The updated DS 5 takes centre stage as a launching pad for the new DS brandUpgraded DS 5 gets new styling, engines and technology, and becomes the first model to be sold under the DS brand in the UK
The heavily revised DS 5 is available from 1 July, and will cost from £26,980. The updated model is the first in Europe to be badged solely under the DS brand, a decision taken by owner Citroen last year. The price represents a significant increase from the outgoing starting point of £23,260.
Described as a flagship model for the brand, the facelifted DS 5 gets new styling and technology as well as a new generation of diesel engines badged under the BlueHDi banner.
The DS 5 now comes with two main trim levels - Elegance and Prestige. Elegance comes with 18in alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, auto lights and wipers, leather interior details on the wheel and gear lever, cruise control, panoramic sunroof, DAB digital radio and sat-nav all as standard. The Prestige adds details such as a reversing camera, interior mood lighting, leather upholstery and an electrically adjustable drivers seat.There will also be a limited edition at launch, called the 1955 edition, which pays homage to the car’s original unveiling at the 1955 Paris motor show.
While the styling of the updated DS 5 is described as evolutionary rather than all-new, Citroen says it has given the model "expressive and hypnotic" design cues.
Chief among the styling changes is the new front end, which carries new headlight designs - taken from the DS3 and DS3 Cabrio - which, Citroën says, will become a design hallmark of future DS models. Also new is the grille, which for the first time features the DS logo in place of Citroën's classic chevron design.
At the rear, new twin exhausts are incorporated into the reprofiled rear bumper. The new model offers 468 litres of storage space in the boot with the rear seats in place (a slight improvement over the current car), extending to 1290 litres with the rear bench folded flat.
The new infotainment system, dubbed Touchdrive, has allowed designers to adopt a buttonless approach for the DS 5's centre console. The set-up also uses MirrorLink technology, which makes smartphone integration easier. Apple Carplay integration will also be added further down the line.
Buyers can choose from a range of six engines at launch, including the 90g/km Hybrid 4x4 (renamed from the current Hybrid4 model).
The carried-over petrol options include the THP 165, which comes with engine stop-start technology and is coupled to a six-speed automatic gearbox. The engine produces 165bhp at 6000rpm and a maximum of 177lb ft and returns 47.9mpg with CO2 emissions of 136g/km. This engine is available only with the Elegance trim. A new 210bhp petrol option will be added in the second half of 2015.
The diesel offering features BlueHDi 120, 150 and 180 engines. The BlueHDi 120 has headline outputs of 118bhp, 221lb ft and 104g/km of CO2, with fuel economy rated at 74.3mpg. While available initially with only a six-speed manual transmission, a six-speed automatic option will be added in the second half of 2015.
Elsewhere, the BlueHDi 150 offers 148bhp, 273lb ft from 2000rpm and CO2 emissions of 105g/km, with a claimed 64.2mpg.
At the top of the range sits the BlueHDi 180, which offers 178bhp and 295lb ft, with CO2 emissions of 114g/km and an official fuel economy figure of 65.7mpg.
The new DS 5 also marks the debut of Citroen's new iOS and Android-compatible app, called MyDS, which displays key vehicle information.
DS boss Yves Bonnefont said: "The new DS 5 is more than just a new car. It is the car introducing our brand identity. Sixty years on from the original DS, the new DS 5 carries all the genes of DS. Above all, it is a clear statement of our ambition: to revive the tradition of French premium vehicles."
Speaking to Autocar, DS sales and marketing boss Arnaud Ribault said: "DS is a car for people who want to find new things. We propose these cars for people who are independent. We think in the UK we will have a new generation of premium customers.
"This is our first step, but it is an important one."
Ribault also revealed the DS 5 has been successful in bringing new customers to Citroen, most notably stealing sales from the likes of Volkswagen's Passat CC and the Range Rover Evoque.
Ribault sees the UK as a vital market for the successful launch of DS: "The UK is our second biggest market in Europe and the third largest in the world. The UK is a high priority, not only for the business but also because of its customers."
Since its launch in 2012, more than 80,000 DS 5s have been sold globally, with 15% of sales going to the Hybrid4 model.
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