Citroën is on a serious styling offensive with its premium 'DS' range. We're driving the DS5, the third and largest in the DS car line-up.
DS5 completes the present DS line-up (DS3 and DS4) and while it will be the range topper, it won't break the bank. Expected to be roughly €2,500 more than the excellent Citroën C5 it is based on, Citroën has high hopes for this car.
DS5 is clearly all about style; it offers buyers the chance to get a more luxurious C5 that has a real on-road presence. The exterior is substantial, as it sits higher than a conventional 'D'-sized car. The chunky, curvaceous body is very pleasing to look at, especially now that we are used to crossovers like the BMW X6 and others.
Inside, the cabin is clearly driver-focused and while there is seating for five, room in the back is surprisingly tight for adults. Headroom is okay, but there is little under-seat foot room. The dash and dials are all premium and my only complaint is that some of the buttons could be placed more conveniently – like the rear window switches for rear seat passengers and the cluster of buttons found rearward of the gear lever. Boot space is a useful 465 litres but someway short of other 'D'-sized cars.
Generally, the cabin is a refined place to be with a high-class feel. I particularly like the seats and the roof-mounted switches. A nice party trick on the options list is the sunroofs – yes, there are three! Each has an individual blind and this again helps make the interior more upmarket. There are loads of optional extras such as a Head Up Display, auto headlamps, reversing camera and an updated lane departure warning system, to name a few.
On the road our test route went from sea level up into the hills of southern France. The dynamic parts of the route with hairpin bends and sweeping curves should have been more entertaining, but DS5 quickly proved that it is all about delivering comfortable cruising - despite its sporty styling. On autoroutes and main roads the DS5 was in its element and was an effortless car to pilot. Its high level of refinement gave off a real premium feeling behind the wheel.
DS5 is also Citroën's first model to offer a Hybrid four-wheel drive option. DS5's hybrid uses the exact same platform and technologies found in the 3008 'HYbrid4'. It has ultra low emissions and with 200bhp and 470nm of torque it has plenty of available power, not to mention a zero emissions mode and four-wheel drive.
Available in three trim levels, DS5 is clearly a great looking machine that is very comfortable, too. To throw a spanner in the works, C5, on which it is based, is not exactly ugly and a lot cheaper besides.
Ultimately, DS5 is an emotional purchase and a car for those who have style and design high on their wishlist. DS models currently make up 25% of Citroën sales in Ireland and the potential for DS5 to do (relatively) well here when it reaches our shores in February 2012 is huge.
Our romance with the DS5 is due to begin on Valentine's Day. Citroën Ireland expects to sell 125 in 2012 and up to 170 in a full year, with the mid-spec car being the volume seller.
Michael Sheridan
