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In-depth reviews

DS 4 review - MPG, CO2 and running costs

The DS 4 diesel model offers impressive fuel economy, but the PHEV will be more cost-effective for company car drivers

MPG, CO2 and running costs rating

4.2

How we review cars
RRP
£34,400 £46,480
Avg. savings
£4,041 off RRP*
Pros
  • Comfortable
  • PHEV efficiency
  • Good boot space
Cons
  • Some safety kit is optional
  • Petrol and diesel models lack pace
  • PHEV model more expensive to insure
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If you’re prioritising overall efficiency and can afford the extra initial outlay, then the plug-in hybrid DS 4 E-Tense is the model to go for – particularly if you can ensure the battery is regularly topped up. The DS 4 PHEV is capable of travelling up to 38.5 miles on battery power alone, while CO2 emissions from 27g/km mean that company car drivers will benefit from a low 12 per cent Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax rate. Charging the battery shouldn’t prove to be too much of a chore, either, because it takes just shy of two hours to fully refresh using a typical 7kW home wallbox.

Buyers who are regularly driving longer distances may want to look towards diesel power, with the BlueHDi 130 engine returning a claimed maximum of 61.2mpg on the WLTP combined cycle. CO2 emissions (from 121g/km) aren’t as competitive as the plug-in hybrid, however.

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Petrol models are around £8,000 cheaper to buy than the E-Tense plug-in hybrid versions, offering decent overall fuel economy of up to 48.6mpg with CO2 levels starting from 132g/km. When we pitted the petrol DS 4 PureTech against a Mercedes A 200, the DS managed to return 41.4mpg, while the Merc was more frugal and achieved 44.8mpg.

Insurance

Insurance ratings for the DS 4 vary depending on the trim and powertrain you go for. Petrol and diesel models sit in groups 20-21 and 22-23 respectively. The more powerful plug-in hybrid models, in groups 30-31, will be more expensive to insure.

Our Car Tax Checker tool lets you check your tax status and renewal date in seconds. Check your VED car tax now...

Depreciation

French family hatchbacks haven’t always had the best reputation for solid residual values, but the DS 4 is looking to be a much stronger bet. Thanks to its proven mechanicals, high-quality interior and plug-in hybrid technology, the DS 4 is predicted to hold onto around 50 per cent of its original showroom price after a typical ownership period of three years and 36,000 miles.

To get an accurate valuation on a specific model check out our valuation tool...

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News reporter

As our news reporter, Ellis is responsible for covering everything new and exciting in the motoring world, from quirky quadricycles to luxury MPVs. He was previously the content editor for DrivingElectric and won the Newspress Automotive Journalist Rising Star award in 2022.

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