Geneva show: Citroen takes DS5 up market

CITROEN will take another step to separate its upmarket DS line from its mainstream Citroen brand at the Geneva motor show next month, when it formally unveils its new-look DS5 flagship.

The facelifted DS5 hatch becomes the first model to bear the stylised DS badge on the grille in place of the legendary Citroen chevron that, on the current DS5 that was launched in Australia in 2012, was formed out of the chrome grille slats.

A revision of the DS5 brings significant styling changes, a more powerful diesel engine, smoother suspension and added technology, and is due to arrive in Australian showrooms in late 2015. Pricing and final specifications will be announced closer to launch.

The new face of the DS5 includes revised light clusters that combine LED with bi-Xenon globes in what Citroen describes as a jewel-like effect.

The previous chrome grille slats have been despatched, and are replaced by a black mesh grille with a large chrome surround. Chrome “sabres” extend from the headlights to the A pillars.

On the powertrain front, the CS5 will get a more powerful diesel engine for both Europe and Australia. The 2.0-litre BlueHDi 180 engine delivers 133kW of power and 400Nm of torque – up 13kW and 60Nm on the current HDi 160 available in Australia – thanks to more boost from a variable-boost turbo.

As well, the engine gains a balance shaft to smooth out its wrinkles and as before, the engine will be mated with a six-speed automatic transmission, driving the front wheels.

Citroen claims the fuel economy will be up there with the best in class, sipping just 4.3 litres per 100km – a gain of 1.8L/100km – and emitting a low 110 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre.

Although a variety of other powertrains –including petrol and hybrid – will be on offer in Europe, the new diesel is expected to be the sole offering in Australia where the DS5 has been a diesel-only model since the four-cylinder petrol was quietly discontinued last year.

New suspension dampers that are said to soak up bumps more effectively have given the DS5 a silkier, quieter ride without hurting the handling.

The interior design is said to have borrowed from aerospace layout, with a cockpit featuring overhead toggle switches, while a new touch screen helps to simplify the cabin layout, with 12 fewer switches on the console.

Blind-spot warning joins the list of safety technologies that include swivel lights for cornering safety, hill-start assist, stability control, intelligent traction control, a reversing camera and head-up display.

Comfort features include electric memory massage seats, keyless access and start, ambient lighting, automatic interior lighting, dual-zone automatic air conditioning and an optional Denon HiFi system.