DS 4 Pure Tech 180, balance between design and technology

A tradition that starts a long time ago, that is, since in 1955 the Italian Flaminio Bertoni amazed the whole world by signing the futuristic design of the Citroën DS.

Since then, after that acronym was promoted to brand status with the birth of DS Automobiles, each new model has linked the DS name to unexplored aesthetic horizons, demonstrating an out-of-the-ordinary effervescence and creativity.

The uniqueness of the experience with DS 4 therefore begins at the moment in which, from a standstill, its forms are 'read' and appreciated aesthetically.

The car impresses not only with its style but also with its proportions.

Despite being 4.5 meters long and 1.47 high, DS 4 stands out from the other C segment by playing an almost unprecedented role of 'crossover coupé' thanks to the width of 1.83 meters,

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DS 4

    There are many elements that speak of the modernity of DS 4, starting - but it must be night - from the personal front light signature, with the two LED 'whiskers' that frame the front and make it look (when observed in the mirror) a Ufo approaching.

The refined DS Matrix Led Vision projectors also stand out, combining matrix and directional lights, for a total of 98 LEDs.

The test of the DS 4 in the 180 Hp petrol version begins by looking at the car from the side: the profile is sculptural, typical of the brand's DNA, and underlined in its linearity by the high-tech retractable handles.

It should also be remembered that DS 4 uses an evolution of PSA's EMP2 platform which - thanks to the introduction of new parts in composite materials,

    As soon as the 4-cylinder Pure Tech (whose sound is barely perceptible) is started, it turns out that moving aboard the DS 4 is always an experience out of the ordinary, almost 'first class'.

In addition to the functionality of the controls and the fluidity of the standard 8-speed automatic gearbox, the comfort and personality of the furniture elements are appreciated and even the presence of secondary controls which are - contrary to the trend - still 'physical' and which only require a little 'training in order to be quickly identified.

Its 'grand luxe' diamond finish is appreciated, a motif that recalls the fashion of French luxury jewelery and watchmaking.

    But there is no shortage of ADAS and electronics at the driver's service, such as the Extended Head Up Display, which offers a first step towards augmented reality with the projection in front of the driver of essential information - such as speed, driving aids, navigation and warning messages. .

Or again like the Iris System infotainment, completely redesigned to incorporate the ergonomics of a smartphone.

    Driving the DS 4 Pure Tech 180 is also appreciated the presence with a surcharge of 1,000 euros of the Active Scan Suspension technology, present in some versions and which uses a high-speed camera to 'see' and anticipates the irregularities of the road and transmits data to a computer that acts on each of the wheels independently makes the response stiffer or more flexible.

    Correctly, the premium brand of Stellantis leaves DS 4 buyers the possibility of choosing between all motorization solutions, traditional and otherwise.

In addition to the 180 HP 1.6 PureTech petrol engine, subject of our test, the car can be ordered with a 1.5 PureTech 130 HP 3-cylinder variant, with the excellent BlueHDi 130 diesel unit to get to the refined plug-in hybrid. , DS 4 E-Tense 225 which is the synthesis of the know-how refined by DS Performance in the conquest of its four world titles (drivers and teams) won in Formula E.

    This latest 225 HP version is at the top in terms of fuel consumption and approved emissions - 1.3 liters / 100 km and 29 g / km of CO2 in the combined WLTP cycle also due to the presence of the 12.4 kWh battery, which can also be recharged from sockets. domestic, which allows up to 55 km of electric range (WLTP).

With DS 4 PureTech 180, which has 180 Hp and a maximum torque of 250 Nm that allow you to shoot from 0 to 100 in 8.9 seconds and - in the absence of limits - to touch a peak of 240 km / h, all with approved consumption of 8.4-7.4 liters per 100 km and CO2 emissions between 145.5 and 165.5 g / km.

    Many, until April 30, the offers to access the world of DS 4.