PARIS — The following mannequin from PSA Group’s premium model DS would be the DS 4, a compact automobile in-built Germany on a brand new model of the automaker’s EMP2 platform.

The DS 4 will seem within the second half of 2021, with three essential powertrains: A 225 hp plug-in hybrid model, and diesel and gasoline inner combustion variations. 

DS revealed particulars of the DS 4’s know-how in a web-based occasion on Wednesday, however stated the brand new mannequin’s design could be proven in full early subsequent 12 months. There might be two variations of the DS 4, product chief Marion David stated, with one having extra conventional proportions and the opposite extra SUV-like, though she didn’t present extra particulars.

Design director Thierry Metroz stated the DS 4 would carry over a lot of components from the 2019 Aero Sport Lounge idea, a coupe-styled four-door crossover. Just like the Aero Sport Lounge, the DS 4 may have lengthy, vertical entrance working lights, and may have an analogous steeply raked C pillar.

Metroz stated the DS 4 would have related proportions to the earlier era Mercedes-Benz GLA, which this 12 months has been repositioned as a crossover/SUV, in addition to the Lexus UX. 

The DS 4 will compete within the compact premium section, which has been dominated by German manufacturers. The Mercedes A-Class was the highest vendor within the first half of 2020, with 59,302 gross sales, forward of the BMW 1 Sequence with 44,473, in accordance with information from JATO Dynamics. The Audi A3 was third with 34,365 gross sales, adopted by the Mercedes CLA, the Mercedes B-Class and the BMW 2 Sequence Lively Tourer/Gran Tourer. There have been 746,612 gross sales within the section in 2019, a decline of 1.4 % from 2018.

The earlier DS 4 was tailored from a Citroen design; the brand new DS 4 is the fourth mannequin of a six-model product plan that started in 2017 with the DS 7 compact SUV, adopted by the DS 3 small SUV and the DS 9 midsize sedan. 

The DS 4 is the primary introduced PSA mannequin on the revamped EMP2 platform, which is used for compact and midsize autos all through the group’s 4 manufacturers. The newer platform permits for a decrease hood/fender line and improved aerodynamics, stated Sebastien Jacquet, senior vp of car applications at PSA. 

Different enhancements to the platform embrace a decrease general weight via using composite supplies, hot-pressed structural elements and use of smaller parts corresponding to a brand new air-conditioning models, DS stated. In depth use of adhesives and new suspension and steering parts enhance journey and noise, vibration and harshness efficiency, Jacquet stated. 

The DS 4 may even use a brand new era of plug-in hybrid drivetrain, which initially will mix a 180 hp 4-cylinder gasoline engine and a 110 hp electrical motor for a mixed output of 225 hp. Electrical-only vary might be “greater than 50 km,” or 31 miles, on a 12.4 kilowatt battery, DS executives stated. A less-powerful model geared toward fleet consumers will seem later.

“The problem for the DS 4 is to suit all of the know-how within the DS 7 in a smaller bundle,” Jacquet stated. 

PSA Group additionally builds compact automobiles, together with the brand new Citroen C4, on the CMP platform, which in contrast to EMP2 is designed to accommodate a full-electric drivetrain. Jacquet stated that plug-in hybrids have been a greater electrification answer for the DS 4’s meant consumers, who would use it for lengthy journeys.

New know-how may even debut within the DS 4’s inside, together with an “prolonged head-up show” that initiatives info corresponding to velocity and navigation on the street forward. A brand new infotainment system referred to as DS Iris makes use of particular person profiles to react to voice and gestures. A small display screen on the middle console reacts to the touch and gestures to name up six favourite capabilities. 

DS has additionally redesigned inside air flow to cut back the scale of the vent whereas nonetheless offering regular airflow and rising the directionality of the movement.

The DS 4 will be built in Ruesselsheim, Germany, in Opel’ manufacturing unit. The plant at the moment builds the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia midsize automobile, based mostly on an older GM platform. Along with the DS 4, it is going to additionally assemble the subsequent era of Opel/Vauxhall Astra on the revised EMP2 platform. Manufacturing of the DS 4 will start subsequent summer time.