DS No 4 Review & Prices

DS will have you believe that the No.4 is an all-new model, but if you scrape away at the surface you’ll find that this is the old DS4 with some under-the-skin changes and an all new, very handsome front end. If you’re interested in an EV, the all- electric No.4 E-Tense model is on the way, too; an all-new addition to the range

It’s a bit like your favourite independent coffee shop getting some new cups and boxes. The cafe-au-lait and croissant are familiar as ever, but now served in posher, prettier packaging.

The No.4 is certainly better looking than its luxurious alternatives in the form of the BMW 1 Series, Audi A3 and Mercedes A-Class. You get the same swoopy silhouette of the DS4, but the new front end gets a broader grille and pointier LED running lights that not only frame the car, but span the full width of the grille, too, in line with the flagship DS No.8.

Inside, the cabin is near-identical to the DS4 - a great thing for your eyeballs, but not great for ease-of-use. There’s plenty of striking, aluminium-look detailing, soft-touch plastics and a choice of fabric, leatherette or Alcantara upholstery, but the button placement is unintuitive on the move.

The rakish roofline would suggest that the No.4 will be cramped in the back, and it's anything like the DS4 back there, front seat occupants will have a much nicer time. That being said, the sizable 430-litre boot in hybrid models is larger than in all of its posh hatchback alternatives.

PHEV models only have 360 litres of cargo space, as a result of the batteries under the boot floor.

On the road the DS No.4 ought to be fairly easy to use around town, as that bluff front end and relatively square front corners should help you to place the car on narrow streets and in traffic. Rear visibility looks compromised though; thick rear pillars and a small rear window not helpful when parking.

The self-charging hybrid model is fitted with a 145hp, 1.2-litre engine - the same unit you’ll find in the new Citroen C5 Aircross, Peugeot 208 and Vauxhall Mokka hybrid. Based on the Vauxhall, it might feel a little sluggish in the No.4.

For some extra pep you’ll be able to opt for the 225hp plug-in hybrid, with an electric motor paired to a 1.6-litre engine. DS claims a 50-mile electric-only range, which should be plenty if your commute is mainly in town.

We’ll have a full DS No.4 review for you once we get behind the wheel of this handsome hatchback, but in the meantime you can get ahead on DS No.4 deals here on Carwow. Alternatively, check out new offers and used deals on other DS models. You can even sell your car with Carwow, when it’s time to switch.

The DS4 never sold in big numbers in the UK, and part of that is to do with the price. Starting at just over £32,000 means it’s not miles behind its German alternatives with posher badges, such as the £34,000 BMW 1 Series, and it’s actually more expensive than the Audi A3.

It comes better equipped than either, and it certainly looks more striking inside and out, with its upholstered dashboard, LED lighting, keyless entry-and-go and adaptive cruise control.