Currently reading: Next DS No4 to be 'completely different' take on family hatch

Work on next French A-Class rival has begun, with designers aiming to "express a different, brand new concept"

DS will look to do something “completely different” and “revolutionary” with the next-generation No4, design chief Thierry Métroz has revealed to Autocar.

At the end of last year, the French premium brand unveiled the heavily refreshed DS 4, which itself ushered in a new look that was inspired by the radically different No8 flagship.

But, looking further ahead, Métroz said his team is already penning ideas for the next iteration of the car, which will probably arrive at the end of the decade – and the plan is to “reinvent everything”.

“We are looking at something completely different,” he said. “We are working with Gilles Vidal [Stellantis’s new head of group design]. We have great ambition on that car with a new form and language. We'd like to do something revolutionary.”

Speaking about what form it will take, Métroz confirmed that while it will “stay in the segment”, the team is “looking at different proportions, looking at different silhouettes”.

He added: “It will not be an SUV, and definitely not a regular sedan [saloon]. We are looking at very different proportions to express a different, brand new concept. [It will be] very aerodynamic.”

Advertisement

Read our review

Car review

Heavily revised premium hatchback gets No8-esque styling and PHEV powertrain upgrades

Join our WhatsApp community and be the first to read about the latest news and reviews wowing the car world. Our community is the best, easiest and most direct place to tap into the minds of Autocar, and if you join you’ll also be treated to unique WhatsApp content. You can leave at any time after joining - check our full privacy policy here.

Will Rimell

Will Rimell Autocar
Title: News editor

Will is Autocar's news editor.​ His focus is on setting Autocar's news agenda, interviewing top executives, reporting from car launches, and unearthing exclusives.

As part of his role, he also manages Autocar Business – the brand's B2B platform – and Haymarket's aftermarket publication CAT.

Join the debate

Comments
3
Add a comment…
xxxx 23 January 2026

Why are DS talking about a replacement for a car that has only just been heavily revised? Saying how good and different the next model will be compared to the already poor selling current model will only make matters worse for the current DS4.

tuga 23 January 2026
Because they want to let people know that DS will still exist by the end of the decade.

Not sure that they will though. Anyone with eyes would think investing in Alfa Romeo would make more sense for STLS.

Andrew1 23 January 2026
So potential buyers will decide to wait 3-4 years after reading this?