Review Of The Citroen DS5 Diesel Hatchback
The new Citroen DS5 Diesel Hatchback is one of those classy mainstream cruisers that can give the likes of Mercedes and Jaguar a run for their money. It’s stylish, boasts an upmarket interior and has for a long time been Citroen’s flagship model.
Naturally, there will be things that its premium rivals can do better than it, and the DS5 has ride quality issues. But the fact that it’s a hatchback and not a saloon might give it the edge for some buyers.
OSV takes a closer look at what it’s all about with our 2018 Citroen DS5 Diesel Hatchback review.JTNDY2VudGVyJTNFJTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwd2lkdGglM0QlMjI1NjAlMjIlMjBoZWlnaHQlM0QlMjIzMTUlMjIlMjBzcmMlM0QlMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy55b3V0dWJlLmNvbSUyRmVtYmVkJTJGM3lRZFNta19mR2slMjIlMjBmcmFtZWJvcmRlciUzRCUyMjAlMjIlMjBhbGxvdyUzRCUyMmF1dG9wbGF5JTNCJTIwZW5jcnlwdGVkLW1lZGlhJTIyJTIwYWxsb3dmdWxsc2NyZWVuJTNFJTNDJTJGaWZyYW1lJTNFJTNDJTJGY2VudGVyJTNF
On The Road
The DS5 isn’t the sharpest handler in this class, but it boasts the kind of firm suspension setup that you normally associate with a razor sharp BMW. However, it’s more of a competent cruiser than anything else.
As mentioned already, ride quality is a bit suspect. Compared to a Mercedes, the DS5 is nowhere near as cosseted. Its suspension is actually better than last time, but if comfort is a priority of yours, you might want to check out the Citroen C5, which comes with air suspension.[vc_single_image image=”77762″ img_size=”article-image”]
In terms of its diesel engines, there’s quite a lot to choose from. A 1.6-litre BlueHDI 120 model kicks things off; it develops 118bhp and covers the 0-62 sprint in 12.8 seconds. It’s not especially fast but its in-gear acceleration is fine.
Next in line is a 2.0-litre BlueHDI 150 diesel model that produces as much as 148bhp, and which can get you from a standstill to 62mph in 10.4 seconds. That’s a pretty respectable time, and it feels a lot more urgent at slower speeds.
Rounding off the range is a hefty 2.0-litre BlueHDI 180 diesel model that develops almost 180bhp, and which has a 0-62 time of 9.9 seconds. It’s great for overtaking and feels safe and confident on the road.
There’s also the option of a hybrid engine that combines an electric motor with an HDI 160 diesel to develop 200bhp. It motors its way from a standstill to 62mph in 9.3 seconds but does cost a fair whack to buy – over £30,000. However, its low running costs can help to balance out that initial outlay.
Citroen DS5 Diesel Hatchback Interior, Design & Build
[vc_single_image image=”77761″ img_size=”article-image”]There’s a lot to like about the DS5’s interior and it’s hard to fault the overall quality levels. However, the suspension is still too firm and doesn’t help with comfort – despite the super supportive seats.
The dashboard is the kind of wraparound dash that you normally find in a driver-focused BMW, and it’s a major plus here. In fact, it’s the highlight of the cabin.
Citroen has also cleared as many as TWELVE buttons from the dashboard, and the design now looks a lot smarter. The buttons are nicely laid out, the digital dials look great, while sophisticated lighting creates a very favourable, very upmarket impression that we think buyers will love.
However, the DS5 will never be able to outdo a Mercedes in overall quality for as long as it contains scratchier plastics.
Is the Citroen DS5 Diesel Hatchback practical? Impressively so. It’s roomy for the most part, although a sloping roofline limits rear headroom somewhat. Those sat upfront will be perfectly fine and the seats are comfortable enough, even if ride quality is an issue.
Storage space is also good, and includes plenty of cup holders and cubbies, but it would have been awesome if the glovebox was a bit bigger.
The boot, meanwhile, measures 465-litres if you stick to the standard car and 325-litres if you opt for the hybrid.
Equipment & Safety Of The Citroen DS5 Diesel Hatchback
Standard kit is good across the range, with the entry level Elegance model getting the likes of a leather steering wheel, LED daytime running lights, Bluetooth, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, an electric parking brake, front fog lights, dual-zone air conditioning, a digital radio and cruise control.
The Prestige model adds a reversing camera, an electric driver’s seat and xenon lights, while the Performance Line model gets different paint options, a black roof and gloss black alloys.
In terms of how safe the car is, Euro NCAP awarded the car 5/5 for its crash test score, giving it a score of 89% for adult occupant protection.
Standard safety kit is good, but the entry-level model misses out on blind spot monitoring and a reversing camera. It gets ISOFIX child seat mounts, airbags, hill-start assistance, electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes.
Costs Of The Citroen DS5 Diesel Hatchback
Prices for the new car start out from £27,590. For more information on our leasing deals, you can check out our page here.
In terms of its running costs, the BlueHDI 120 diesel sits at the bottom of the engine range. It can return 70.6mpg and emits 104g/km of CO2.
A bigger BlueHDI 150 model is powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine that’s good for a 68.9mpg economy. Meanwhile, it emits a very reasonable 105g/km of CO2.
At the top of the range is a BlueHDI 180 diesel that returns 64.2mpg and emits 114g/km of CO2.
The most frugal engine is the Hybrid4 200 that combines an electric motor with a 2.0-litre diesel, and which can return as much as 72.4mpg.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
Pros and Cons Of The Citroen DS5 Diesel Hatchback
Pros:
Stylish
You certainly won’t be settling for an uglier stepsister if you choose the DS5 over a Mercedes.
Excellent Cabin
It’s smart, well appointed and well built.
Economical Engines
The engines are fairly powerful and very affordable to run.
Cons:
Hybrid Is Hit and Miss
The Hybrid4 200 model will save you money at the pumps but it costs a lot to buy and is the most impractical DS5 variant.
Restricted Rear Headroom
Rear seated passengers won’t be too happy on longer trips.
Citroen DS5 Diesel Hatchback vs Mercedes C-Class Saloon vs Jaguar XE
Let’s see how the car fares against its rivals in the comparison section of our 2018 Citroen DS5 Diesel Hatchback review.
Citroen DS5 Diesel Hatchback vs Mercedes C-Class Saloon
The Mercedes C-Class Saloon has always been a comfortable and luxurious car, but it’s now even more comfortable and luxurious than ever before. It’s also more efficient, which spells bad news for the DS5.
On the road, the C-Class is a lot lighter than last time, which means it’s now faster, more agile and more fun to drive. It comes with 4 different driving modes, including Comfort and Sport+, which allow you to prime the car to be as comfortable or as sporty as you want.[vc_single_image image=”77760″ img_size=”article-image”]
How good the car’s ride quality is depends on the type of suspension setup that your particular model has. Air suspension is optional for the first time for any car in this class, and we thoroughly recommend it.
In terms of its diesel engines, if it’s pure pace you want, you’ll need to opt for the hybrid C300h model, which combines an electric motor with a diesel engine to great effect – it can cover the 0-62 sprint in just 6.4 seconds.
A noisy 2.1-litre diesel engine powers the C250d model, and it completes the same sprint in 6.6 seconds.
A C200d diesel is the slowest in the range with its 0-62 time of 9.9 seconds.
Running costs?
A C220d model impresses us on this front, and can return over 70mpg. However, the hybrid model is the most frugal, with its returns of 78mpg.
Inside, the C-Class seems all set to offer more comfort and relaxation than the Citroen – until you fire up the diesel engines. Their noise is out of character with the car’s relaxed image.
Other than that, this is a fine cabin. Fit and finish are excellent, the design is clean and smart, and the seats are supportive and comfortable. The dash is a highlight too, and Mercedes have clearly spent a lot of time on making this cabin feel as inviting as possible.
Is the Mercedes C-Class Saloon practical? Despite being longer and wider than last time, rear seat space is still limited. Leg and shoulder room will be satisfactory for most people, but a sloping roofline eats into the headroom, while foot room is an issue, too.
Storage space is good and includes a big glovebox, while the boot measures a very respectable 480-litres.
Price:
Citroen – £27,590 +
Mercedes – £30,635 – £45,830
Citroen DS5 Diesel Hatchback vs Jaguar XE
The new Jaguar XE is a confident-looking car that’s remarkably affordable to buy and run.
Jaguar has done a good job of blending comfort with sporty handling, and although the XE isn’t as fun to drive as, say, a BMW, it’s thoroughly enjoyable.
The accurate, weighty steering is a real pro, and the car is agile in bends. You can choose between an 8-speed automatic and a 6-speed manual transmission, but we prefer the former; it’s smooth and easy to use.[vc_single_image image=”77759″ img_size=”article-image”]
JaguarDrive is standard on all models; it’s a system which lets you flick between four different driving modes so that the XE drives in a way that suits your mood or the conditions.
In terms of its engines, a 2.0-litre diesel is a sensible choice if you want to keep costs down. In its smallest guise it develops 161bhp and covers the 0-62 dash in 8.2 seconds if you specify the automatic transmission.
A 178bhp variant, meanwhile, covers the same dash in 7.8 seconds regardless of whether you specify the automatic or stick to the manual ‘box. You can add four-wheel-drive if you wish, but doing so slows the car down and bumps up its fuel costs.
A 25d diesel model rounds off the range. It produces as much as 238bhp and powers its way from rest to 62mph in 6.1 seconds.
Running costs? The 2.0-litre 161bhp diesel engine is the cheapest to buy and run and can return as much as 58.9mpg if you stick with the manual gearbox. The bigger variant of the same engine is good for a 55.4mpg economy.
Inside, the XE is more dramatic inside than the DS5 and offers a real sense of occasion. A sportier driving position is a highlight, while the cabin’s fit and finish are done to a high standard.
Like the DS5, the XE features a wraparound dashboard, while its low mounted seats give it a racy feel. If you go for a higher spec model, you get to choose from a number of different upholstery choices.
Is the Jaguar XE practical? This isn’t the car’s strongest suit but it doesn’t fare too badly. Those up front are treated to lots of space, but – just like it is in the DS5 – it’s a different story in the rear.
Visibility is a bit of an issue too, thanks to thick windscreen pillars, while a pronounced hump in the floor will make life difficult for anyone sat in the middle.
Storage space is okay while the boot has a capacity of 455-litres with all the seats up.
Price:
Jaguar – £28,295 – £40,775
Verdict Of Our 2018 Citroen DS5 Diesel Hatchback Review
The DS5 didn’t sell too well when it first came out, with buyers not too taken with its low key styling. A 2015 makeover solved this issue, and the car is now just as stylish as any alternative premium car you might be taking a look at.
There are still compromises and this car is never going to be as desirable as a Mercedes. But there’s no doubt that the new Citroen DS5 Diesel Hatchback is better than ever.[vc_row content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1464089844166{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1494257310211{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;border-bottom-width: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”]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
Fancy the Citroen DS5 Diesel Hatchback? Request a call back from one of our Vehicle Experts
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