DS’ New No. 4 Performance Line Pitches a “No-Plug” Hybrid, and Makes You Live With the Touchscreen

DS Automobiles is rolling out a new entry-level version of its No. 4 aimed at drivers who aren’t ready to go fully electric, but still want a taste of electrification without ever plugging in.

The hook is a small 1.2-liter gas engine paired with an electric motor and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic, wrapped in a blacked-out “Performance Line” look. The catch: it’s more style-and-comfort than speed, and some everyday controls, like climate settings, still push you back onto the touchscreen.

Pricing announced in the U.K. starts at £32,840, which works out to roughly$41,000at current exchange rates. That puts it in the same money neighborhood as premium compacts Americans know well, think Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class, and BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, though DS (a Stellantis-owned French premium brand) leans more “compact crossover” in stance and attitude.

A “no-plug” hybrid powertrain built for commuting, not bragging rights

The No. 4 Performance Line uses a1.2-liter three-cylindergas engine with a small electric motor, managed by asix-speed dual-clutch automatic. The goal is simple: short bursts of electric driving, energy recuperation under braking, and smoother stop-and-go behavior in city traffic, without the hassle of charging.

DS promises seamless transitions between electric and gas operation, a key expectation in any car trying to wear a premium badge. But when you demand hard acceleration, the little three-cylinder can feel out of its depth, more vibration, more noise, and not always the kind of clean, confident surge buyers associate with “performance,” despite the trim name.

For shoppers who actually want speed, DS positions other No. 4 variants above this one, including a plug-in hybrid rated at222 horsepowerand about265 lb-ftof torque, with a0–62 mph run in 7.4 seconds. In other words, “Performance Line” here is mostly a styling and equipment package, not a hot hatch.

Underneath, the No. 4 rides on Stellantis’EMP2 platform, a shared architecture also used by mainstream European models like the Peugeot 308 and Vauxhall/Opel Astra. The upside is flexibility (hybrid, plug-in hybrid, full EV). The downside is DS has to create a luxury feel through tuning, sound insulation, and cabin design, not through a bespoke, brand-exclusive foundation.

Blacked-out trim, 19-inch wheels, and lighting that does the heavy lifting

The Performance Line look goes hard on glossy black exterior accents and a darker, sport-chic vibe. Standard visual swagger comes from19-inch wheels, which fill the arches and amplify the car’s sharp creases and sculpted sides.

DS also leans into its lighting signature. Depending on equipment, buyers can getDS Matrix LED Visionheadlights designed to adapt the beam pattern for better nighttime visibility, useful on unlit roads, not just a design flex.

Out back, details likesequential rear turn signalsand available tinted rear glass help sell the premium image. The overall silhouette intentionally blurs categories: it’s compact in footprint, but sits and looks a bit more like a small crossover coupe, closer in spirit to vehicles like the BMW X2 or Cupra Formentor than a traditional low-slung hatchback.

That coupe-like roofline comes with a predictable tradeoff: rear-seat space takes a hit. DS is clearly betting that buyers will prioritize curb appeal and front-seat ambiance over regularly carrying tall adults in back.

Inside: dark Alcantara, big screens, and climate controls that still hide in menus

The cabin sticks to DS’ formula: upscale materials, metallic accents, and a moody, dark theme. The show-car spec highlighted ablack Alcantarainterior paired with a “Cashmere” exterior color, an on-brand French take on luxury.

Tech centers on theDS Iris Systemwith connected navigation and voice recognition. Screen-wise, there’s a7-inchdigital instrument cluster and a10-inchcentral HD display, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The usability story is more mixed. There are physical buttons under the screen, which should be good news. But key climate functions, like fan speed and temperature, can still require digging into the touchscreen, the kind of daily annoyance that matters more over six months than it does on a test drive.

Driver-assist and convenience features listed (depending on configuration) include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, front sensors, a180-degreebackup camera, and keyless entry/start, solid for the segment, even if premium buyers increasingly judge cars by how effortlessly all of it works.

A big trunk helps offset tight rear seating

One standout number: a390-litertrunk, which converts to about13.8 cubic feet. For a style-forward compact, especially one offering electrified powertrains, that’s a legitimately useful cargo hold, often better than what you’ll find in some plug-in hybrid rivals where batteries eat into storage.

Up front, the No. 4’s dimensions help it feel substantial. It measures about173.2 inches long,72.0 inches wide, and roughly58.7 inches tall, giving it that slightly taller, more crossover-like posture. Driver and front passenger space is described as generous, and the materials do a lot of work to justify the premium pitch.

The back seat is the weak link. The sloping roof and design-forward stance reduce headroom and legroom, especially for taller adults. If you routinely haul friends, coworkers, or fast-growing teenagers, it’s the kind of compromise you’ll want to feel for yourself before signing anything.

About $41,000 to start, and a valet delivery service aimed at busy buyers

DS’ U.K. starting price of about$41,000is meant to land as “attainable premium,” with a standard equipment list that avoids the stripped-base-model vibe. That matters in a segment where option packages can balloon the out-the-door number fast.

The brand is also pushing a concierge-style add-on calledDS Delivery Valet, priced at£195, about$245. The service delivers the car to your chosen address and collects your old vehicle, a convenience play for urban customers who’d rather not burn half a day at a dealership.

DS is trying to thread a needle: compete with German premium compacts while also tempting buyers who like the higher-riding look of small crossovers. The No. 4 Performance Line makes a strong case on design, lighting tech, and cargo space. But the real-world dealbreaker questions, engine refinement under load and touchscreen-heavy controls, are exactly the kind of things that can turn a stylish test drive into a hesitant purchase.