All-New DS 4 Crossback Makes Limited Run Australian Debut

DS Automobiles, the premium arm of French automaker Citroen, has launched the DS 4 Crossback to Australian customers. This first batch of vehicles will consist of just 25 units of the two-plus-two high riding coupes, at least initially.

This DS 4 Crossback will be priced at $46,990 (not including on-road costs), and includes a 6-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.

Not straying from the sleek styling of the regular DS 4 hatch, the Crossback ticks all the usual crossover boxes and comes with a higher ride height (by 30mm), cladding around the car’s lower perimeter and wheel arches, revised suspension tuning.

Externally, other differentiators to set the Crossback apart from the DS 4 hatch are its set of 17-inch Canberra alloy wheels, LED-headlamps and daytime running lights, a revised front, rear black spoiler, grey roof bars, and its black door mirrors and door sills.

There are larger 18-inch variants of the Brisbane alloys available as a $1000 option, with the optional metallic colours an $800 option over the standard Blanc Nacre (white). Metallic options are: Orange Tourmaline, Gris Artense (Grey), Blue Encre (Navy), Noir Perla Nera (Black) and Gris Platinum (Silver).

The DS 4 Crossback also comes with a new powerplant, a Euro-6 certified 2.0-litre BlueHdi turbodiesel unit producing 133kW of power and 400Nm of torque (13kw and 60Nm more than the outgoing model) mated to a six-speed Aisin-sourced automatic transmission, enabling a 0-100km/h sprint time of 8.6 seconds.

In terms of fuel economy, the new powertrain’s added power comes not at the expense of high consumption, which offers a claimed half-litre improvement over the previous engine on a combined cycle.

Inside, the DS 4 Crossback receives an all-new 7-inch touchscreen infotainment display with support for Apple CarPlay and satellite navigation. There’s also dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, keyless start, leather wrapped steering wheel with multifunction controls, and leather seats with massaging front seats.

Kai Bruesewitz, General Manager of DS Australia, said the DS 4 Crossback marks a new beginning for premium French vehicles down under.

“With its all new-look, drivetrain and significant standard specification we believe the DS 4 will appeal to those customers looking to stand out from the crowd. As the DS marque evolves both locally and globally, Australian’s will begin to see a return to French design and luxury, and the DS 4 is a step towards an all-new line of vehicles that capture the best in French design, quality and innovation,”

Infiniti Teases QX Sport Inspiration Ahead Of Beijing Debut

The next-generation of mid-size SUV from Nissan’s premium arm, Infiniti, will be taking cues from the vehicle to be shown off for the first time at the Beijing Motor Show, aptly called the QX Sport Inspiration.

There isn’t much to go on with this image, although it does offer us a better glimpse than some other more poorly lit teasers.

Infiniti’s love of curvaceous lines makes a return, although their grille looks to be missing some angularity compared to what we’ve previously seen, but perhaps we need to see the car at a diagonal to properly view that hexagonal shape.

There’s are LED headlamps, with an array of 11 illuminators on each side which we assume are daytime running lights that sit below the usual night time illumination.

There are air intakes to the side and just above the front apron, giving the SUV concept a decidedly aggressive fascia, something that’s supplemented by the wide wheel arches and positive camber of the wheels.

Alfonso Albaisa, Infiniti Executive Design Director, commented: “The QX Sport Inspiration expresses a power and purpose that is uniquely Infiniti. With a flowing, natural aesthetic, this concept demonstrates how Infiniti can offer something new and exciting with future QX SUV models.”