Citroën DS 4 review: what the car critics say

Citroën’s luxury offshoot DS focuses on looks and comfort over sportiness, and the DS 4 is clearly designed to stand out, said Autocar. A mix between a hatchback and a crossover, it is pretty tall with large wheels, and has a long, low bonnet. It uses the same EMP2 platform as the Peugeot 308 and Vauxhall Astra, and comes in the same range of three- and four-cylinder petrol engines, a plug-in hybrid and a diesel.

All DS 4s are automatic, but while the eight-speed gearbox is pretty smooth on the way up through the gears, it’s jerky on the way back, so it’s tricky to slow down smoothly, and the grabby brakes don’t help, said What Car?. It leans in more on corners than its rivals, and is “not what you’d call fun to drive”. However, the soft suspension makes it one of the most comfortable cars in its class: it floats over potholes and bumps.

The DS 4 is the most impressive and finessed DS car yet, said Top Gear Magazine. It is packed with tech and has a plush interior featuring knurled metal and stitched leather. Most models get a clear, snappy new touchscreen system: a small customisable screen by your left knee as well as a big head-up display. It might seem gimmicky to have a touchscreen controlling a touchscreen, but it is quite effective. UK price starts from £26,860.

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In pictures: Citroën DS 4