Citroen DS5

Overview:

The French company Citroen is the part of PSA Peugeot Citroen conglomerate which was shaped in 1976. Originally it was founded in 1919 and was the first mass automobile production company outside of USA. The DS is a line-up of the Citroen that was initiated in 1955. Since its initiation, DS line-up has produced cars that are distinct in their looks and offer a refreshing and fancy exterior as well as interior. The top-end hatchback in the current line-up of vehicles from Citroen, the DS5 is no exception.

The looks of Citroen DS50 are so distinct that you won't need to look twice to recognize the car. The unmistakable chrome lining running from the headlight to the front windows on both the sides are the identity of the DS5. This gives a unique look to the car. The shape of the DS5 in itself is unique, looking somewhat like a cross between a hatchback and a shooting brake. The front grilles are parallel to the logo of the company along with the chrome treatment that renders a sense of luxury to the entire vehicle. On the inside too, Citroen DS5 is equally fancy and doesn't really disappoint in any way. The roof of the DS5 is a glass ceiling that permits light to penetrate inside the cabin. Right above the center console, on the roof are some control buttons that are one of a kind and haven't been seen in any other vehicle. The seats carry the look of the strap of a watch and look extravagant. There is nothing sublime about this car and it believes in showing off every good that it embeds.

Coming to the engine, it is a 1.6-litre 4 cylinder in-line engine that churns out a laudable 115 kW maximum power output at 6000 rpm alongside a maximum torque measuring 240Nm at 1400 rpm, these figures are fairly impressive for a 1.6-litre engine, but then being a Citroen major emphasis is on the aesthetics. The power output is complemented by a 6 speed automatic transmission system resulting in a combined fuel consumption output measuring 7.6 l/100 km which is fairly decent.

Mileage and Fuel Economy:

Citroen DS5 offers a respectful combined mileage of 7.3 l/100 km for a 154 hp engine. The CO2 emissions are also low at 169 g/km. The mileage count for DS5 running in urban areas only measures a rather disappointing 10.3 l/100 km alongside an extra-urban fuel consumption measuring a decent 5.6 l/100 km.

Power:

The DS5 offered with a powerful 1.6-litre petrol engine which delivers a maximum power output of 115 kW at 6000 rpm alongside a maximum torque of a good 240 Nm at low 1400 rpm, which means that there would be no trouble in pulling up on steep inclines or rocky roads.

Acceleration and Pick Up:

Keeping in mind the fact, that Citroen has launched its DS5 in a 5 door hatchback segment, the acceleration from 0 to 100 kmph in just 9.7 seconds is commendable. The top speed measuring 202 kmph is also fairly decent.

Exterior:

There is no denying that our drive is a clear winner in this segment. Citroen DS5 exists to make a fashion statement, the use of chrome all over the vehicle is evident of this fact. The chrome lining running through the headlamps to behind the A pillar is one of the most distinctive feature of this vehicle that sets its looks apart from all the other cars. The headlamps themselves are Xenon and comes with daytime running lights. The fog lamp has a cornering feature that increases the visibility on turns. The unique overall shape of the vehicle renders it a shooting brake like length and the black roof hangs down till the rear giving it a unique appeal. The rear lamps are reverse L shaped that matches the profile of the DS5. The alloys have a unique shape of the spokes too as they are slightly offset from the center. The side sills are also chrome laden and offers a quality to the vehicle. The ORVM are distanced from the body, increasing the width of the vehicle. Another exquisite feature requires you just to touch the handle door to lock or unlock it, if you are carrying the keys in your pocket. The two tail pipes are uniquely shaped and are also covered in chrome that looks chic. Overall its a fancy yet elegant looking car that packs a huge street presence and will always manage to turn heads.

Exterior Measurements:

Citroen DS5 is exceptionally long for a dedicated hatchback, however it is not priced like a hatchback as well. The L x W x H dimensions of the DS5 are 4530mm x 1871mm x 1513mm. These dimensions can easily accommodate a sedan in them. The wheelbase of the DS5 is also long measuring 2727 mm which ensures enough legroom for both the front and rear passengers.

Interior:

The interiors keep the extravagance of the exterior intact. The seats are thick and look supremely comfortable. The watch strap like look of the seats gives it some extra flamboyance. The overhead console gives you the feeling of operating an aircraft and also gives a fresh feel. All the shapes inside the interior conspires to make you believe that you're sitting in a concept vehicle. The central console on the dash is loaded with buttons and offer ample features to suit your driving pleasures. The console also gets a generous 7-inch touchscreen display. The dash looks classic and a lot of chrome has been used on the console and the buttons have also been given a characteristic shape that is very appealing. The steering wheel is not completely round and offers good grip. The mounted controls are an added bonus. The dials are also out of the ordinary and have two separate boxes with the speedometer between them.

Interior Comfort:

The interiors of the DS5 are comfortable for all the 5 passengers. The all-leather seats look plump and offer great support to your body. The head room on the rear seats is slightly low and hence, tall people might feel a slight problem. Other than that, the DS5 has enough features to cater to all the needs of the passengers. The seats are electronically adjustable and has a memory function to remember the adjustments. The Head up display minimizes the neck movements of the driver and keeps his focus on road at all times. The touchscreen display works as the monitor for the rear view camera and is a great help. The lights on the overhead console also maintain ambient lights at all times and offer a pleasant experience. The driver seat also has a massage function that takes all the stress out of you on long drives. The Automatic dual zone air conditioning also maintains the ambient temperature at all times.

Interior Measurements:

The leg room in top-end Citroen DS5 is ample but the rear seat headroom might be slightly on the lower side for tall passengers. The boot space is exceptionally huge for a hatchback and can gulp in 468 litres of luggage with all the seats up, proving that Citroen DS5 is not just a car which is good only to be looked at, it is practical as well.

Engine and Performance:

The engine of the DS5 is a 1.6 litre 4 cylinder in-line turbocharged engine with DOHC that knocks out 115 kW maximum power output at 6000 rpm alongside a maximum torque measuring a great 240 Nm at 1400 rpm. This comes with a 6 speed automatic transmission which is also very efficient. Citroen DS5 also comes with Multi point electronic fuel injection that maximizes fuel efficiency and also keeps the emissions in check. The ignition is also through a start stop button which is more convenient than cranking through keys. It also has various driving modes to chose from according to the driving conditions.

Stereo and Accessories:

To fulfill your entertainment desires, Citroen DS5 also gets a fancy stereo system. The Arkamys audio processing with Denon Hi-Fi stereo system makes for a theatrical experience in the car. It is paired with 10 loudspeakers, a digital amplifier and a 7 inch display for audio-video control. The screen on the console also serves as a great source of infotainment. It also comes with a CD RDS MP audio system with 6 loudspeakers that offers a crisp sound.

Wheels:

The wheels on the DS5 are alloys with 18 inch rim size that complements the size of the DS5. The tyre dimensions for the 18 inch Canaveral Alloy wheels is 235/45 R18. The alloys look distinct and have a unique presence.

Braking and Handling:

The wheels of Citroen DS5 get front ventilated disc brakes whereas the rear wheels embeds solid disc brakes. These brakes are assisted with Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and EBA as standard on all models. Citroen DS5 also has traction control to keep proper grip on the road. The suspensions on the front wheels are McPherson Strut type, whereas the rear wheels gets hold of Flexible Transverse Beam that keeps the ride comfortable.

Safety and Security:

Citroen DS5 comes with 6 Airbags for the 5 passengers. Apart from that, the drive also comes embedding ABS/EBD and stability control and ISOFIX child seats. It also has cornering fog lamps that increases visibility on the turns. It has Front and rear camera along with Electronic Parking brakes to assist you while parking the cars. The reverse parking camera comes with park assist and gets a gap measurement system that tells how much gap is left between the car and the obstacle. The head up display always gives the driver proper feedback of the machine. For security it has an immobilizer and an alarm system that protects it from theft.

Pros:

Brilliant designing
Flamboyant interiors
Good drive quality
Loaded with technology filled features

Cons:

Exceptional price for a hatchback
Not the most economical car to drive
Available in a petrol only engine