Extra power, new transmission for Citroen DS4
BY HAITHAM RAZAGUI | 4th Oct 2012
The DS4 DStyle THP 120kW automatic will be identically priced to – and sold alongside – the existing $35,990 (plus on-road costs) entry-level DStyle THP 115kW, which uses a six-speed robotised manual gearbox.
A new cog-swapping mechanism, combined with an additional 5kW of power – developed at the same 6000rpm as the 115kW variant while matching its 240Nm of torque from 1400rpm – reduces 0-100km/h acceleration time from 9.9 seconds to 8.6s.
However, there is a fuel efficiency penalty as the 120kW version consumes 7.7 litres of petrol per 100 kilometres, representing a considerable 18.5 per cent increase in thirst over the 115kW car’s 6.5L/100km.
With the exception of smaller 17-inch wheels on the 120kW DS4 – compared with the 115kW version’s 18-inch items – equipment levels are otherwise matched across the two variants.
That means automatic dual-zone air-conditioning, cruise control with speed limiter and memory settings, heater leather sports seats, a self-dimming interior mirror, a multi-function leather steering wheel, rear parking sensors, aluminium drilled pedals and rear privacy glass.
Rated a maximum five stars for safety by Euro NCAP, the DS4 comes with six airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and emergency brake assist and blind-spot monitoring.
Australian DS4 importer Ateco Automotive expects the new 120kW DS4 to become the most popular variant – but popular is a relative notion considering just 55 units have been registered here since its launch on March 1.
The other, more expensive DS4 variants will continue to be offered, including the 82kW/270Nm turbo-diesel DStyle at $36,990, which uses the robotised manual transmission and comes with idle-stop and regenerative braking to help it sip just 4.4L/100km.
Topping the range is the hot manual-only 147kW/275Nm DSport that can hit 100km/h in 7.9 seconds and is the most frugal petrol DS4 at 6.4L/100km.
Overall Citroen sales are up 20 per cent year to date at 1319 units, the C4 small hatch being the volume leader with 439 units – up 53 per cent – while the DS3 premium light car is registering growth of 39.7 per cent with 176 units.
| Citroen DS4 pricing* | |
| DS4 DStyle 120kW 1.6 Turbo Petrol (a) | $35,990 |
| DS4 DStyle 115kW 1.6 Turbo Petrol (a) | $35,990 |
| DS4 DStyle 82kW 1.6 e-HDI Turbo Diesel (a) | $36,990 |
| DS4 DSport 147kW 1.6 Turbo Petrol | $39,990 |
