DS Has Killed The Quirky But Flawed 4 And 5 Models

DS has finally canned the interesting but flawed 4 and 5 hatchbacks from its range, although there’s an ‘extensive’ amount of stock said to be languishing in the dealer network and in storage.

Poor sales figures have blighted the two quirky French efforts from their first inception, with jarring ride quality spoiling both original launch versions of the faux-sporty, semi-luxury cars. DS’ sales, already down a stomach-churning 38.5 per cent last year, have reached a point where cutting production losses is the best option.

DS sold just 11,746 4s across the whole of Europe in 2017, plus a mere 5738 5s. Even the clever diesel-electric self-charging hybrid technology on board the 5, allowing it to crack upwards of 70mpg even around town (in the right hands), wasn’t enough to salvage the expensive-looking flagship DS.

A new product offensive began last year with the complex and trick-packed DS 7 SUV, with the firm saying that a 2018 trip to the executioner’s block was always on the cards for the ill-fated 4 and 5.

In their place, a pure electric compact hatchback will be making its debut at the Paris Motor Show. The rumour mill suggests that it’s an electric version of the 3 Crossback; a supermini-sized hatch with SUV styling and taller suspension.

Diesel versions of the DS 3 will also be ditched in favour of the excellent small-capacity turbocharged Puretech petrols, in part due to pressures from the more representative WLTP new car efficiency testing procedure. Eventually, the 3 will be replaced entirely by the Crossback.

Also, the current UK DS dealer network will be slimmed from around 200 sites, mostly grafted onto Citroen showrooms, to just 30 standalone dealers with far more luxury and tech. That number could grow to 70 if all the company’s targets are met.

DS, owned by French conglomerate PSA, has only been its own entity for a few years. Created for Europe using retro heritage to form a Citroen sub-brand in 2010, with the launch of the DS3 (note the joined-up name), the still Citroen-based cars were spun off under the fully-fledged sister brand DS in 2015.

The cars that will follow from here on out are DS-designed and engineered, even if they do still share parts. China is now a huge part of the company’s plans, too.

Source: Autocar