We are with the DS5.
You see that I did not say the Citroen DS5 because the DS, which used to rank as sub-brand of the Citroen,
now is competing as a brand in its own right.
Next to me standing is the 5, which considered as the flagship of the series.
Let’s see if this DS5, with different design, has features to compete with its rivals vehemently?
Let’s analyze it together.
The PSA Group positions the DS as premium brand.
In other words, sees it as in a position to be able to compete with rivals such as the Audi, the BMW, the Mercedes and the Volvo, with its quality and design.
Lets first look at the design of the DS5.
First of all, the DS use to have the Citroen logo here, but with this new face and design, it has completely been removed.
As you can see, a very different grill design has been accomplished.
As a matter of fact, the car in general is very different because even the chromium detail that starts from here as you can see continues up to the A column.
The A column consists of two pieces and has a design that we are not familiar with.
When you look at the DS5 from the side you see a majestic hatchback.
In other words, when you think about the rivals in its class, the 3 Series, C Class, A4 and S60, the design of the DS5, even in this way is very different.
As you can see, the axle span is very wide and it promises spacious living space in the interior.
Let’s see if it is so?
Living area in the rear seats is not bad at all.
As you can see, good knee room is offered here.
Due to the car’s depressed and long hatchback design, the roof is a bit low but the headroom does not bother you.
I am 178 cm. tall and it did not bother me.
There is an important advantage here and that the third passenger is able to sit here in comfort because the transmission tunnel here is little if any.
Now comes the time for the rear of the DS5.
When you look at the DS5 from the rear, it is perceived as low-slung, powerful hatchback.
There are certain details for this perception.
The first is the chromium-like exhaust outlets at both side of the bumper.
These appear like exhaust outlets but only the one at the right is used.
The other has been put for symmetry but ensures the car to look nice.
Furthermore, the horizontal formed indented taillights have a share at the wide perception of the DS5 from the rear.
Moreover, due to this narrow rear window, the car appears to be much more low-slung and in my opinion this is a sportive factor too.
But it has a disadvantage of restricting the rear view when you look from the rear view mirror.
Lastly, let me mention the boot of the DS5.
It offers 468 liters loading capacity.
Even though it is smaller than its rivals, it satisfies the class expectations.
Besides, as it opens hatchback style, it is a bit easier to load here than its rivals.
The interior of the DS5 also has a very different design.
In here the French has adopted a design that tries to reflect the French luxury style.
Firstly, you encounter materials of quality in the cockpit at the first glance.
There are quality materials at many places you touch.
The use of chromium is very much so too.
In the center of the console there is a big clock.
That also is very different from the ones we have seen in the other models and brands up to now.
The piece that domineers the mid console, as always, is the touch screen multimedia.
Furthermore, the regular buttons are positioned underneath too.
As well as the design of the controls of the A/C being elegant; its use is very simple too.
Just behind the gear lever, window controls that may be assimilable to shark teeth are located.
Their looks are definitely very chic but it needs a bit getting use to.
If you are presently driving a regular car, your hand first goes towards the door handle to open the windows.
But you get use to it in a very short time and are able to use it easily.
The same types of buttons are used at the roof. These are so positioned that you are supposed to feel as if you are in the cockpit of an airplane.
From here, as well as being able to turn on the head-up display in your front, you are able to open and close three different sunroof curtains.
Apart from my thoughts about the cockpit design, let me share briefly the opinions of my friends who express their opinions while I was testing the car.
Believe me, whoever got inside the car indicated that it is very different and very chic transparently.
But things are not always as practical as it seems.
They only have looked at the design factor, but I have to voice one negative critic about practicality.
In here there is, believe me, no place at all for your small items underhand.
In other words, when you get in the car, you do not find any place to put your wallet and your mobile phone.
Not in the front of the gear lever and not in behind.
But, fortunately there is a big armrest here so that you are able to put your articles inside it.
The steering wheel is a bit big and its bottom is flat but there is no bother in its usage.
It fits the hand well and used easily. The living space offered in the front is very good.
Especially for the front passenger very good knee room is offered because they have positioned the glove compartment very far in front so that you are able to sit here very comfortably.
Of course this create a disadvantage of making the glove compartment extremely small.
In my opinion, bicolor leather upholstered and different design seats are the reason that the DS5’s cockpit is perceived of high quality.
You are able to purchase these seats optionally by paying extra.
But I am not going to tell you what kind of price tag they have.
Because the last time I looked it was kind of jaw dropping.
If you are curious, you can click the link below and learn the current price of the car as well as the price of the optional equipment.
Let us consider the engine and driving features of the DS5.
Under the bonnet of the car I have been driving, 1.6 liters turbo charged petrol engine is functioning.
This engine that develops 165 HP and 240 Nm of torque can only be purchased in the DS5 with 6 speed automatic gearbox.
I have tested this engine previously in the Peugeot 508.
As a matter of fact, the Citroen, the Peugeot and the DS are located under the roof of the PSA Group and use the same engine and the same gearbox.
Therefore, the same engine that I tested in the Peugeot 508 is used in the DS5.
In the subject of power the engine definitely satisfy the expectations.
It responds well when you want speed.
The engine and the gearbox work in harmony, the passes are smooth and its speed is at a reasonable level.
If you wish to drive the DS5 manually, you are able to do it from the gear lever.
I think, it would have added a plus to the driving pleasure if there were pedals behind the steering wheel too.
The suspension in the DS5 does its part in the matter of comfort.
If you drive on decent asphalt, you definitely travel in comfort.
But, on the rough surfaces the rear axle works noisily and can remain incapable to absorb the impacts.
Despite its big frame the steering responds to your wishes fast and valid.
The DS5 does not cling to the road like glue but if you do not force the limits, it does not leave its line.
Let us consider the fuel consumption of the DS5.
I have been driving this car for a week and covered 350 km.
At the moment the trip computer indicates 9.8 liters fuel consumption averages.
This value definitely is not low and I do not think that you can decrease it any more unless you really are a very calm driver.
The DS5 is a very different car.
Therefore, I do not think it will appeal to too many people.
But, if you want to be distinct or want to experience a change in cars than you may be happy with DS5.
This car at the moment is selling with only 1.6 liters petrol engine and automatic gearbox.
But in the near future with the 1.6 liters diesel engine and automatic gearbox that will be added to the series, it is plain to see that it will be more attractive.
See you.