Citroen DS4 (2011) UK pricing announced

In the recent buzz about the DS5 crossover, you may have forgotten about Citroen's middle child of the DS range, the DS4. Unveiled last year at the 2010 Paris motor show, the DS4 is a five-door crossover hatchback based around the current Citroen C4.

The DS4 will be available in three trim levels: DSign, DStyle and DSport. You'll either be DLighted as the clever names, or have more reason to DSpise the use of Citroen's DS badge in its modern guise.

DSign is the entry level, equipped with six airbags, ESP, Hill Start Assist, air conditioning, daytime-running LEDs, 17” alloy wheels, front fog lights with cornering function, six-speaker Surround Sound audio system and cruise control.

Stepping up to DStyle nets larger 18” alloy wheels, automatic windscreen wipers and headlamps, front sports seats with electric lumbar adjustment and massage function, standard part-leather upholstery, automatic digital air conditioning, aluminium drilled pedals, rear parking sensors The DS4 DStyle also gets eTouch, Citroen's built-in emergency response system which allows drivers to place emergency calls when their DS4 is involved in an accident or requires mechanical assistance.

DSport is the top trim level, only available with the most powerful petrol and diesel engine options. Selecting a DS4 DSport adds front heated seats, full leather upholstery, 19” alloy wheels, front parking sensors and a blind-spot monitoring system on top of DStyle spec.

The DS4 is offered with a choice of three petrol and two diesel powerplants. The familiar 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engines are offered in naturally-aspirated VTI120 (118bhp), turbocharged THP155 (153bhp) and THP200 (197bhp) guises. Diesel buyers can choose from the HDI110 (108bhp) and HDI160 (158bhp) 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbodisels.

Transmission-wise, it's five-speed (VTI120, HDI110) or six-speed manual transmissions as standard, with the HDI110 and THP155 available with the six-speed EGS automated manual gearbox as an option.

DS4 prices start at £18150 for a DS4 VT120 DSign, and peak at a fully-loaded HD160 DSport, which lists for £23950. Orderboks open today, with the first DS4s on sale at Citroen dealers from 4 July 2011. Citroen predicts 70% of sales will be diesels, with mid-range DStyle specification (£20,150-£22,950) likely to be the most popular trim level.

By Mark Hamilton