Citroen DS5

Citroen DS5 follows DS3 and DS4, going head-to-head with Audi A4 Avant and BMW 3 Series Touring

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Rating:
Latest deal price: from £18,526 to £29,608
For : Stylish and well-built cabin, efficient diesels, refined
Against : Hybrid4 boot compromised, firm ride, limited rear headroom

The Citroen DS5 is the third ‘DS’ offering and is aimed at the executive segment, putting it up against models like the Audi A4 Avant and BMW 3 Series Touring. But the Citroen offers something different. Underneath the bonnet, the most important powertrain is the HYbrid4 which combines a 2.0-litre 163bhp diesel engine with a 37bhp electric motor. The front wheels are driven by the engine and the rears by the motor. 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.

Our pick: 2.0-litre HDi diesel 163bhp

Styling

The Citroen DS5 looks like no other car on the road thanks to its strange hatchback-cum-estate body. Chrome sabres on the bonnet and an extremely narrow rear window are unique touches. Citroen’s family face remains, with the double arrow badge neatly integrated into the grill.

Interior

But the cabin is its trump card. Not only are the fit, finish and material quality among the best in its class, but the design is also incredibly stylish. There’s a pilot-style centre console located above the driver’s head and a split sunroof which allows both driver and passenger their own separate glass panel. There's seating for three in the back seats but some tall adults may find headroom a little limited.

Driving and Performance

The DS5 engine line-up ranges from a 109bhp e-HDi diesel to a 197bhp 1.6-litre turbo petrol and the flagship 200bhp diesel-electric Hybrid4. The latter set-up allows for CO2 emissions as low as 99g/km with punchy acceleration and four-wheel-drive. It is slightly heavier though and on 19-inch wheels the ride is a little harsh. The 2.0-litre HDi diesel with 163bhp is excellent and cheaper than the hybrid. All models get suspension that is firmer than you might expect but it’s still quite comfortable thanks to the supportive seats. Smaller wheels are the way to go if you’re hoping to soak up the roughest of roads. Refinement is excellent with engine, wind and road noise all well isolated from the cabin.

MPG and running costs

Cleanest of the bunch is the Hybrid4 – but it is also the most expensive to buy. Fitted with 17-inch wheels, this model manages 99g/km of CO2 and an impressive 74.4mpg. Be aware though, that if you go for larger alloys the CO2 emissions and fuel economy both suffer. Both petrol models offer benefits in the refinement stakes but will be costly to run and tax. All the diesels are great for running costs but the 109bhp e-HDi is the cleanest after the hybrid.

Practicality

Due to the styling of the Citroen DS5 rear passengers may find their heads scraping the roof but aside from that there's quite a bit of leg and shoulder room. How practical it is depends on whether you go for the Hybrid4 or not. This is because the electric motors need a larger battery pack mounted underneath the boot floor which reduces boot space to 325 litres – that’s compared to 465 litres for non-hybrid versions.

Safety and reliability

The cabin feels extremely well put together and the engines and chassis have proved themselves to be reliable elsewhere in the Citroen line-up. The DS5 has received a full five-star Euro NCAP rating, with 89 per cent for adult occupant protection and an impressive 97 per cent for safety assist. An eTouch service features, which allows you to call – and be located by – emergency services if you breakdown or have an accident.