sitting in the middle with price, is the very nice Citroen DS4 DStyle eHdi which uses a very frugal 1.6 turbo-diesel engine. The most expensive – and not by much – is the Citroen DS4 DSport, which pokes out 147 kW through to the front wheels. This performance version combines a six-speed manual transmission that allows the car to complete 0-100 km/h in 8.5 seconds. The other two versions put their power down with a six-speed sequential gearbox.

Practicality in the Citroen DS4 is taken care of with numerous storage areas, 359 litres in the boot and foldable rear seats to increase luggage space. Powered windows, keyless entry and a high opening for the rear hatch door all aid the Citroen DS4’s easy-to-live-with nature.

If you are drawn to the chic Citroen DS4 design, then do take a look. Private Fleet can get you sorted.

The current Citroen DS4 models include the:

• DS4 DStyle
• DS4 DStyle eHdi
• DS4 DSport

For any more information on the Citroen DS4 or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Citroen dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

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