Citroen DS5 exclusive
Citroen DS5 exclusive We get exclusive access to the new premium hatch before it goes on sale early next year
The striking DS family has grown again. We have already seen Citroen’s luxurious DS3 supermini and high-riding new DS4 hatchback – but now comes the quirkiest offering yet: the DS5. And Auto Express was given exclusive access to the newcomer, to get to grips with what exactly it is.
It’s aimed at the executive segment, yet Citroen sees it as a car with no direct rivals. It’s best described as a classy and stylish alternative to the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Insignia, but with a few key differences. The body shape is somewhere between an estate and a hatchback, and at 4.52 metres long, it’s about 20cm shorter than the Mondeo, not to mention a good deal slimmer.
The DS range is marked out by eye-catching styling, and the DS5 is arguably the pick of the bunch. Unusually, it is even better looking than the C-SportLounge show car from which it takes its cues. Chrome ‘sabres’ stretch from the headlights up to the windscreen, while a defined shoulder line and muscular arches complete the sporty look. The rear has a pair of large chrome exhausts and stylish wraparound tail-lights. The car’s high-riding stance allows for a good view of the road ahead.
The funky design continues inside. Futuristic dials, pilot-style toggle switches and a full-colour head-up display all feel like premium additions, while a panoramic glass roof stretches above the occupants’ heads.
Cabin quality is equally impressive, with no sign of scratchy plastics or flimsy pieces of trim. The special ‘watch strap’ leather seats are lifted directly from the concept car.
While the DS5 may be more compact than the Mondeo or Insignia, there’s still adequate space inside. Front occupants have plenty of headroom and the back seats accommodate three adults comfortably.
There’s a generous 465-litre boot – about the same as in a BMW 3 Series Touring. Under the bonnet, the highlight is a HYbrid4 diesel-electric drivetrain that’s set to debut in the Peugeot 3008 – the model on which the DS5 is based – and power the Lion’s new 508 RXH.
A 163bhp 2.0-litre HDi engine drives the front wheels, while a 37bhp electric motor turns the rears. The 200bhp output should give 0-62mph in 8.8 seconds, plus tax-free 99g/km emissions. But it’s worth noting that HYbrid4 cars have less boot space to carry the batteries. A 1.6-litre diesel with 109bhp and a non-hybrid version of the 2.0 HDi also feature. The petrol options – both 1.6s – put out 153bhp and 197bhp.
Citroen says the DS5 should go on sale early next year, and while prices haven’t been confirmed, the range is expected to kick off at just over £20,000. This will rise to around £30,000 for the top-spec diesel-electric hybrid.
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