Review: Citroen DS5 (From Crewe Guardian)

Review: Citroen DS5

4:07pm Friday 27th July 2012 in Motors By Catherine Lawler

The DS5 looks like Citroen’s more sophisticated distant cousin.

Although it retains some of the quirkiness of the DS3 and DS4, it also has a more upmarket feel, with its sleek, compact design and attention to detail.

There is a choice of two diesel engines – a 1.6-litre 110bhp HDi and a 2.0-litre 160bhp HDi – and one petrol engine – the 1.6-litre 197bh – together with a new diesel/electric hybrid driveline.

And there are three trim levels – DSign, DStyle and DSport.

I drove the petrol model, which was certainly sprightly, with sharp handling and lots of grip.

It’s also reasonably cheap to run, with even the petrol model achiev-ing at least 42mpg, although the Hybrid4 model boasts around 74mpg.

Highlights include a wraparound dashboard and wide central console, both ergonomically position-ed.

The retractable colour head-up display projects essential driving information directly into the driver’s line of vision, while a rectangular clock adds a touch of loveable bizarreness to the interior.

Stability control and front, side and curtain airbags come as standard, while Citroen’s eTouch system (a one button emergency dial-up) is fitted to mid-spec models and above.

Other safety features include ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Emerg-ency Braking Assistance and Electronic Stability Programme with traction control and hill start assist.

Front seats are heated, although it was one of those rare weeks of the year when I didn’t have to use this feature, though I did test the massaging function – and very nice it was too.

Bluetooth, radio/CD/USB, cruise control with speed limiter, keyless access, dual control air conditioning and lumbar adjustment on the driver’s seat all come as standard.

It’s a nice big boot too, with capacity of up to 465 litres, although rear passengers will pay the price in leg room. It’s fine for children, though, and child seats are easily installed using Isofix fasteners.

The large glass roof, divided into three areas, features individual electrically operated sun blinds, allowing you to control the amount of light entering the cabin both day and night, although these don’t actually open.

There is good insulation from road and wind noise thanks to laminated windows, and the all-important reversing camera came in handy, as did the lane departure warning.

Prices start at just £22,400 for the e-HDi 110 DSign, rising to £32,200 for the range-topping Hybrid4 DSport.

 

Factfile

Car: Citroen DS5 DStyle
On the road: From £22,400
0-62mph: 8.5secs
Top speed: 146mph
Fuel: 42.2mpg (combined)
CO2 emissions: 155g/km