This month I thought I would give a little insight into the DS4’s BlueHDi technology.
Many people ask me ‘what does the BlueHDi badge mean’ so here goes; According to DS Automobiles BlueHDi is the name that refers to the exclusive diesel emission control technology, combining oxidation catalysis, SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) and the DPF with additive, the only one to combine reduction of NOx by up to 90%, elimination of particulates and reduction of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Got that? Good.
Also, the HDI diesel has better energy efficiency than a petrol engine with equivalent performance and it consumes approximately 25% less fuel which means you get a reduction in CO2 emissions of around 15%. I hope you are all keeping up!
What is DPF; A DPF eliminates all particulates regardless of their size by 99.9% by number. The DPF is a mechanical system which permanently traps all particulates as soon as the engine starts hot or cold, where they are then burned automatically during ‘regeneration’ with no effect to the vehicle operation.
So basically it reduces NOx (nitrogen oxides) by up to 90%, eliminates 99.9% of particulates by number and optimises CO2 emissions and fuel economy by up to 4%. Ok. I am worn out now, so I hope when your mate asks you what the BlueHDi badge means on your eco warrior you can explain the technology in glorious detail.
Now, moving on quickly to this month’s road test, I present to you the DS4 Prestige BlueHDi 150.
Engine: The DS4 I currently have on test is powered by a 2.0 -litre 6 speed Turbo charged Diesel engine that has 150HP on tap, which boasts a very respectable top speed of 129mph, plus a 0-62 time of 8.8 seconds. Fuel consumption is also very good with a combined figure of 72.4 mpg. As I said earlier, the latest fuel saving ability of the engine is brilliant. It has lots of power along with the ability to return a decent MPG. There are also a good range of petrol & diesel engines available, although if I was going to choose one of each, I would choose the BlueHDI 150 diesel and the130 PureTech petrol because they both return a good fuel economy.
On the road: The DS4 is smooth on the road thanks to a softer spring setting which gives the DS4 a very good sense of control into the corners. Feedback from the front wheels is good and your input at the wheel is well translated back onto the road.
Inside: As with all DS4’s the interior is of a good standard – lots of chrome fittings and clear dials and the cabin feel is very good. There are lots of quality materials being used here especially the seating which feels nice and firm. For me one of the best aspects of the interior of the DS4 is the layout. They really have given a lot of thought into how it needs to be and you can feel this as soon as you start to interact with the DS4.
Standard equipment is good such as, ABS/EBD/EBA, hill start assist, Driver & front passenger lateral & curtain airbags, iPod/MP3 connection, child-locks on the rear doors, air conditioning, auto activation of lights & wipers, LED daytime running and front fogs and DS LED vision xenon headlights.
As for the looks, the DS4 does not disappoint and feels very chic. I like the distinctive grille and how it merges into the LED headlights which create an expressive shape. There are also elegant chrome surrounds on the side windows and the presence of the sharp body creases and well defined lines make the DS4 stand out as a serious looker.
Safety: As you would expect, the DS4 has been awarded 5 starts in the EuroNCAP along with ABS, EBD, EBA, ESP and Hill Start Assist. All this adds up to a very safety orientated vehicle indeed.
To sum up: A very chic and good looking car that deserves praise along with the array of fuel efficient engines available.
DS4 Prestige BlueHDi 150
Price: £23,495 RRP not including fitted options
Top speed: 129mph
0-62mph: 8.8sec
Economy: 72.4mpg (combined) emissions g/km (103)
Engine: 2.0 HDi
Power: 150HP at 4000rpm
Torque: 370Nm at 2000rpm
Gearbox: 6-speed manual
My Verdict: 5 stars ***** By Anthony Yates
