By: IOL Motoring Staff
Paris, France - Citroen has said it wants DS to be a stand-alone premium brand like Lexus and Infiniti - and this is where it starts, with the new DS flagship model, due to debut at the Geneva motor show in a couple of weeks.
The second-generation DS 5 is defined by a new front with a vertical grille and distinctive Xenon LED headlights, including scrolling indicators. This headlight design, first seen on the DS 3 in July 2014, will eventually feature on all DS models.
The driving position is built around the driver, with the main controls grouped either at low level near the gear selector or overhead, while infotainment is controlled by a new colour touchdrive interface, which reduces the number of buttons by 12; it also uses Mirror Screen technology to copy smartphone content on to the screen.
Interior trim has also been upgraded with aluminium elements on the door panels, metalwork on the gear knob and premium leather upholstery featuring a 'watch strap' design in black and deep blue.
Standard includes electric front seats with massage function, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, auto high-beam, adaptive headlights, a reversing camera and head-up display.
NUTS AND BOLTS
It'll be availabe in Europe at launch with a choice of one turbopetrol and four turbodiesel engines - ranging from 88kW to 133kW, with a new 155kW turbopetrol due to join the line-up at the end of 2015.
They start with the turbopetrol THP 165 and six-speed auto transmission, good for 121kW and 240Nm, at a cost of 5.9litres per 100km.
The entry-level BlueHDi 120 turbodiesel with six-speed manual 'box is rated for 88kW and 300Nm, and a nominal fuel-consumption figure of 3.8 litres per 100km. A six-speed auto version will be available in the second half of 2015.
The two-litre turbodiesel BlueHDi 150 with six-speed manual is credited with 110kW and 370Nm, at a cost of 4.4 litres per 100km, while the all-new BlueHDi 180 version with balance shafts and six-speed auto transmission for butter-smooth running delivers 133kW and 400Nm while burning 4.3 litres per 100km.
The Hybrid 4x4 Diesel, with turbodiesel front-wheel drive and an electric motor on the rear axle, offers four modes - Auto, Pure Electric, All-Wheel Drive and Sport (maximum use of electric and diesel power, up to 150kW). Fuel consumption is quoted at a nominal 3.55 litres per 100km with a claimed 3.15 achievable around town.
SMOOTH MOVER
New dampers with pre-loaded linear valve technology limit sudden changes in damping force while providing a longer stroke and reducing thumping.
Citroen SA says it is looking into the feasibility of releasing the DS 5 in South Africa in the first half of 2016, but no decision has yet been made.