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DS Automobiles DS 4 vs Renault Rafale comparison

Compare performance (130 HP vs 300 HP), boot space and price (34,000 £ vs 37,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – DS Automobiles DS 4 or Renault Rafale?

DS Automobiles DS 4 vs Renault Rafale: Key differences

DS Automobiles DS 4

  • moderately cheaper
  • somewhat lighter
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Renault Rafale

4.9 (9 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly more power
  • significantly more efficient
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • clearly more trunk space
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

DS 4

The Battle of Innovation: DS 4 vs. Renault Rafale

In a world where automotive innovation races ahead like a turbocharged engine, two contenders stand out: the DS Automobiles' DS 4 and Renault's Rafale. Each car brings its unique blend of technology, style, and ecological consciousness. Let's dive into the details of these automotive marvels.

Rafale

Design and Dimensions: Compact Hatchback vs. Spacious SUV

The DS 4 boasts a sleek hatchback design, stretching 4400mm in length, 1830mm in width, and standing 1470mm tall. It's a sophisticated machine that cleverly balances a sporty exterior with urban practicality. On the other hand, the Renault Rafale presents an imposing SUV stance, measuring a significant 4710mm in length, 1886mm in width, and 1613mm in height. Its size translates into a more spacious interior with a larger trunk capacity of up to 627 liters compared to the DS 4's 430 liters.

DS 4

Powertrain and Performance: Agile vs. Mighty

The DS 4 is available with multiple engine configurations, including diesel, petrol, mild hybrid (MHEV), and plug-in hybrid options. The top-story offering is a plug-in hybrid engine delivering 224 HP, darting from 0-100 km/h in 7.7 seconds, with an electric range of 62 km. Meanwhile, the Renault Rafale features either a full hybrid or a plug-in hybrid engine. The plug-in variant churns out an impressive 300 HP, accelerating the SUV from 0-100 km/h in just 6.4 seconds, and offers an extensive electric range of 97 km.

Rafale

Efficiency and Eco-Friendliness

Emphasizing eco-friendliness and fuel efficiency, the DS 4 has a carbon emission range from 32 to 137 g/km, depending on the engine. Its plug-in hybrid stands out with a fuel consumption rate as low as 1.4 L/100 km. The Renault Rafale follows suit with CO2 emissions ranging from 14 to 106 g/km. Its fuel consumption is commendably efficient, with the plug-in hybrid variant consuming just 0.6 L/100 km.

DS 4

Technological Edge: Features and Interior

Both vehicles embrace cutting-edge technology. The DS 4 integrates a high-end infotainment system and premium materials, ensuring an interior that's just as advanced as it is comfortable. Innovations like dual-clutch automatic transmissions and superior CO2 efficiency classes enhance its appeal. The Rafale charms with its suite of tech elements, including a seamless automatic gearbox and eco-friendly accolades, consolidating its status as an apt choice for environmentally conscious drivers.

Rafale

Verdict: Which Car Should You Choose?

If you're inclined towards a compact powerhouse, the DS 4, with its versatile engine options and nimble design, ticks all the right boxes for city dwellers seeking a dynamic ride. Conversely, the Renault Rafale serves as an irresistible option for those who value space, power, and eco-performance without compromise. Both models signify remarkable progress in automotive innovation, where choosing one over the other is only a matter of personal preference and lifestyle needs.

This head-to-head comparison highlights the strides made by both manufacturers in harmonizing performance with eco-efficiency, reflecting the diverse needs of today's drivers. Whether the agile elegance of the DS 4 attracts you or the power-packed, spacious demeanor of the Rafale, each promises a driving experience that keeps the road thrilling.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

DS 4

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

DS Automobiles DS 4 is moderately cheaper – starting at 34,000 £ , while the Renault Rafale costs 37,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 3,737 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Renault Rafale uses 2 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the DS Automobiles DS 4 with 5.2 L/100km. The difference is about 3.2 L/100km.

Rafale

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Renault Rafale offers significantly more power – delivering 300 HP compared to 130 HP. That’s roughly 170 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Renault Rafale is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 6.4 s, while the DS Automobiles DS 4 takes 10.9 s. That’s about 4.5 s quicker.

DS 4

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, DS Automobiles DS 4 is somewhat lighter – 1,558 kg compared to 1,734 kg. The difference is around 176 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Renault Rafale offers clearly more boot space – 627 L compared to 430 L. That’s a difference of about 197 L.

When it comes to payload, the Renault Rafale carries barely more – 444 kg compared to 442 kg. That’s a difference of about 2 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Renault Rafale is far ahead overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £37,700
Rafale

Renault Rafale

  • Engine Type Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 200 - 300 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 2 - 5 L/100km
  • Electric Range 97 km
DS Automobiles DS 4
Renault Rafale

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

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Dimensions and Body

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DS Automobiles DS 4

The DS 4 is a striking compact that wears couture-inspired styling like a tailored suit, and its cabin feels more boutique hotel than ordinary hatchback with premium materials and clever detailing. On the road it mixes poise with comfort, rewarding drivers who want a refined, characterful alternative to the usual suspects — and enjoy the odd admiring glance at the lights.

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Renault Rafale

The Renault Rafale dresses bold coupé-inspired lines around a practical crossover body, turning heads without trying too hard. Inside it serves up a comfortable, well-equipped cabin and engaging driving manners, making it a clever choice for buyers who want a bit of panache with their daily commute.

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DS Automobiles DS 4
Renault Rafale

Costs and Consumption

Price
34,000 - 41,700 £
Price
37,700 - 49,700 £
Consumption L/100km
5.2 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
2 - 5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
97 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
137 g/km
co2
43 - 108 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
53 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,558 kg
Curb weight
1,734 - 2,025 kg
Trunk capacity
430 L
Trunk capacity
539 - 627 L
Length
4,400 mm
Length
-
Width
1,830 mm
Width
1,886 mm
Height
1,470 mm
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
1,240 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
442 kg
Payload
415 - 444 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Diesel
Engine Type
Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
130 HP
Power HP
200 - 300 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
10.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.4 - 8.9 s
Max Speed
203 km/h
Max Speed
-
Torque
300 Nm
Torque
-
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
96 kW
Power kW
147 - 221 kW
Engine capacity
1,499 cm3
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3

General

Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
CO2 Efficiency Class
C, B
Brand
DS Automobiles
Brand
Renault
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.