Citroen DS4, 2012

 

 

 

•  Citroen DS4, 2012

Citroën has released first details for the new Citroën DS4, a unique and attractive blend of creativity, dynamism, exclusivity and versatility. DS4 is the second model in Citroën's distinctively-styled DS line.

The Citroën DS4 brings an alluring mixture of premium design codes and a bold approach to automotive styling, with an emphasis on driving pleasure and advanced vehicle architecture. DS4 is a model with a multitude of talents, effortlessly responding to a broad range of owner needs, while enhancing the appeal and vitality of the motoring experience.

Citroën DS4 combines sophistication and refinement with a dynamic coupé-like body, creating exceptional versatility and day-to-day practicality within a compact design - 4.27m (l), 1.81m (w) & 1.53m (h).

Citroën DS4 delivers a new "at-the-wheel" experience with unrivalled driving sensations and outstanding agile on-road handling. With its slightly raised stance and taut lines, Citroën DS4 is a unique and eye-catching addition to the segment.

Finely crafted to convey a prestigious presence both inside and out, Citroën DS4 offers meticulous detailing from carefully applied chrome touches to premium cabin materials - such as the finest quality leather seats. A large panoramic windscreen, offering enhanced occupant visibility, illuminates the driver-focused cockpit, creating a bright and welcoming environment.

Combining coupé style with 2+2 door practicality, Citroën DS4 offers three full-sized rear seats, accessed by rear doors with hidden handles that are seamlessly integrated into the body's flowing lines. Citroën DS4 also benefits from a capacious 370-litre boot and a host of clever storage solutions.

Citroën DS4 comes with a choice of five refined and efficient engines - two HDi diesels and three petrol powerplants.

All engines deliver a combination of powerful performance - including a new to Citroën 200hp petrol unit - and ecologically sensitive motoring. Citroën's new e-HDi drivetrains for example deliver improved fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions.

Citroën DS4 will be revealed at the 2010 Paris Motor Show and is expected to go on sale later in 2011.

UNIQUE STYLING
An example of truly creative design, Citroën DS4 boldly blends a mix of the most desirable styling references to create an exciting new automotive proposition. Marc Pinson, DS4's chief stylist, comments, "Reinterpreting cues opened up new possibilities, bringing practical and surprising solutions to automotive mobility".

Compact and muscular, the DS signature on the bonnet is complemented by a striking LED light signature around the front fog lights. The LEDs are illuminated both day and night. The eye-catching profile, featuring a chrome-finished waistline surrounding dark tinted windows, is enhanced by muscular wheel arches - that emphasise the large wheels (up to 19") - and is crowned by a tautly drawn roofline with a spoiler for added vitality. The lower part of the rear bumper is finished in chrome and the horizontal detailing on the rear light clusters highlights their innovative boomerang design.

TAILORED INTERIOR
As with its prestigious exterior, Citroën DS4's cabin exudes power, dynamism and refinement. The driving position is enveloping, with chrome-surround dials focused directly towards the driver's eye-line. The characterful, sculptured dashboard also uses high quality materials for a superior tactile feel.

DS4's cabin is dominated by the large panoramic windscreen that extends backwards into the roofline. Offering up to 45° of upward vision, the panoramic glazed area combines with Citroën DS4's slightly raised stance, to provide optimised visibility for the driver, with a bright yet intimate, airy cabin environment for passengers.

Allowing owners to personalise the interior, DS4 is available with a choice of five leather combinations, including two-tone options. Range-topping models are also equipped with high quality leather on the dashboard and door panels - complete with a 'Bracelet' design on the seats, evoking the links of a watch strap.

For an added touch of luxury, there is chrome detailing on the air vent surrounds, instrument cluster, gear lever and parts of the central console. Aluminium pedals, embossed leather door handles and ambient lighting are further evidence of Citroën DS4's attention to premium detail.

NATURALLY DYNAMIC & AGILE
With its high-set, taut and agile stance, Citroën DS4 is tuned for dynamic performance, appealing to drivers looking for an involving motoring experience. "We really wanted drivers to feel like they have the road at the tips of their fingers", says Jérémie Maestracci, DS4's project manager.

On the road, Citroën DS4 exercises exemplary control, giving occupants a reassuring sense of safety in all circumstances. Fitted with a MacPherson type suspension assembly at the front, a flexible transverse beam at the rear and hydraulic steering with an electric pump unit, the platform is a tried and tested solution tailored for the distinctive set-up of the car.

Depending on trim level, DS4 is fitted with large-diameter (340mm) ventilated disc brakes and, as standard, with dedicated braking control systems, including ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA). Ensuring optimal vehicle control in the most demanding driving situations, Citroën DS4 also features intelligent traction control with ESP.

DS4 will be launched with a choice of five refined and highly efficient Euro 5 engines. The two HDi diesels - an HDi 110 (also available as an e-HDi version) and an HDi 160 - are both fitted with Citroën's Diesel Particulate Filter System. The three petrol powerplants - VTi 120, THP 155 and the new THP 200 - were co-developed with BMW. The new THP 200 - based on the 1.6-litre engine - delivers flexible power delivery and performance thanks to its power output (147kW), plentiful torque (275Nm at 1,700rpm) - with low CO2 emissions of just 149g/km. All engines are available with manual or EGS six-speed gearboxes.

Special attention has been given to the car's internal acoustics, retaining the refined atmosphere on-board by minimising engine vibration, wind and road noise. This has been achieved by specifying a laminated panoramic windscreen with damping film, fitting additional sound absorbent material around the engine compartment and enhanced sealing barriers on the body and doors.

EXPERTLY EFFICIENT
Citroën DS4 was designed from the start to have a reduced environmental footprint - especially evident in its construction - by using top-quality components, an ecologically focused manufacturing process and the use of 'green materials' - around 15% of the 200kg of plastic used in DS4 vehicle is derived from 'green materials.'

Citroën DS4 can be specified with Citroen's micro-hybrid e-HDi technology, which is available from launch on versions powered by the HDi 110 engine.

The e HDi system comprises of:

•     an economical HDi Euro 5 diesel power plant
•     a new generation Stop & Start system, which instantly cuts out the engine when the car comes to a halt (red lights, traffic jams).
•     a second-generation reversible alternator and an e-booster function that restarts the engine instantly (0.4 seconds)
•     an electronically controlled alternator that recovers energy during braking;
•     an Electronic Gearbox System (EGS) with optimised gear changes.

All required features such as the radio, air-conditioning and steering functions remain in operation when the engine is stopped by the system. This innovative technology can reduce the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by as much as 15% in built-up urban environments.

DAY-TO-DAY PLEASURE
Citroën DS4's compact exterior belies a spacious and luxuriously comfortable cabin, which can be easily accessed by the car's 2+2 door layout. To make it easier to access the rear seats - often seen as a weak point for some sporty models - DS4 features seamlessly integrated rear doors with handles hidden in the door frames.

Thanks to its optimised design, the front doors of Citroën DS4 have been made narrower and lighter, making them easier to open and close, promoting easy access at the front.

Another asset in terms of versatility and roominess is DS4's 370-litre (VDA) boot, which is similar in volume to that of many conventional saloons.

Citroën DS4 also has numerous storage compartments for extra travelling comfort, including a large, well lit glove box; door pockets big enough for 1.5-litre bottles; and even a drawer under the front passenger seat. The intelligent architecture of the high-level central console (available on models fitted with EGS) also provides spacious storage areas. The largest of these - which is cooled, illuminated and protected by a sliding cover - can hold up to four 50-cl bottles and houses a connectivity area with an audio-jack, a USB port and a 12-volt socket. The large compartment located under the front armrest also features an additional power source.

CRÉATIVE TECHNOLOGIE ON-BOARD
Beyond its distinctive styling and dynamic performance, Citroën DS4's cabin overflows with 'Créative Technologie', providing equipment, functionality and innovative features for first-class travelling comfort and ultimate user convenience. Features available include an advanced audio system with processing software for effective soundscaping, delivering high quality, authentic sound evenly throughout the cabin. For ultimate driving luxury, massaging front seats are available with electric lumbar adjustment in the front passenger's and driver's seat backs.

Another example of the tailored DS4 experience, drivers can select their own on-board ambience from four ranges of polyphonic sounds - Classic, Crystal Symphony, Jungle Fantasy & Urban Rythmik - for alerts and reminders; select from three air-conditioning flow levels - soft, average & intense; and choose from an array of colours for the instrument panel - spanning from white to blue.

Drivers can access all key driving and comfort controls - which are clearly visible and even backlit for night-time use - without taking their hands off the wheel.

For complete peace-of-mind, Citroën DS4 is also equipped with a range of safety-enhancing technologies:

•     The Citroën eTouch Assistance System automatically or manually makes emergency or assistance calls, using a built-in SIM card, for rapid intervention in the event of an accident or if the car is immobilised.
•     Front fog lamps with static cornering lights provide an extra beam that increases visibility when turning - by up to 75° to the left and right of the vehicle. The lights automatically illuminate when the driver indicates or turns the wheel to an angle of more than 60°.
•     A blind-spot monitoring system - based on the same technology as reversing parking sensors - the four ultrasound sensors alert the driver if a vehicle is in their blind spot ( an area stretching to around 5m behind the rear bumper and 3.5m from each side of the car). The driver is alerted by means of a pictogram displayed in the wing mirrors.
•     Programmable cruise control with speed limiter also allows drivers to pre-set cruising and top speeds for added safety and convenience on the open road.

FIRST-CLASS SERVICE
When launched, DS4 will be available with first-class customer service. Citroën FreeDrive, first introduced with DS3, is a distinctive package for Citroën DS4 owners, providingcomplete peace-of-mind with an extensive range of services that can be personalised to meet the specific needs of the customer. FreeDrive contracts can be tailored to cover:
    scheduled and annual servicing
    periodic maintenance
    replacement of wear and tear items
    Citroën Assistance (Roadside/At Home/Recovery/Onward Travel/European Cover)
    replacement vehicle during regular servicing, MOT Testing
    valet cleaning during servicing.

FreeDrive also offers optional tyre replacement cover, a 'Pick-up' service from the customer's home or workplace, or a 'Pick-up & Delivery' service.