Citroen DS5 1.6 THP 155 Review: Different strokes

What we like:

The quirks of a Citroen

Gallic flair and style

superbly equipped

high levels of perceived quality inside

sufficient go from a 1.6 motor

What we dislike:

Un-Citroen like firm ride

engine slightly harsh at high revs

switchgear layout needs getting used to

slightly cumbersome dynamics

Just like its exterior, the DS5’s interior features futuristic themes and style that is unique and almost out of this world. The sloping centre console on the dashboard apes the DS4’s but feature bespoke switchgear in the DS5. The large stereo knob and the trio for the dual zone climate control system work with wonderful tactility but the small buttons for the other stereo controls are rather fiddly to use and not exactly clearly labeled. The console between the front seats feature two rows of switches for the electric windows and central locking. The neat layout of these switches do make them look like gills from some angles. There’s another console of switches on the roof – these operate the three sunroofs as well as oddly, the head-up display. In addition to the switches, there are also overhead compartments for storing items like sunglasses and so on. The unique looking instrument cluster offers an analogue speedometer in the middle that is supplemented by two LCD screens on either side for the multi-function screen and the digital rev counter. Then there’s that oblong clock on the dashboard – it looks nearly as exquisite as a Franck Muller timepiece.

Like the DS4, the description ‘high quality and luxurious’ can be used to describe the DS5’s cabin. The DS5’s interior sets new standards in quality and luxury for French cars. The exposed surfaces on the dashboard and centre console feel softer to the touch than in even some premium German models while the aluminium look inlays and metal door handle not only look good but do lift cabin ambience to an even higher level. The DS5 cabin’s premium feel is further lifted by the superb looking seats with their ‘Bracelet’ design leather, which someone mentioned, is akin to a Chanel handbag. The electrically adjustable driver’s seat offers a massage function and is extremely comfortable and supportive as well.

The DS5’s stylish exterior and sloping roof comes at the expense of rear headroom though. While rear legroom is about average when compared to similarly sized saloon models, taller adults will that their heads will sit too close to the roof when seated at the rear. On the upside, the DS5’s three glass roofs allow more light to inter into the cabin, thus giving it a slightly airier ambience. The MPV style vast windscreen up front also gives front occupants a panoramic and commanding view of the road ahead but on the other hand, the miniscule rear window does equate to appalling rear vision.

The DS5 is the epitome of modern day French eccentricity and quirkiness that Citroen is a master of. The DS5 isn’t exactly perfect – it suffers from idiosyncrasies like the lack of rear headroom and the firm ride among others. Look beyond these minor faults though and what you get is an executive sized car that is nothing short of unusual, different and extraordinary, characteristics that the DS5 shares with the best Citroen had offered in the past.

Credits: Story and photos by Raymond Lai