Second Generation DS 4

After a three-year hiatus, the DS 4 returns for its second generation and it's now a sleeker and more stylish hatchback that is as French as the Louvre. Like it or not, the all-new DS 4 is a bold fashion statement that balances the good and bad characteristics of a proper French car. Let's investigate.

2022 DS Automobiles 4

2022 DS Automobiles 4

Priced at 38,500 Euros plus additional costs, the all-new DS 4 marks the return of the DS brand's first five-door hatchback after three years in new and almost exciting ways that will tickle the drivers' fancies within. 

Beginning with the design, the new model is now sharper-looking compared to the old DS 4, which is surprisingly great for a French hatchback but when you parked somewhere at a fancy party place in Ibiza or near the casino at Monaco, it's hard to pass itself as a luxury car because, despite its premium design, it's basically a Peugeot 308 underneath, like a commoner dressed for JS Prom. Even the Cross variant with its rugged looks won't budge it because it's too obvious to know.

Obvious aside, the new model is heavily made of reusable and recyclable parts, meaning it has a conscience to the environment and sustainability, something that most carmakers will learn and adapt to someday.

2022 DS Automobiles 4 interior

Check inside and you will notice that the dashboard feels like a mashup between Star Trek and Beat Saber. Riffing aside, the minimalist layout spells trouble for speedo boys behind the wheel and that spells confusion unless you have a Bachelor's Degree in IT. To add more French salt to the wounds, it even comes with the DS IRIS SYSTEM that mashes up Alexa and the gesture control from BMW. Brace yourselves for some talk marathon if you're sitting at its sweet spot.

Because the new model is bigger than before, it's surprisingly roomier and more comfortable, giving the impression that you're like riding in an A-Class or an A3, which are the DS 4's targets but that would be burgeois to compare it to the German luxury hatchbacks that priced less than this. As for the boot, it's bigger than the previous DS 4 and the rear seats can be folded down for more.

2022 DS Automobiles 4

The all-new DS 4 is powered by three different powertrains; the 1.2 PureTech, the 1.5 BlueHDI, and the 1.6L E-TENSE PHEV powertrain. The said E-TENSE powertrain combines the turbocharged 1.6L petrol engine with an 81kW electric motor, lithium-ion battery, and an e-EAT8 gearbox. It delivers a combined power output of 225PS, 360Nm of combined torque, a 0-100kph time of 7.7 seconds, a top speed of 233kph, and 1.3L/100km of fuel economy.

Sounds high-performance class until we get to know about its dynamics. Despite its cheap suspension layout that behaves like a mainstream Japanese family hatchback, the new DS 4 drives better than the previous model. It even comes with the DS ACTIVE SCAN SUSPENSION which uses cameras that can detect road conditions and adapts through it like an auto-correct feature on your word processing software. The Cross variant features Advanced Traction Control and Hill Assist Descent Control, which are good enough while traversing through the dirt. Not exciting to drive but it feels good everywhere. It's about as civilized, as cultured, and as poised as the Germans. Respect for that.

As expected, the new DS 4 is loaded with the most cutting edge ADAS features offered in this semi-luxury hatchback courtesy of its DS DRIVE ASSIST 2.0 with cruise control, semi-automatic overtaking, speed adjustment, Radar Corners, and more, especially the DS NIGHT VISION system that detects stuff in the dark.

This is by no means a major improvement compared to the previous DS 4, like it or not. Despite its suspension setup that made it behave like a mainstream car, the all-new DS 4 is a premium-looking luxury hatchback that deserves to be driven every day. With such packaging, this French artwork is too impossible to ignore.

Photo: DS Automobiles

DS Automobiles 9

At long last, there is now a premium sedan in the DS lineup! The first-ever DS9 promises to be France's answer to the Audi A4 and promises to be one of the most luxurious premium sedans in its class. Let's take a quick dive into the first premium sedan from DS Automobiles.

2022 DS 9

2022 DS 9 interior

The first-ever DS9 premium sedan promises to be as luxurious as the Germans in its class. With prices starting at 48,700 Euros plus additional costs, the DS9 is more costly to own than its main rival, the Audi A4, but look at it this way. If you are the sort of person who wants a premium luxury sedan but dislikes the Germans, especially Audi, then this haute couture could be your ideal pick, despite the fact that it came all the way from China.

Starting with the design, the DS9 can be precisely mistaken for an Audi A4 when you squint hard. While it was mistaken for an Audi, the back tells a different story because it almost bears the resemblance to the now-defunct Lincoln Continental. Despite its identity crisis, the DS9 still bears the haute couture elegance as most DS vehicles possess.

The haute couture elegance is also applied to the interior as well because, on the driver's side, the futuristic detailing on the dashboard gives an impression of playing a nice game of Beat Saber. When kitted with the OPERA interior, the DS9's savoir-faire comes to life. Props to the interior design team who are responsible for this futuristic attention to detail that made the DS9 engaging to look at it and to live with it.

Because it's bigger than the Audi A4, the DS9 is a surprisingly spacious luxury sedan fit for all kinds of VIPs looking for a fancy escort, not to mention a decent boot space good enough to carry some sensitive items in it.

In addition to the normal 1.6L PureTech 225 petrol engine, the DS9 can be fitted with the E-Tense PHEV powertrain where the 1.6L petrol engine is mated to an electric motor, li-ion battery, and an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The front-wheel-drive variant produces 225PS of power while the 4WD variant produces a surprisingly powerful 360PS of power and 520Nm of torque, sprinting from 0-100kph in 6.5 seconds and has an electronically-limited top speed of 250kph.

In terms of fuel economy, the front-wheel-drive DS9 E-Tense variant excels with combined fuel consumption of 1,5 l/100km based on the WLTP scale and has an electric-only range of about 48km, provided that you didn't waste its energy from playing music at loud volume.

Asked about charging times, the DS9 E-Tense's batteries can be fully charged by about an hour and five minutes when plugged at a public charging station or less than seven hours when charging at home.

Despite being made in China, the DS9 still delivers the nearly perfect balance of comfort and enjoyment at its pace thanks to its highly sophisticated DS ACTIVE SCAN SUSPENSION that detects every movement and road condition. Couple that with its signature DS suspension setup and you got yourself a luxury car that is worth living up to its promise of sophistication and mildness. Yes, mildness because this is a surprisingly mild premium sedan to live with.

Speaking of mildness, the DS9 is armed with the most sophisticated driving aids ever equipped on a French luxury car such as the DS Park Pilot, DS Active Led Vision, DS Night Vision, DS Driver Attention Monitoring, DS Drive Assist, and many others.

Despite being more expensive to own than the Audi A4, the first-ever DS9 truly exceeds its expectations as the luxury premium sedan is capable to compete with the Germans. Not bad for a Chinese import.

Photo: DS Automobiles

DS 3 Crossback

DS Automobiles, Groupe PSA's luxury car brand, expanded their SUV portfolio with the first-ever DS3 Crossback, an brand new luxury compact SUV that borrows some styling elements of the DS3, the forefather of the revival of the DS marque since the start of the decade, and while it was feared that it will serve as the replacement to the wonderful DS3 hatchback, there's nothing wonderful about having another French crossover in the fleet. As a matter of fact, what is it?

2019 DS 3 Crossback

Starting at 23,900 Euros plus tax and delivery, the first ever DS3 Crossback is a luxury compact crossover that appeals to every socialite in France with its DS3-inspired looks, unique interior, clever technology, and unquestionable performance fit for a French getaway, although not sure about the styling which is somewhat a DS3 taking a male-enhancing drug to make it look macho. In reality, this is like a Louis Vuitton purse full of protein bars, per se.

2019 DS 3 Crossback interior

In typical French quirky brillance, you got to admit that the exterior styling is very French indeed because if there's one thing to know about French cars, it's the styling that looks like it came out from a mosaic painting and the DS3 Crossback is no exception. Same goes to the interior, which is very French indeed for a luxury crossover. The air-conditioning, for instance, is diamond-shaped and that is very French like a mosaic painting on display at the Louvre and while it looks good in the beginning, some people with trypophobia will think that the interior will make their skins crawl and that's a given idea because the interior is not trypophobia-friendly, although the seats are about as comfortable as solving the Rubik's cube made of marshmallows. Now that's comfort, the French way, and the boot space wasn't bad either.

2019 DS 3 Crossback

The DS3 Crossback is powered by a choice of a 1.2L 3-cylinder PureTech and 1.5 BlueHDi, each mated to either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic, but if you are eco-conscious, there is a new E-Tense variant which has a 100 kW electric motor, 50kWh li-ion battery under the floor, regenerative braking system and deceleration system, and a new heat pump. The DS3 Crossback E-Tense can go from 0-100kph in 8.7 seconds and a limited top speed of 150kph, which is a tad slower than the 155PS 1.2L petrol but it promises an electric driving range of 340km on the WLTP cycle scale.

2019 DS 3 Crossback E-Tense

Although not exciting to drive as the outgoing DS3 hatchback, the DS3 Crossback is somewhat comfortable in luxury car levels and it's easy to get relaxed by the clever dynamics this crossover possess. It's no Citroen C3 Aircross per se but the DS3 Crossback really fits being a city-class car full stop with its healthy balance of quirky styling and decent performance that will soothe your brow all the way home.

There are safety features of course and the DS 3 Crossback comes with the DS DRIVE ASSIST, which regulates vehicle speeds, DS PARK PILOT, DS SMART ACCESS, and advanced safety tech worth noticing for the drivers. It feels like the future's already here with this crossover but in mixed ways.

It's easy to get mixed by the way the DS 3 Crossback looks and feels because of so many reasons to get to know about the crossover that might kill the hatchback in a heartbeat and while it sounds so painful to witness judging by the fact that we are living in an era where SUVs are superheroes on the road, the DS 3 Crossback is all business and leisure for anyone enjoying with it. Love it or hate it, the DS 3 Crossback is as French as it can get.

Photo: Groupe PSA

Forza Horizon 4: Double Winter Treats

If you managed to get the Hudson Hornet and the DS3 Racing through the last minute of the winter season of Forza Horizon 4, then congratulations. You finally get to keep those two machines that made a comeback in the world of Forza since their XBOX 360 years. They maybe long forgotten but here you are, finally got yourselves some remnants of Forza's glorious pasts.



Beginning with the Hudson Hornet, this machine raked 40 out of 48 wins because of its straight-six Twin-H power engine, making it truly an innovator and race champion. It even has a role in Disney-Pixar's cars as Doc Hudson.



Next up is the DS3 Racing and looks like we have a case of wrong car blues here because while Forza Horizon 4 introduced DS Automobiles for the first time, they brought in the wrong car to the range and this is basically a Citroen DS3 Racing and it was emerged by the time it was called the Citroen DS3 before it was called the DS Automobiles DS3 years later. Never mind about that but anyway, the DS3 Racing is the special limited edition model made in honor of its involvement in the World Rally Championship. Its specially-developed 1.6L THP engine produces 207hp of power and 275Nm of torque. It was extensively tuned by Citroen Racing to deliver motorsports knowhow to this hot hatch.





Now that we get to know about these prize cars, let's take these two cars for a spin round Britain to see what it's like on the winter wonderland.



These cars worked perfectly as they are meant to be but since I'm in a middle of my Fortune Island journey...





Let's hit the "one more" button on these two cars and see if the Hornet and the DS3 Racing have the guts to take on the Fortune Island challenge. Bring it on.


Fortune Island may be unforgiving but these two cars gave it a good show to the whole world to see.

Enjoy driving your two new additions to your Horizon garage!

DS Automobiles 7 Crossback

DS Automobiles is France's answer to Toyota's Lexus and Hyundai's Genesis and to date, they've only sold cars that were used to be called Citroens until it matured to be a luxury brand in Groupe PSA's own right such as the DS3, the DS4, and the DS5. Now, to make sure the DS Automobiles brand will stay as...you guessed it, DS Automobiles, they are making an all-original DS-branded car with some bits and bobs from PSA's finest and this new luxury car isn't s car at all. It's just another midsize crossover too much to take for speedo boys.

2018 DS 7 Crossback

You heard it right, ladies and gentlemen, this is DS's first luxury midsize crossover that wants to be a potent competitor against the Lexus NX, the Audi Q3, the Mercedes GLC, the BMW X3, or the Infiniti QX30, to name a few. This is the DS 7 Crossback and as the name implies, it serves as the flagship of the DS Automobiles lineup. I know that just because this is just a medium-sized front-wheel drive only luxury crossover does mean that it's worthless at almost all kinds of stuff but mind you, if your boss suspects that you allegedly crashed most of his or her full-sized SUVs in a middle of traffic, best assured that this is one crossover you might drive one for your boss after work.

The design of the DS 7 Crossback looks almost similar to the Wild Rubis concept it was based on and although luxurious in spirit, the hexagonal-shaped grille looks conspicuously similar to the Audi Q3 while the back, when you squint to it, looks vaguely like a Mitsubishi Outlander. It's hard to determine what kind of design this car possess until you step inside the interior...

2018 DS 7 Crossback interior

2018 DS 7 Crossback interior

Questionable exterior design aside, the DS 7's interior is like you're in a space ship because when you look at the GT by Citroen-styled steering wheel, futuristic instrumental panel, touch panel that does navigation, connectivity, climate control, and other stuff, gear box that looks like it came from Porsche, and an handmade analogue clock in the middle. Along with the leather seats that look like it shaped like the back of Cyborg Ninja's, the DS 7's futuristic interior matches to theme of what lies ahead in the future and I have to tell you this has one of the best interiors ever made to a crossover like this.

As for boot space, it's not quite decent as it seems, in fact, it's somewhat above average overall and there's some room for your suitcases full of stuff packed up for your next business trips. Just a reminder, even though it has decent legroom, you can't put little Miss Shiitake at the back because of the electric rear door, which loses its utility trait like some medium SUVs you know so far.

2018 DS 7 Crossback

Don't count of calling the DS7 Crossback as sporty because it doesn't have the "sport" trait in it like every other midsize SUVs but to keep your boss at the rear seat fresh like a cover of Vogue, it comes with a DS ACTIVE SCAN SUSPENSION which uses a camera attached to the suspension setup and four sensors to anticipate what sort of driving style it goes into. It can be either sporty or comfortable, making the DS 7 well-adapted to their driving style. Sounds scary but flattering at the same time. How convincing.

The DS 7 Crossback comes with five different powertrains with the most powerful in the range is the one with the turbochrged 1.6L petrol engine producing 225PS of power while mated to an EAT8, although some models, probably diesel ones that will soon be outlawed by the French, can be mated to a 6MT. Later on, they will introduce the E-TENSE variant of the DS 7, which is a PHEV much like the Outlander's, but it will produce an overall power output of 300PS while promising better fuel economy. That really is something but for now since this is a luxury car, it's almost impossible to be UBER-fied because of TNVS regulations.

Also, there's more bad news to the DS 7 and that is a wide range of safety tech that will kill every speedo boy's balls in an instant because of its high level of semi-autonomous driving. Yes, there's the DS CONNECTED PILOT that comes with Stop & Go Active Cruise Control but that's just the beginning because it comes with DS PARK PILOT, DS NIGHT VISION, DS DRIVER ATTENTION MONITORING, DS ACTIVE LED VISION, and so much more. With so much advanced tech in a luxury French crossover like this, speedo boys might a well retreat and pave way for the next guy who has interests to it.

The DS 7 Crossback starts at 31,200 Euros which is fairly reasonable compared to other luxury crossovers but to summarize this one up, let me give you a clear reminders about the DS 7. First, the design is tad questionable, the safety tech will scare even the most speedo boys everywhere, and it's not as sporty as it seems. On the plus side, the interior is the real beauty as well as some gadgets in store for the driver. Let's not forget the healthy choice of engines and the incoming E-TENSE variant coming soon and also the smartest suspension ever made in a car like this. It may not be a true SUV as it looks like but the DS 7 is more than enough to keep your boss happy as long as you're not crashing it and making an excuse on why you're late.

Available colors: Blanc Banquise, Gris Artense, Gris Platinum, Noir Perla Nera, Bleu Encre, Or Byzantin, Brun Andaradite, Rouge Absolu, and Blanc Nacre.

Photo: Groupe PSA

DS Automobiles DS3 vs. Citroen C3 III

2017 DS 3

The hatchback that wa once called the Citroen DS3 is now called simply "DS 3" because DS Automobiles is now a brand in its own right and served as the luxury marque of Citroen, much like Genesis does for Hyundai, separating the men from the boys.

While it looks vaguely similar to the old Citroen DS3, the new DS3 features a new front face and a new rear design that tells you that this car is no longer a Citroen. It's now a DS because DS is now a brand and everyone should stick it to their heads in case if anyone calls it a Citroen and that is very wrong, especially if you're ready, willing, and able to spend 15,950 Euros (or an additional 4,050 Euros for the Cabrio model with a canvas top roof on it).

2017 DS 3 interior

Although the inside very remind you of the old DS3, back when it was called a Citroen, but for the new DS 3, you have so much you can toy around at your free time. One such example is the Mirror Screen compatibility for your iPhone and Android Phone and thanks to its upgraded software on its touchscreen, you have all the time in the world to check on how is your DS 3 doing right now. Because it came from the diminishing line of three-door hatchbacks, getting through the rear seats can be very problematic and stressful if you have mates joining with you for a night out on a town, if you know what I mean.

2017 DS 3

2017 DS 3 Cabrio

Depending on the bodystyle, the DS 3 offers a wide range of petrol and diesel engine choices but if you are sticking with the normal DS3, the most powerful they'll ever offer is a 1.6L turbocharged engine with 208ps of power output and mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, resulting to 6.5 seconds of 0-100kph time and 230kph of top speed, almost similar to the old Citroen DS3 Racing would do, making it a luxury car with the soul of a hot hatch, especially when it comes with an array of safety tech.

The DS 3 has been with us for over half a decade and with this latest version, the new DS 3 by DS Automobiles still has the French chic and casual attitude as expected for a city car but between you and me, this new version feels a bit matured. It's no longer the DS 3 we are familiar with and it's no longer the DS 3 that propelled its rally car status to soaring heights. In fact, if I want a fun French car that is matured on its looks but not on its fun factor, there's a very good alternative to this now-matured DS 3.

2017 Citroen C3

This is the brand new Citroen C3. Starting at 12,950 Euros, this new model is the turning point for Citroen's lineup of affordable cars for all and by the looks of it, the Cactus-styled exterior means that the new C3 is ready for one trip to the mall after another. Best of all, it has five doors, meaning friends can't have a hassle to squeeze themselves through the rear seats and that is very good.

2017 Citroen C3 interior

Apart from its very generous spacing for such a Fiesta-sized car, there's one party piece that the new C3 had and this new car comes with a special dashcam that takes snapshots and then the driver can upload it on social media sites. Much better than showing an embarrassing viral dashcam video of a doofus driver on the road, or perhaps this new ConnectedCAM feature can do some weird dashcam videos like the ones you saw on the net. That is very savvy and very addictive. I like that.

2017 Citroen C3

Apart from the addictive features you can toy around, the new C3 comes with an array of new petrol and diesel engines to choose from. The most powerful is the one with the 1.2L PureTech petrol engine with 110PS of power and can be mated with either a six-speed automatic or a five-speed manual gearbox. Not that powerful by modern standards but it's nippy and cutting less cheeses than a fifth-grader feeling gassy in a classroom. Apart from that, the suspension has been improved to keep it comfortable and enjoyable to drive on the city streets. It maybe regular to drive but the urge to keep it driving for longer is what made the new model great, in my opinion.

2017 Citroen C3

In the end, looks like the new C3 is much more youthful and more enjoyable to own than the facelifted DS 3, and given to the fact that this should be the future rally car for Citroen Racing, looks like the racing pedigree has been revived and with this new model, expect such a strong following for this one because of the tech-savvy features that will keep them addicted for more. So, which would you prefer. If you're more of a socialite, go for the more matured DS 3 but if you're trendy, savvy, and young, best to go for the new C3.

Photo: PSA Peugeot Citroen

DS Automobiles Nouvelle DS5 et Nouvelle DS4 gamme

Citroen's DS lineup has officially left the family and spawned into a standalone luxury brand known as DS Automobiles and while this is done in honor of the DS's 60th year as well as five years of the DS range that started with the DS3, the new DS Automobiles brand ignites the brand identity's "Spirit of Avant-Garde" to their premium range of vehicles sold not just in Europe but in countries including China as well.

2016 DS Automobiles DS5

This is where we start with this. Of course, this is the facelifted Citroen DS5 but like it said, the new model is the first of the DS model not to wear the Citroen badge on it and since this is no longer a Citroen, it's now considered itself as a full-fledged DS car in its own right because with this car, the DS Automobiles brand is born and the spirit of avant-garde kicked in.

Thanks to its newly updated exterior, the new DS 5 is truly a flagship in its own right because from every angle, there's a fair hint of European luxury sprinkled around and without a hint of Citroen badge in sight, this car is well-groomed, well-tailored, and very posh to live on the road. Same goes to the interior as well because getting in has the same level as what you expect from a luxury German saloon car but this isn't a German saloon car, this is a French luxo-barge and who can't blame them?

It sure is a luxury saloon in its own right but at prices start at 29,550 Euros TTC, it's surprisingly accessible to buy one as well. Under the hood, the new DS 5 offers a choice of either a 2.0L turbocharged petrol engine, 1.6L BlueHDi diesel, 2.0L BlueHDi diesel, or a Hybrid4 powertrain with a 2.0L diesel engine connected to an electric motor. Most of the engines are Euro 6 compliant and depending on the engine types, it can be mated with either a 6-speed manual or automatic.

Although not a sporty car to drive, the new DS 5 is a comfortable cruiser suitable for the trips to the country club or a five-star hotel and you can really tell how luxurious the ride really is just by feeling it.

So, while the new DS 5 signalled the birth of the DS Automobiles, let's introduce to the new DS 4, which is also no longer a Citroen-branded hatchback but part of the new DS Automobiles brand.

2016 DS Automobiles DS 4

2016 DS Automobiles DS 4 Crossback

Here it is, the new DS 4 and now it spawned an additional crossover model called the DS 4 Crossback. Now, there are two DS 4 models to choose from but which ever DS 4 you choose, they're still the same thing and if anyone recalled driving the former Citroen DS4 in the distant past, some might recalled that it's far comparable to its Alfa Romeo Giulietta rival because it might have plenty of style but no cider. Same thing goes to the new Crossback model because while this maybe a crossover variant, the experience of driving one can be comparable to listening to Crossover FM on the radio. All that jazz, I dare say.

The range of engines include a 1.2L PureTech 130, 1.6L THP 165/200, 1.6L e-HDi 115/BlueHDi 120, and a 2.0L BlueHDi 150/180 and whichever engines you choose, it can be mated with either a 6-speed manual or automatic.

The new DS 4 starts at 23,700 Euros TTC while the Crossback model starts at 27,200 Euros TTC.

So, there we are, the new DS models may have christened the birth of the DS Automobiles brand but some people remain skeptical about Citroen's move of spawning the DS as a stand-alone luxury brand in the same way Lexus is to Toyota, but whatever the heck is, let's wish the new DS Automobiles the best of luck putting the Spirit of Avant-Garde to the motoring public.

Photo: PSA Peugeot Citroen