Updates for the DS 4 premium hatchback range have been revealed soon before the car’s public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. As well as receiving a facelift, the DS 4 also adds a new and more rugged derivative called the Crossback.
The standard DS 4 is a rival to the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series and changes include a new nose featuring a grille with chrome ‘DS Wings’ and a chrome DS logo in the centre. Other design updates include new LED headlights and indicators and an optional contrasting roof colour. The four options for the roof include Perla Nera Black, Virtual Blue, Tourmaline Orange and Whisper Purple.
Inside, the DS 4 receives extra leather upholstery and a connectivity system with a seven-inch colour touchscreen. The latter will support Apple’s CarPlay for the first time, meaning the car can integrate phone, text, mapping and music functions from the owner’s iPhone. An additional function called Mirror Screen technology allows the DS4 to duplicate the content of other types of smartphone as well.
The DS 4 Crossback give the premium hatchback a crossover-style makeover, including a raised ride height and some extra-thick body panels. There’s no four-wheel drive version of the Crossback, but it does feature an Intelligent Traction Control system which is designed to maximise front wheels grip on slippery surfaces, especially snow.
Engines for the updated DS 4 range are now all turbocharged, with the line-up featuring a 128bhp 1.2-litre three-cylinder unit. It records an official fuel economy figure of 55mpg and a CO2 output of just 119g/km.
Other engines include a 1.6-litre petrol with outputs of 163bhp and 208bhp and the latest 1.6-litre BlueHDi diesels producing 118bhp, 148bhp or 178bhp. The 118bhp version records 72mpg and emits just 110g/km, whether you choose the car’s standard six-speed manual gearbox or the optional six-speed automatic.
The DS 4 and DS 4 Crossback share the same engines, with the exception of the 208bhp petrol which is exclusive to the hatchback. The updated DS 4 range will go on sale in Britain this November.