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The new Citroën DS5 shares the same hybrid diesel powertrain as the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4, resulting in 200 bhp and 99 g/km CO
2
.
Where it differs from the Peugeot is in its design style, so offering buyers a more sporty-looking alternative if they don’t want the egg-shaped MPV profile of the 3008.
Citroën says that the DS5 is aimed squarely at ‘business user-chooser customers and retail buyers who want bolder design choices and the economic benefits of new technologies like Hybrid4’.
The DS5 is available from launch with a choice of four Euro V engines – THP 200 (from 155 g/km CO 2 ),, e-HDi 110 (114 g/km CO 2 ), HDi 160 (from 129 g/km CO 2 ), and the new 200 bhp diesel electric Hybrid4 (99 or 107 g/km CO 2 ).
The e-HDi 110 Airdream features new-generation Stop & Start micro-hybrid technology that reduces CO 2 emissions by up to 15% when driving in congested urban areas. The turbocharged, direct injection petrol engine was co-developed with BMW.
All powerplants are mated to either manual, automatic or EGS six-speed gearboxes.
The DS5 is the first Citroën fitted with Hybrid4 technology. The innovative system delivers outstanding performance and low CO 2 emissions from just 99 g/km. Hybrid4 offers financial benefits to both retail and business customers in addition to the impressive fuel economy. The sub-100g/km CO 2 model is exempt from VED, the London congestion charge and, for business users, the BiK tax rate is just 10%.
• A 2.0HDi 160 diesel engine delivering 163bhp
• A permanent-magnet synchronous 27kW (37bhp) electric motor fitted on the rear axle
• A Power Train Management Unit, automatically managing the operating modes of the diesel engine and electric motor to achieve the best possible fuel economy
• A Stop & Start system with a second-generation reversible alternator
• An automated manual 6-speed gearbox with optimised shifts.
Drivers can select from four different operating modes:
AUTO – Activated by default on start up, the Auto mode optimises fuel consumption by automatically switching between the diesel engine and the electric motor.
ZEV – For speeds up to 37mph, the Zero Emissions Vehicle mode enables the car to be driven using the electric motor only.
SPORT – This mode uses the electric motor in tandem with the diesel engine to provide extra power when the driver requires more responsive acceleration.
4WD – On rough ground or in low-grip conditions, the 4WD mode increases traction delivering power through all four wheels. The front wheels are powered by the diesel engine, the rear wheels by the electric motor.
The new Citroën DS5 achieves a maximum 5-star rating in the latest Euro NCAP tests, including an impressive 97% score in the Safety Assist category.
Offering the highest standards of protection for its occupants, the DS5’s safety features include:
• ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) & Emergency Braking Assistance (EBA)
• Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with traction control and hill start assist
• Driver’s, front passenger’s, front lateral as well as front and rear curtain airbags
• A cornering light function that increases visibility by up to 75° when turning
• Citroën’s award-winning eTouch Emergency & Assistance system, which automatically or manually makes geo-localised emergency or assistance calls using a built-in SIM card, for rapid intervention in the event of an accident or if the car is immobilised.
The DS5 will carry one of three trim-level signatures – DSign, DStyle and DSport.
The DS5 starts at just £22,400 for the e-HDi 110 DSign, rising to £32,200 for the range-topping Hybrid4 DSport. The most popular models are forecast to be the HDi 160 DStyle manual and automatic versions.
A sales mix of 85% diesel, 5% petrol and 10% Hybird4 is anticipated. The sales split is forecast to be approximately 30% retail and 70% fleet/business.
The new Citroën DS5 is available to pre-order now, with first deliveries from the official ‘on sale’ date of 2 April 2012.
Read our Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 review
