Skip advert
Advertisement

Rugged DS 4 Crossback arrives in Frankfurt

DS has gone niche-busting at Frankfurt with the DS 4 Crossback. We've got all you need to know

We've already had exclusive access to the new DS 4 Crossback - as well as the new DS 4 it's based on, and now it's shown up at the Frankfurt Motor Show in all its rugged glory.

Debuting alongside the recently-revealed DS 4 hatch-cum-crossover, the DS 4 Crossback has been described as a having "a whole new bodystyle with a higher driving position" by DS 4 product manager Uberto Gavazzi. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

“We have to adapt to customer needs and appreciate that crossovers account for 30 per cent of all sales in the premium compact hatchback market.”

Read more about the new DS 4 here

DS has listened to market trends, which is why the crossover DS 4 Crossback will be launched at the same time as the revised hatch.

In the absence in Europe of the China-only DS 6 SUV, the Crossback is a neat solution. It sits 30mm higher than the standard car with a different front grille treatment, large, black wheels, black wheelarch extensions, door mirror caps and rear spoiler, plus roof rails.

There’s no four-wheel drive on offer; instead, DS 4s will be available with the Intelligent Traction Control system, which is designed to add grip on slippery surfaces.

The engine range is all turbocharged, featuring the award-winning three-cylinder 1.2-litre unit with 128bhp, capable of returning 55mpg with CO2 emissions of 119g/km.

There are also two 1.6-litre engines, petrol and diesel, with the BlueHDi 118bhp version getting an impressive torque figure of 300Nm, while still returning 72mpg and emitting 100g/km. It's also available with 148bhp and 178bhp, though efficiency takes a hit in these more powerful models.

DS will admit that the DS 4 has always been the most difficult sell, sitting between the hugely popular DS 3 and the intriguingly upmarket DS 5.

These latest changes will make life easier for dealers, while marking another big step on the brand’s journey to being accepted among other premium brands.

Did the new DS brand need a crossover model for success? Let us know what you think below...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Editor-in-chief

Steve Fowler has been editor-in-chief of Auto Express since 2011 and is responsible for all editorial content across the website and magazine. He has previously edited What Car?, Autocar and What Hi-Fi? and has been writing about cars for the best part of 30 years. 

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

DS employs ChatGPT as AI travel companion for its entire range of cars
DS ChatGPT
News

DS employs ChatGPT as AI travel companion for its entire range of cars

DS cars equipped with ChatGPT can provide information about nearby places to visit or even create quizzes to play on a long journey
20 Feb 2024
Top 10 best plug-in hybrids to buy 2024
Best plug-in hybrids - header image
Best cars & vans

Top 10 best plug-in hybrids to buy 2024

The plug-in hybrid market has grown exponentially in recent years. Here are our electrified favourites
25 Jan 2024
DS 4 E-Tense 225: long-term test review
Auto Express pictures editor Dawn Grant standing with the DS 4 E-Tense
Long-term tests

DS 4 E-Tense 225: long-term test review

Final report: we’re going to miss our PHEV’s comfort and practicality
9 Aug 2023
DS 4 review
DS 4 E-Tense - front tracking
In-depth reviews

DS 4 review

Delivering supreme comfort, good practicality and a premium feel, the DS 4 hatchback is an interesting alternative to class-leading rivals
6 Jul 2023

Most Popular

“MG is easily outselling Jaguar, Land Rover and Bentley combined”
Opinion - MG4
Opinion

“MG is easily outselling Jaguar, Land Rover and Bentley combined”

The wave of Chinese cars has arrived in the UK, and Mike Rutherford thinks it’s not about to stop any time soon
17 Mar 2024
Car Deal of the Day: breathtaking Lotus Emira V6 for £45k and an I.O.U.
Lotus Emira - driving
News

Car Deal of the Day: breathtaking Lotus Emira V6 for £45k and an I.O.U.

Our Deal of the Day for 15 March is a half-now, half-later plan for the last-ever petrol-powered Lotus sports car
15 Mar 2024
New Audi A5 Sportback and Avant: prices, specs and info on sleek new compact execs
New Audi A5 Avant - exclusive image
News

New Audi A5 Sportback and Avant: prices, specs and info on sleek new compact execs

The new ICE and hybrid Audi A5 is due by year’s end in hatchback and estate forms
15 Mar 2024