Overview
- Well-equipped as standard
- Economical engines
- Fashionable looks
- Not very dynamic to drive
- Hybrid models sacrifice boot space
- Ride isn't as smooth as rivals
What's the Citroën DS5 like?
The Citroën DS5 is a real executive car that stands out from the crowd, with a premium feel and lovely design touches like a head-up speed display that reflects on the inside of the windscreen.
Two sunroofs – a large one over the rear seats and a smaller one over the front, switches above the driver's head, and a clever traction control system add more touches of class.
The DS3, 4 and 5 were all badged as Citroën until 2016, when the company decided to make DS a standalone marque.
I will concentrate on the model made between 2014 and 2016.
Engines
There was just one petrol engine available, a 200bhp version of the Peugeot/Citroën 1.6-litre turbo, plus two diesels and one diesel/electric hybrid.
The two diesels are an eHDi 1.6-litre with 112bhp that comes with a standard 6-speed EGS automatic gearbox, and a 2.0-litre HDi with 163bhp, that's available with either a 6-speed auto or manual.
The diesels will make up the majority of used cars, as the petrol is sold in very small numbers, despite being the performance king of the range.
Finally, there's also a diesel/electric hybrid, and this has good performance and the lowest running costs.
The Hybrid4 has the 163bhp 2.0-litre HDi plus a battery pack and a 37bhp electric motor, driving through the EGS 6-speed auto box.
Best economy of 85mpg and low emissions of 88g/km make this one very cheap to run, and the combined 200bhp means it can get from 0 to 62mph in 8.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 131mph.
The 1.6-litre diesel is fairly slow, taking a leisurely 12.4 seconds to hit 62mph, and the EGS auto can be jerky through the changes, unless you learn to take your foot off the accelerator as you would with a manual.
However, it's capable – on the government list – of 65mpg.
The 2.0-litre HDi with the 6-speed auto gives the best economy, with a government figure of 64mpg as against the manual model's 58mpg.
Driving Experience
Handling and roadholding are very good in all models, with very little roll through the corners and excellent grip.
Peter Hayward
But even though there were improvements in this model, comfort isn't up to the best, with rougher surfaces causing an unsettled feel.
Equipment
There are three trim levels available – DSign, DStyle, and DSport – plus a very long list of personalisation options which previous owners may well have included.
Even the DSign gets a good amount of standard kit, including keyless entry and starting, air conditioning, electric parking brake, cruise, and heated electric mirrors.
It also has automatic lights and wipers and Bluetooth to connect your phone and your music.
DStyle adds a very distinctive cockpit-style roof that houses toggle switches for the sunroofs and electric sun blinds, and it also has leather and cloth upholstery, sat-nav, DAB radio, a reversing camera and rear parking sensors.
Range topping DSport adds such luxuries as massaging electric heated sports seats, full leather, front parking sensors, a colour heads-up display and directional headlights with washers.
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Find your Citroën DS5 your way with CarStore
The DS3 is a perfect choice if you're looking for a car with a premium feel, sophisticated style, and nice design touches. Although the DS5 may not keep up with its rivals in terms of speed, its low running costs and economical powertrains make it a good contender in the used car market.
Here at CarStore, you're able to buy your car your way. Whether that be online, in-person, or a mix of both, the choice is yours. With an extensive variety of used cars available, we're sure to have a car that suits your lifestyle.
