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The DS 4's ideal engine might just be the 48V Hybrid self charging unit we look at here. This aspirational premium Gallic compact hatch makes a good partner for this clever petrol/electric powerplant.
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Driving experience
The DS 4 Hybrid uses the same 136hp version of this 48V Hybrid powertrain as the smaller DS 3 Hybrid. Which, given the heavier bodyshell of this DS 4, might make you expect fairly tepid performance. But this engine drives the seven-seat Peugeot 5008 along very happily and doesn't struggle with this premium Gallic family hatch, thanks to a useful 230Nm of torque. It's coupled with a clever six-speed dual-clutch e-DSC6 automatic gearbox that incorporates a 28hp electric motor. A 0.9kWh NMC lithium-ion battery powers the self-charging electric system.
The petrol engine is a major evolution of the existing PureTech 130 unit, with special development for the Hybrid system. Using three-cylinders with 1,199cc, it works on the Miller cycle, which provides higher thermodynamic efficiency and, therefore, a significant reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The engine is also fitted with a special timing chain and a clever variable geometry turbocharger to maximise sustainability and responsiveness at low revs.
The permanent magnet synchronous electric motor is integrated into the compact e-DCS6 six-speed dual-clutch transmission and can run on electric power alone at low speeds and under moderate loads. During deceleration, the electric motor acts as a generator to recover kinetic energy and fuel the 0.9kWh battery located under the floor. The system also easily provides power to start the petrol engine.
The e-DCS6 gearbox contributes to the comfort and efficiency of this Hybrid model too. Limiting breaks in torque, it gives the feeling of a super smooth ride. The electric motor, inverter and computer are integrated in it to save space and mass. At 10.4 seconds, the zero to 62mph time for this Hybrid DS 4 is 1.2 seconds faster than the existing PureTech 130 model and the 1000-metre standing start time is reduced by 1.3 seconds to 31.7 seconds, compared with the PureTech 130 Automatic engine.
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Design and build
DS hopes that the look of this car will sell it to you - and for sure it'll stand out in the supermarket car park. At first glance, you might be undecided as to whether this is a premium compact hatch or a premium small SUV - and that's entirely intentional. The styling's certainly Gallically avant garde, the front dominated by bold double daytime running lights and trendy matrix LED headlamps. In profile, you'll notice striking creases, door handles that pop out as you approach the car and wheels that can be as large as 20-inches in size. Coupe lines characterise the rear, where the boot lid plunges to mee the slim LED tail lamps. Pavement presence? You get it here.
Inside the so-called 'Digital Seamless Cockpit', there's a fully digital cabin made up of no fewer than three displays, There's a 10-inch screen replacing conventional dials in the instrument cluster. And an infotainment display of the same size in the centre of the dash for media and navigation. This is controlled by a third 5-inch screen further down the centre stack known as the 'DS Smart Touch'. If that's not enough screen tech for you, it's also possible to specify the segment's cleverest head-up display, claimed to be closer to augmented reality than any other system. The information viewed doesn't just get projected onto the windscreen; it instead gets projected further out onto your view of the road in a range 4-metres ahead and on an image 21 inches wide.
Another interesting touch is the lack of visible air vents; the main ventilation unit has been integrated behind and strip of physical switches that sit just below the main control screen. Out back, rear seat space is reasonable but unremarkable. And in this Hybrid 136 e-DSC6 model, there's a decently-sized 430-litre boot - much better than the 390-litres you get in the PHEV DS 4 variant.
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Market and model
Expect an asking price starting from around £34,000 for this 48V Hybrid model; that's a significant saving on the £41,000 you'd have to find for the E-Tense 225 PHEV version of this DS 4 - though with that variant of course, you'd get much more power and the benefit of a much longer EV drive range, along with the low BiK taxation going along with it. Nevertheless, the full-term ownership costs of this more affordable Hybrid 136 e-DSC6 model will probably make more sense.
Two trim levels are available - 'Pallas' and 'Etoile' - each of which gets two distinguishing option packs. The exterior design, identical for both with Gloss Black DS WINGS and exhaust pipes, stands out with special 19-inch wheels.
The 'Pallas' version showcases a Diamond Tungsten Fabric interior with Black DS Canvas, featuring a new stitch pattern, on the seat and backrest. Included are acoustic laminated side windows at the front and the DS 'Air Quality System', accompanying dual-zone automatic air conditioning. Standard technology consists of Adaptive Cruise Control Stop & Go, Lane Departure Warning and front and rear parking sensors with a Reversing Camera.
With 'Etoile' spec, this DS 4 Hybrid offers two interiors in Black Alcantara with stitching or in Criollo Brown Nappa Leather Watchstrap upholstery with heated seats. Standard equipment includes electric seats, the DS IRIS infotainment set-up with 'DS SMART TOUCH' and the 'DS EXTENDED' head-up display. Kit at this level includes DS MATRIX LED VISION headlamps and tinted rear windows with acoustic laminated side glass, as well as the Rear Traffic Detection Pack.
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Cost of ownership
Compared with a conventional DS 4 PureTech 130 Automatic, the Hybrid system advances translate to a gain of nearly 15% in efficiency terms (0.9 fewer litres of fuel needed to travel 62 miles) and a reduction of 21g/km CO2 (or 19%) to 116g/km CO2. Expect around 60mpg on the combined cycle.
In a DS 4 Hybrid, you set off silently using just electric energy, driving without any CO2 emissions and the petrol engine contributing if more power is required. Behind the wheel, as the switch from one motor to the other is imperceptible, the speed indicator turns blue when driving on electric power alone. On the digital instrument display, the energy flow can be shown, along with battery charge level and its operating status, via a power meter. The percentage of distance travelled just on electric energy is shown by the onboard computer and also at the end of the journey.
The Hybrid system is designed to operate on its own. The battery charges automatically while driving, thanks to the petrol engine and deceleration phases are controlled automatically to recover energy so the use of the mechanical braking system is also greatly reduced, resulting in a reduction in fine particle emissions. Quiet operation in town benefits the environment and local residents. For pedestrian safety, a slight AVAS noise is emitted when the car passes by at up to 18mph.
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Summary
This is a much more sensible and accessible kind of DS 4 Hybrid. In fact, if you're considering a DS 4, it's really the engine we think most customers should be looking at first. This French model will probably continue to get overlooked by customers considering cars like the BMW 1 Series, the Audi A3 Sportback and the Mercedes A-Class. Here at least though, it gets a better engine for real-world use than any of those German contenders can offer.
Yes, the engineering here is shared with mainstream-branded volume models - but you could say the same of the Teutonic rivals just mentioned too. And none of those can offer the rather special cabin ambiance you get at the wheel of a DS 4. Before, that wasn't quite enough to move us to recommend this car. But if we were choosing in this segment and prepared to look beyond the obvious contenders, the availability of this 48V petrol/electric powerplant might just be enough to encourage us to give it a chance.
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