If there is one French brand that keeps hinting at a possible appearance to the U.S. market, it is DS. Named after the iconic DS sedan, which was launched in 1955 (and considered by many to be decades ahead of its time), it denotes the upmarket models by the Citroën brand. At the Frankfurt auto show, the compact DS4 was revealed with a new grille, an updated engine portfolio, and a crossover version called the DS Crossback.
What’s slightly ironic about this is the fact that the regular DS4 [pictured below] already is something of a crossover; based on the Citroën C4, it sits higher and comes with far more upscale equipment and materials inside. Until now, it has shared its front end with the C4, while the roofline behind the B-pillar attempts to evoke a coupe silhouette.
Now, the DS4 moves further away from the C4, mostly thanks to its new front end with LED headlights, a design similar to the larger DS5. The DS4 Crossback sits higher than the regular DS4 by 1.2 inches; additionally, it’s graced by black wheels and the inevitable body cladding.
Further upgrades include a new seven-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay functionality—but we’re happy to report that the wonderfully sumptuous, completely leather-covered dashboard remains an option. The engine portfolio of the DS4 and its Crossback derivative includes diesel and gasoline engines and stretches to 210 horsepower; all models are front-drive only.
As to whether the DS will eventually come to the States, it is by no means certain. Citroën and DS parent company PSA continues to study the market, and there have been occasional sightings of Peugeot and Citroën models in New York and Detroit. But a decision for DS to tackle the North American market won’t come until after the brand is firmly established in China and Europe.
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