Photo: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien
Citroen's premium sub-brand DS Automobiles seems to be the only one left carrying further France's tradition of making special and unique cars.
While Peugeot is going hi-tech with the Fractal concept and Renault is going mainstream with the new Megane and Talisman (nice car, terrible name), Citroen's luxury division is alone in maintaining that "je ne sais quois" of the French marques.
And it's doing that by launching new versions of the DS4 and DS4 Crossback, as well as a DS4 Crossback Concept.
We'll start with the facelift for the 2011 DS4 and DS4 Crossback, the brand's two offerings in the expanding compact premium segment. Both new models get the brand’s signature ‘DS Wings’ grille, new DS LED Vision headlamps. The interior has also received some attention and comes Nappa leather upholstery and other feats exclusive to the DS brand. Having seen it and touched it ourselves, we can vouch for its premiumness first hand.
The DS4 has always been a special option in its segment, with an exterior design that seems to be undecided whether it's a hatchback or a crossover and the option of a two-tone paint job. The total number of possible combinations has now gone up to 38 with the addition of three new body colors
The DS4 Crossback, on the other hand, doesn't even try to hide its penchant for adventure, with plastic moldings on the wheel arches, modified bumpers, black door mirrors and gray roof bars. Despite its rugged looks, the car isn't available with a four-wheel drive system, so it's more a case of visual show-off than actual off-road capabilities. Still, it's got a 30mm bump in ride height, and that has to count for something.
The DS4 Crossback Concept is meant as a look into the brand's future. At a first glimpse, it doesn't look that much different from the production version, but it's the details that count. According to DS Automobiles, the concept is a showcase for the brand's use of unusual materials. For example, the concept uses fine strips of natural stone on the wheels, door mirror housings, roof bars and front end. The last time we saw stones on a car we were watching the Flinstones, but that one looked a lot more different.
We think DS Automobiles might be on to something here, but we're not sure whether it's enough to make it a serious contender in the premium segment. Let's just wait and see, shall we?
And it's doing that by launching new versions of the DS4 and DS4 Crossback, as well as a DS4 Crossback Concept.
We'll start with the facelift for the 2011 DS4 and DS4 Crossback, the brand's two offerings in the expanding compact premium segment. Both new models get the brand’s signature ‘DS Wings’ grille, new DS LED Vision headlamps. The interior has also received some attention and comes Nappa leather upholstery and other feats exclusive to the DS brand. Having seen it and touched it ourselves, we can vouch for its premiumness first hand.
The DS4 has always been a special option in its segment, with an exterior design that seems to be undecided whether it's a hatchback or a crossover and the option of a two-tone paint job. The total number of possible combinations has now gone up to 38 with the addition of three new body colors
The DS4 Crossback, on the other hand, doesn't even try to hide its penchant for adventure, with plastic moldings on the wheel arches, modified bumpers, black door mirrors and gray roof bars. Despite its rugged looks, the car isn't available with a four-wheel drive system, so it's more a case of visual show-off than actual off-road capabilities. Still, it's got a 30mm bump in ride height, and that has to count for something.
Beyond skin deep
Both new models come with powerful yet economical engines that go as high as 210hp, and they've also received CarPlay compatibility with the most recent Apple iPhones. This way, the driver can have the content of his Apple smartphone displayed on the vehicle's in-car dashboard screen. This is part of a larger package of connectivity options that includes the New Mirror Screen as well as DS Connect Box.The DS4 Crossback Concept is meant as a look into the brand's future. At a first glimpse, it doesn't look that much different from the production version, but it's the details that count. According to DS Automobiles, the concept is a showcase for the brand's use of unusual materials. For example, the concept uses fine strips of natural stone on the wheels, door mirror housings, roof bars and front end. The last time we saw stones on a car we were watching the Flinstones, but that one looked a lot more different.
We think DS Automobiles might be on to something here, but we're not sure whether it's enough to make it a serious contender in the premium segment. Let's just wait and see, shall we?
Google News