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By Jonathan Crouch

This DS 4 compact hatch looks much more competitive with this 48V self-charging Hybrid engine, thinks Jonathan Crouch

Ten Second Reviewword count: 33

The DS 4's ideal engine might just be the 48V Hybrid self charging unit we look at here. This aspirational premium Gallic compact hatch makes a good partner for this clever petrol/electric powerplant.

Backgroundword count: 106

If you're considering a premium badged aspirational family hatch, you're probably not considering the DS 4. Perhaps that rather stylish Gallic contender's worth a second look now though, because it can now be had with a rather appealing Hybrid engine. This isn't one of those Hybrids you can plug-in; the DS 4 line-up already provides one of those. Instead, it's the same 48V self charging powertrain used across a wide variety of Stellantis Group models, which claims to be able to allow the car to run solely on battery power for a significant amount of time in urban traffic. Sounds promising. Let's take a closer look.

Engines and Tech Specword count: 307

The DS 4 Hybrid uses the same 136hp version of this 48V Hybrid powertrain as the smaller DS 3 Hybrid. Which, given the heavier bodyshell of this DS 4, might make you expect fairly tepid performance. But this engine drives the seven-seat Peugeot 5008 along very happily and doesn't struggle with this premium Gallic family hatch, thanks to a useful 230Nm of torque. It's coupled with a clever six-speed dual-clutch e-DSC6 automatic gearbox that incorporates a 28hp electric motor. A 0.9kWh NMC lithium-ion battery powers the self-charging electric system. The petrol engine is a major evolution of the existing PureTech 130 unit, with special development for the Hybrid system. Using three-cylinders with 1,199cc, it works on the Miller cycle, which provides higher thermodynamic efficiency and, therefore, a significant reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The engine is also fitted with a special timing chain and a clever variable geometry turbocharger to maximise sustainability and responsiveness at low revs. The permanent magnet synchronous electric motor is integrated into the compact e-DCS6 six-speed dual-clutch transmission and can run on electric power alone at low speeds and under moderate loads. During deceleration, the electric motor acts as a generator to recover kinetic energy and fuel the 0.9kWh battery located under the floor. The system also easily provides power to start the petrol engine. The e-DCS6 gearbox contributes to the comfort and efficiency of this Hybrid model too. Limiting breaks in torque, it gives the feeling of a super smooth ride. The electric motor, inverter and computer are integrated in it to save space and mass. At 10.4 seconds, the zero to 62mph time for this Hybrid DS 4 is 1.2 seconds faster than the existing PureTech 130 model and the 1000-metre standing start time is reduced by 1.3 seconds to 31.7 seconds, compared with the PureTech 130 Automatic engine.

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