2016 Citroen DS4 hatch, DS4 Crossback SUV revealed ahead of Frankfurt debut

Citroen’s newly refreshed 2016 DS4 hatch has been revealed overnight, alongside its new DS4 Crossback small SUV sibling, after first appearing yesterday in a series of leaked images.

Mike Stevens

10:4501 September 2015

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Launched as part of the DS brand’s separation from the larger Citroen showroom, the ‘new’ models wear the same DS-specific grille design that was introduced last year as a key move to set the luxury marque apart.

For the DS4 hatch, this 2016 model-year update means new features and a light styling update, while the DS4 Crossback enters as the brand’s second SUV - and its first to be intended for a global launch.

Its larger sibling, the DS 6WR, first hit the stage early last year, but that model had only ever been planned for a Chinese market launch. The DS4 Crossback, however, will go on sale in Europe later this year.

An Australian debut is still to be locked in, although Citroen Australia communications manager Tyson Bowen has confirmed with CarAdvice that if the Crossback is offered to our market, the carmaker’s local arm “would certainly consider it”.

As with models like the Subaru XV and a number of Volkswagen offerings, the Crossback is essentially a taller version - by 30mm - of the already high-riding DS4 hatch.

To set it apart as a crossover, the DS4 Crossback gets the usual assortment of SUV accoutrement, including grey plastic cladding at the wheel arches and new satin-silver roof rails.

Front-wheel drive is the only configuration on offer, and powertrain options will be limited to a manual-equipped 95kW/230Nm PureTech S&S turbo petrol engine - replacing the VTi 120 engine in the current DS4 hatch - and a 90kW/300Nm turbo diesel with manual and automatic transmissions.

As for the DS4 hatch, upgrades include the addition of Apple Carplay connectivity (Android Auto still to be confirmed), operated via a new seven-inch touch display - a debut which has also allowed Citroen to reduce the number of physical buttons in the centre control area by 12.

A reversing camera is also featured, along with keyless entry and start, massage seats, Denon audio system, and blind-spot monitoring.

In Europe, the 2016 DS4 will be offered with the 95kW petrol and 90kW diesel engines, along with 156kW/285Nm turbo petrol engine with six-speed manual - which marks that combination’s first appearance in a DS model.

Other engine options with the DS4 hatch include a 123kW/240Nm turbo petrol, along with 111kW/370Nm and 134kW/400Nm diesels.