So... another Citroën driven, another day to realize what on earth the French have planned for us in the DS range. This time round, I shall attempt to contribute my experience with the 6-Speed Manual DS4 200 THP .
A brand whose spirit lies deep within providing optimal comfort in the past, now trying its best to excite the keen modern driver using unorthodox methods for the present and future. Will it even be feasible? I’ll dive straight into its driving characteristics to uncover this mystery.
I took a good five minutes to familiarize myself with the driving position, pedal placements and steering angle before setting off, because these elementary adjustments can make or break one’s driving experience. Clutch in, first gear, the journey begins.
Initial impressions were not really positive. Let’s be honest here. The light clutch movement was never enough to stimulate petrolheads’ desire for more pedal feel, and the long gear throws can never match the incisive action of short shifters in more sports-oriented vehicles. But remember, that this French hatch was never intended to be as hardcore as the Clio Cup. Basing on ease of use, it ticks all the right boxes. But throw driving excitement into the picture and perspectives start to get distorted. Now, she has to rely on other trickery in her French arsenal to keep drivers smiling for a lengthier period. Can the wounded deliver?
The first “trick” that caught my attention was the steering feel. It was way heftier than the DS3, and the electric assistance seems less intrusive. A sharp turn into a gradual corner confirms its direct feel and uninterrupted technological intervention. Now the chassis has to keep up with the directness of the steering, which might pose a problem due to it having to lug around its 1496kg bulk. Truth be told, it only felt a tad heavier than the DS3 although its 200+kg weight deficit spelt otherwise. The 4 feels light on its feet and very eager to alter its bearings in a calm manner. Credit goes to the rather pricey 18” Michelin Pilot Sport 3 rubbers that helps to maintain that sizable advantage, ahead of most OEM tire fitments, when being stressed to its limits.
Wafting along in fourth feels sedate, poised and very pleasing. I dropped a gear when an opportunity struck, attempting to unleash at least most of its 200 BHP by fixating my target on the 6800rpm redline. Having Twinscrolls to reduce the turbo lag certainly aids in reducing the inertia of that clockwise rev needle motion. Response is reasonably sharp, but comparing it with the instantaneous feedback of NA motors would be stretching boundaries. It’s no doubt that response is keen for a forced induced engine block. I wasn’t left disappointed on the vocal front. Rorty 4 cylinder notes accompanied by feint induction whistles sounded surprisingly sporty and energetic for an artificially enhanced configuration, way surpassing my expectations. Those addictive tones even made me keep my revs hovering in the approximate 3000 RPM power band for the rest of the drive, to have that soundtrack replayed at my command!
Now back to the same old question that concludes most of my reflections. Can the DS4 deliver driving pleasure? The drivetrain that lacks that sporty touch leaves much to be desired, but ample positives can be taken away from its weighty steering, reasonably taut chassis and sonorous exhaust note. Ignore the French badge, which has been labeled with stereotypes relating to driving tranquility for far too long, because the DS4 has broken this tradition along with the DS3. Well done, Citroën. Now, let’s wait and see what further steps you take to improve on this commendable effort.
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