DS 4 review - MPG, CO2 and running costs
The DS 4 diesel model offers impressive fuel economy, but the PHEV will be more cost-effective for company car drivers
If you’re prioritising overall efficiency and can afford the extra initial outlay, then the plug-in hybrid DS 4 E-Tense is the model to go for – particularly if you can ensure the battery is regularly topped up. The DS 4 PHEV is capable of travelling up to 38.5 miles on battery power alone, while CO2 emissions from 27g/km mean that company car drivers will benefit from a low 12 per cent Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax rate. Charging the battery shouldn’t prove to be too much of a chore, either, because it takes just shy of two hours to fully refresh using a typical 7kW home wallbox.
Buyers who are regularly driving longer distances may want to look towards diesel power, with the BlueHDi 130 engine returning a claimed maximum of 61.2mpg on the WLTP combined cycle. CO2 emissions (from 121g/km) aren’t as competitive as the plug-in hybrid, however.
Petrol models are around £8,000 cheaper to buy than the E-Tense plug-in hybrid versions, offering decent overall fuel economy of up to 48.6mpg with CO2 levels starting from 132g/km. When we pitted the petrol DS 4 PureTech against a Mercedes A 200, the DS managed to return 41.4mpg, while the Merc was more frugal and achieved 44.8mpg.
Insurance
Insurance ratings for the DS 4 vary depending on the trim and powertrain you go for. Petrol and diesel models sit in groups 20-21 and 22-23 respectively. The more powerful plug-in hybrid models, in groups 30-31, will be more expensive to insure.
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Depreciation
French family hatchbacks haven’t always had the best reputation for solid residual values, but the DS 4 is looking to be a much stronger bet. Thanks to its proven mechanicals, high-quality interior and plug-in hybrid technology, the DS 4 is predicted to hold onto around 50 per cent of its original showroom price after a typical ownership period of three years and 36,000 miles.
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Which Is Best
