Just a few weeks before the first Irish DS Store opens in Dublin 15, DS Automobiles Ireland has launched the DS 4 model, confirming availability for the "231" registration period and a starting price of €37,295 on the road.
Five trim levels, lots of equipment
All models get a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless start, LED headlights and daytime running lights and rear parking sensors. Kicking off the line-up is the Bastille+, wearing 17-inch alloy wheels and cloth upholstery.
Next up is the Performance Line, priced from €41,495 and featuring black Alcantara and synthetic leather trim, 19-inch wheels, dark-tinted rear windows, front parking sensors, a rear parking camera, lots of bespoke sportier trim detailing inside and out and other upgrades such as rear air vents.
Above that, from €44,140, is the DS 4 Trocadero. This gets its own design of 19-inch wheels, chrome detailing in place of the Performance Line's black, part-synthetic leather upholstery, head-up display, keyless entry, adaptive cruise control and the DS IRIS system, which includes '3D Connected Navigation' and voice control.
The Performance Line+ is available solely as a plug-in hybrid for €52,540. It builds on the Performance Line specification with upgraded headlights, scrolling rear indicators, enhancements to the interior and extra safety equipment.
Topping the line-up is the DS 4 Rivoli, from €53,440. It features black leather upholstery, DS Drive Assist, DS Clean Cabin, chrome detailing, unique 19-inch wheels and laminated acoustic glass front and rear.
Five powertrains, electric coming
DS 4 buyers have lots of choice when it comes to the powertrain, too. Up first is the familiar Stellantis 1.2-litre PureTech three-cylinder petrol engine, turbocharged for 130hp and emissions of 137g/km. It's available on the first three trim levels. A 1.6-litre petrol engine is available in Rivoli specification only, in both 180hp and 225hp states of tune.
The latter figure is matched by the E-tense plug-in hybrid powertrain, which emits just 30g/km and enables an electric range of 55 kilometres. Diesel buyers are catered for by the 1.5-litre BlueHDi engine, putting out 130hp and as low as 126g/km emissions.
All models use an eight-speed automatic gearbox sending power to the front wheels.
In line with DS's ambitions to be electric-only by 2025, it is expected that an all-electric version of the DS 4 will be revealed before the end of 2023.
Taking aim at premium marques
As part of the Stellantis group, DS Automobiles is being positioned alongside the sporty Alfa Romeo brand as the premium luxury marque. Targeted rivals for the DS 4 include a variety of crossover-like cars, such as the Lexus UX and BMW X2, but also established hatchbacks such as the Audi A3 and Mercedes A-Class.
Other DS Stores will be opened nationwide in due course.