Citroen DS5 e-HDi 110 Airdream EGS6 DStyle 5dr Car Review - April 2012

As we have mentioned the ride that is to be experienced in the DS5 is the main problem with the car, as the suspension is very firm and is uncomfortable and noisy over anything but the smoothest tarmac surface. The firm suspension does keep the body roll under control, and the steering is quick to respond and the car has plenty of grip. The driving position is good with plenty of adjustment for the steering wheel and the driving seat, and one innovative aspect is that the head-up display can actually be changed to suit the driver’s height.

The 1.6 litre diesel engine is one that has been designed for efficiency, and this shows in the performance figures that the car is able to achieve. Acceleration from 0-62mph is achieved in only 12.0 seconds, but the top speed of 119 mph is more than enough for the majority of drivers, with a cabin that is generally refined, apart from the noise that is heard from the suspension.

The range of Citroen models have been updated with the DS range, and the DS5 is the largest of these, with the interesting roof design being contrasted with the colour of the body. The front end is aggressively styled with a combined grille and air intake, and large headlight clusters that are moulded aerodynamically into the shape of the model. Inside the cabin the DS5 does feel very classy, but a lot of the buttons are quite small and fiddly to use while driving.

The stylish alloy wheels included with the DS5 are very nice and are included as standard with the car, as is a CD stereo that includes an MP3 input socket which is great for those who keep all their music on a portable device. Cruise control and air conditioning help to ensure that the DS5 remains comfortable even on longer journeys, and the Bluetooth connectivity is also very welcome.

The DS5 is a hatchback that is generally quite practical, with a boot that has a decent amount of space, and a cabin that is spacious enough for those in the front, but things can get a little tight if you try and get three people into the back. The reliability record of Citroen doesn’t quite match that offered by German manufacturers, but the DS5 does have a high quality feel to it.

The safety features that are included with the car have helped the DS5 to achieve five stars in the Euro NCAP safety test. A number of airbags are included to look after the driver and passengers in an accident, and it also has ABS, ESP and traction control to help keep the driver in control.

With a list price of £24,900 the DS5 isn’t a cheap car to purchase, and there are a number of cheaper hatchbacks available on the market, but this is certainly an attractive car which will appeal to many people.

The running costs for the DS5 are exceptional, with the 1.6 litre diesel engine able to deliver an average 64.2mpg. The insurance costs are fairly reasonable, but Citroen cars do not have a particularly good record for holding their value well. One benefit of purchasing the Citroen DS5 is that it is supplied with a three year unlimited mileage warranty and roadside breakdown assistance that is also included in the package.