Skip advert
Advertisement

New DS 5 2015 review

You won't find a Citroen badge on the new DS 5 but is the upmarket hatch good enough to suggest DS can successfully go it alone?

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Citroen DS5
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The fresh faced DS 5 is a worthy first effort from the new premium French brand. An upmarket interior, plenty of kit even on entry-level models plus the usual French car quirks make it a more appealing proposition than before. It’s stylish, economical and quiet to drive – and thanks to new suspension is more comfortable than before. However, equally desirable but more affordable offerings from rivals could prove too tempting for some.

Advertisement - Article continues below

DS split from parent company Citroen last year, but until now has continued to place its Chevron badging on the boot lid of all of its cars. This facelifted DS 5 is the first to go it alone, and now we’ve driven it in the UK for the first time. 

We tested the entry-point into DS’s flagship range, a 118bhp 1.6-litre BlueHDi diesel model paired with a six speed manual gearbox. But entry-level Elegance spec seems to make the most sense, as pricey range toppers don’t add enough kit to justify the premium, with keyless entry, parking sensors and Mirror Link touchscreen standard equipment to begin with.  

Best family cars to buy now

Better still, it gets the same updated suspension setup as the 2.0-litre 150 we previously tested, giving it a much more composed ride than the old Citroen DS5. It’s a marked improvement, soaking up all but the worst lumps and bumps and feeling nicely refined on the motorway.

The steering wheel feels huge in your hands – contrary to sister manufacturer Peugeot’s shift to tiny, sportier wheels. But despite this, the DS 5 offers enough feel and feedback to let you know where the wheels are pointing without feeling overly heavy. It’s not a car you’ll particularly want to hustle down a B-road, but DS engineers are more than content with that – making it reminiscent of how old French saloons should be; comfortable and relaxing to drive. 

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Qashqai

2018 Nissan

Qashqai

52,849 milesManualDiesel1.5L

Cash £10,900
View Qashqai
5008

2022 Peugeot

5008

46,225 milesManualDiesel1.5L

Cash £18,506
View 5008
Puma

2023 Ford

Puma

67,042 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £12,506
View Puma
EQC

2023 Mercedes

EQC

21,307 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £26,000
View EQC

That said, the DS is flexible enough in-gear, and happily picks up speed if you put your foot down in sixth-gear at 60mph. We reckon the larger 148bhp (BlueHDi 150) is a better all rounder, thanks to its superior pace and almost identical running costs – but this 120 will no doubt be the favourite among cost-conscious fleet managers and company car buyers.

However, at this price point the DS 5 doesn’t stack up against its closest rival the VW Passat in SE trim. Both will return over 70mpg and emit less than 110g/km from a 1.6-litre diesel, but the VW is almost £1,500 cheaper, noticeably quicker and more rewarding to drive. That may not matter to some, but the DS is also slightly down on passenger space and the 465-litre boot is over 100 litres smaller than the Passat, too.

But the DS 5 is still a smart looking family car, visual changes over the old model include a softer corporate face and a pair of chrome strips leading from the headlights to the A-pillar, giving the car an altogether more upmarket appearance, and one that will roll out across each of DS’s six new models by 2020. It still looks a little awkward from the rear, but interior quality is good if not quite up to VW levels and a cleaner dash with fewer buttons is a welcomed change.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Deputy editor

Richard has been part of the team for over a decade. During this time he has covered a huge amount of news and reviews for Auto Express, as well as being the face of Carbuyer and DrivingElectric on Youtube. In his current role as deputy editor, he is now responsible for keeping our content flowing and managing our team of talented writers.

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,911 off RRP*Used from £16,700
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,513 off RRP*Used from £5,500
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £1,676 off RRP*
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £13,895
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025