Citroen, sorry my mistake, DS has updated the DS4 and given it the grille and lights from the also-relaunched-this-year DS5. Out go the Citroen Chevrons, and in comes DS' new signature upright mesh grille. Either side of the grille are new DS LED Vision headlamps, which combine LEDs and a moving Xenon bulb element for extra light, as well as scrolling indicators - very trendy, those.
Quite aside from the new face, DS is boasting that the DS4 now has a new bodystyle - er, not quite. What it actually has is a new version called the Crossback, which has a higher ride height (boosted by 30mm) and more butch styling and roof bars to try to make it a bit more SUV-ish or crossover-y. DS is keen to point out that a third of premium compact sales are now crossovers, so it needs a competitor.
Inside there's a new seven-inch touch screen, which comes with MirrorLink for your phone and a function that sends you an email if the car is driven outside of a pre-set geographical location. We are calling that one the 'Teenager Button' but DS calls it 'Mapping Pack.' Missed opportunity there, we feel.
Other new functions include an electronic owners manual that includes a servicing monitor and digital service record, as well as giving you eco-driving hints based on your own driving style. That'll be annoying. Hope you can turn it off.
There are three new petrol engines (130hp PureTech turbo, a refreshed 1.6 THP with 165hp and a new 1.6 210hp sporty engine, all with Co2 emissions between 119g/km and 138g/km) and three diesels, a 100g/km 1.6 120hp BlueHDi, a 2.0-litre BlueHDi with 103g/km and 150hp and a 115g/km 2.0-litre 180hp BlueHDi.
"New DS4 and DS4 Crossback bring together the best in DS technology. The result: two new DS vehicles with a very strong personality and an incomparable level of equipment and finishing - generally reserved for the next segment up - efficient engines that set absolute standards in terms of performance and fuel efficiency, and modern connectivity features. While the Crossback body style is sure to inspire surprise and enthusiasm, the New DS4 hatchback is a real alternative to conventional premium vehicles" said Eric Apode, Vice President Products & Business Development, DS Automobiles. Sales start in November.