"Radical, daring and assertive" says Citroën of its third modern vehicle to wear the legendary DS nameplate. Even its unveiling is taking place at a non-traditional venue, that being the Shanghai Motor Show in China.
While nowhere near as radical as the original DS that stunned the world at the Paris Motor Show in 1955, a car described by philosopher Roland Barthes as having "fallen from the sky", the DS5 is still likely to hit a sweet spot with its rather elegant design with sporting overtones.
Design highlights include the trademark big grille and LED strips upfront and a unique feature is the pair of chrome-finished 'sabre' inserts that run from the top of each headlight to the windscreen.
Essentially an upmarket hatch-wagon contraption, the DS5 is the production version of the C-SportLounge concept but it's about more than just style and practicality… beneath its skin lies an advanced hybrid powertrain.
Basically, it uses Peugeot's Hybrid4 system that mates a front-mounted 2-litre diesel engine to an electric motor positioned in the rear. Delivering a system output of 147kW, the configuration also allows the DS5 to operate as a four-wheel drive when needed and it can even run on electric power alone for short low-speed spurts. Its combined cycle CO2 emissions rating amounts to just 99g/km.
While more detailed information will no doubt be released in good time, Citroën has not yet disclosed whether this vehicle will use the latest version of its Hydractive suspension system - and it would be a huge shame if it didn't.Inside the cabin, you'll find a driver-focused dashboard with colour head-up display. Creating the ambience throughout the interior are classy materials like Club leather and 'watchstrap' seat upholstery and the cabin is bathed in a blend of red and white ambient lighting.
As for practicality, the DS5 has five 'real' seats and a boot that can swallow 465 litres. Citroen also claims that the driving position is worthy of a Gran Turismo coupé. That's as much as we can tell you about the DS5 for now, so watch this space for updates as they become available.-iol.co.za
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