The revival of the iconic DS Line by Citroën and its positioning on models with eye-catching sophisticated and even quirky styling is playing a significant role in the revival of the famous French motor manufacturer that has been an industry trend-setter for almost a century now.
Here in South Africa the latest DS models in the form of the DS3 and DS4 have already been accepted enthusiastically and reflect as such, both models outselling their C model counterparts for the last four months.
Now a third DS model is joining the DS Line, in the form of the larger DS5, which heralds a new phase in the development of the DS line of radical and assertive cars.
It fits in perfectly with the Citroën slogan of Creative Technologie with its aerodynamic styling and the use of classic materials such as the finest Bavarian leather and aluminium together with unique upholstery such as the “watchstrap” design on the seats and its cockpit style roof.
The company sees the DS5 as a new take on the premium segment by combining a very spacious interior with compact external dimensions. The compact design brings several advantages such as agility and responsiveness on the road as well as improved fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions.
Best of all is that this car is tailored for driving pleasure in terms of the way it combines driver input with outstanding all-round performance.
The DS5 range consists of three engine variants– two turbocharged petrol engines and a Euro V-compliant diesel. The THP 155 petrol turbo (155kW and 240N.m) and HDi 160 diesels (120kW and 340N.m) are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the high output THP 200 (147kW of power and 275N.m of torque) is mated to the 6-speed manual transmission.
The range is divided into two Style variants (THP 155 automatic and THP 200 manual) and two Sport derivatives (THP 200 manual and HDi 160 automatic).
The imposing styling of the DS5 harks back to the company’s C-Sport Lounge concept car, which was the work of Citroën’s design chief Jean-Pierre Ploué and was shown for the first time at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show..
The front end instantly identifies the DS5 as a member of the growing DS family with an oversized air intake, a wide, chrome-plated grille housing the classic chevron badge while the car’s incisive gaze is underscored by the standard LED light signature.
The rear view further underlines the rank of the DS5 as a car in the premium category. The car sits squarely on a wide track with diamond-effect wheels of 18 inch in diameter.
The spacious interior is both welcoming and eye-catching. The driver-focused front section features a bold centrepiece, a wraparound dashboard with driver information situated conveniently and a wide central console with a small gearlever positioned in the natural continuation of the driver’s forearm.
The roof is another signature item, incorporating a new interpretation of the sunroof to suit a special car such as the DS5. The roof is divided into three wells of light, each one of which can be covered individually to suit the occupants, emanating the feel of the cockpit.
Despite the comparatively compact exterior dimensions of 4,5m in length (25cm shorter than a Citroën C5 saloon), 1,85m wide and 1,5m high there is a copious luggage boot of 468 litres VDA and generous interior space. The DS5 has five real seats, five doors and saloon-like rear accessibility and spaciousness.
Ride comfort is superb, as is the roadholding and handling.
Needless to say the Citroën engineers have outdone themselves in terms of the convenience and safety aspects of the new flagship model. These include: hands-free access and starting, hill-start assist, an electric parking brake, park assist with a reversing camera (on the Sport models), programmable speed-limiter cruise control, and fog lamps with static cornering lights
The powerful braking system uses the latest technology including Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Anti-Skid Braking (ABS) , an Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), while the braking system forms part of the intelligent traction control.
Those customers wanting to make their DS5 even more distinctive can specify the Club pack, which consists of “Club” leather upholstery, a Hi Fi audio Denon system , lane departure warning system and the automatic high beam assist and optional 19’’ wheels
All DS5’s are covered by a 3-year/100 000km warranty and a 5-year/100 000km service plan. The warranty coverage may be extended at extra cost to 5-years/100 000km and buyers selecting the FreeDrive option enjoy the 5-year/100 000km warranty and a 5-year/100 000km maintenance plan.
Pricing:
- THP 155 Automatic Style R344 900
- THP 200 Manual Style R374 900
- THP 200 Manual Sport R395 900
- HDi 160 Sport Auto R399 900
