Citroen is aiming the DS5 at customers looking for a resolutely modern and original approach to the premium executive car. As such, the DS5 is aimed squarely at business user-chooser customers and retail buyers who want bolder design choices and the economic benefits of new technologies like Hybrid4.
The front end evokes the car's DS lineage with its pronounced air-intakes, chrome grille and incisive 'gaze' underscored by LED light signatures. At the rear, DS5 sits squarely on wide tracks, underlined by chrome-finished twin exhausts and rear clusters with six light guides.
There are eight body colours to choose from with pearlescent or metallic paint options and six stylish alloy wheel designs from 16-19inches in diameter. The chromework is also offered in a smoked version called 'Dark Chrome'.
Citroen claims the interior design is inspired by the world of aviation, with a sweeping cockpit roof, which features pilot-style overhead switchgear. The large glass roof, divided into three areas, features individual electrically operated sunblinds, allowing occupants to control the amount of light entering the cabin both day and night.
There are nine upholstery options in cloth and leather, including the availability of two-tone colour schemes and unique to the market designs such as a 'watchstrap' effect on the seats.
At 4.53m long, 1.85m wide and 1.51m high, the five-door layout offers five full-size premium seats and a generous boot volume of up to 465-litres.
The central console has a 13-litre double compartment under the armrest with audio and USB ports for connecting and concealing mobile devices, as well as a cooled and illuminated area for drinks. Overhead, the aviation inspired roof has two storage areas for eyewear.
Advanced technologies on offer include Keyless Access & Start, a colour Head-Up Display to project essential driving information into the driver's line of sight, a reversing camera, dual-zone automatic air condiioning, cruise control with speed limiter, and a Lane Departure Warning System.
Available from launch is a choice of four Euro V compliant engines - THP 200, e-HDi 110, HDi 160 and the new 200bhp diesel electric Hybrid4. The e-HDi 110 Airdream features new-generation Stop & Start micro-hybrid technology that reduces CO2 emissions by up to 15% when driving in congested urban areas. The turbocharged, direct injection petrol engine, was co-developed with BMW, while all powerplants are mated to either manual, automatic or EGS six-speed gearboxes.
The DS5 is also the first Citroen fitted with Hybrid4 technology. The system delivers low CO2 emissions from just 99g/km. Hybrid4 offers financial benefits to both retail and business customers in addition to the impressive fuel economy. The sub-100g/km CO2 model is exempt from VED, the London congestion charge and, for business users, the BiK tax rate is just 10%.
Hybrid4 combines several technologies including: a refined 2.0HDi 160 diesel engine delivering 163bhp; a permanent-magnet synchronous 27kW (37bhp) electric motor fitted on the rear axle; a Power Train Management Unit, automatically managing the operating modes of the diesel engine and electric motor to achieve the best possible fuel economy and a Stop & Start system.
Drivers can select from four different operating modes:
AUTO - Activated by default on start up, the Auto mode optimises fuel consumption by automatically switching between the diesel engine and the electric motor.
ZEV - For speeds up to 60km/h (37mph), the Zero Emissions Vehicle mode enables the car to be driven using the electric motor only.
SPORT - This mode uses the electric motor in tandem with the diesel engine to provide extra power when the driver requires more responsive acceleration.
4WD - On rough ground or in low-grip conditions, the 4WD mode increases traction delivering power through all four wheels. The front wheels are powered by the diesel engine, the rear wheels by the electric motor.
Prices start at £22,400 for the e-HDi 110 DSign, rising to £32,200 for the range-topping Hybrid4 DSport. The new Citroen DS5 is available to pre-order now, with first deliveries from the official on sale date of 2 April 2012.
Posted on 02.02.2012
