Every Automotive company around the globe will have some form of spin-off from its brand. For instance, Toyota has Lexus, Nissan has Infinity and even the mighty Mercedes-Benz has the Maybach badge. It allows for car companies to stretch out into market segments that are usually beyond the reach of the brand. Following such footsteps is the PSA Group with the DS Automobiles division
The History
Citroen cars are no stranger to the world of luxury motoring. It has served as the official vehicle of the French administration at one point or another, had its fair share of movie stardom and even had a brief relationship with names like Maserati.
The DS and its replacement the SM featured some very quirky yet innovative technology even by today’s standards. And just like how the GTR badge was separated from the Skyline nameplate, DS is now a separate brand within the PSA Group, representing the ultimate in motoring luxury, a la French.
The Car
The car we have here with us would be the DS5. It’s based on the familiar and capable 3008 platform, with a far more attractive and sleeker, coupe-like body. The car itself has a very unique proportion which is not a saloon but not quite an SUV either. Regardless though only Blind Al from the Deadpool movies would confuse it to something else. There’s nothing quite like it on our roads.
From the generous chrome finishing on the front, to the swooping low roofline that flows to the back, this is a distinctively shaped car. In fact, this sets the tone on what to expect from the DS5. It’s not just a pretty face as there’s substance to back up the style too. The front headlamps for instance will switch from high beam to low beam according to light and driving conditions. Handy when it comes to driving long distances through our countries errant weather conditions.
On the Inside
This is where the fun begins. Whoever who is not interested with the exterior of the DS5 will be rendered powerless by the stylish and seductive interior. Generous amount of leather and aluminum is used throughout the entire interior. The entire cockpit, which is directed towards the driver, has lots of tiny styling details that will keep you entertained for hours. The whole setup is both stylish and highly functional
There are lots of aviation themed design cues all over the car, from the roof mounted toggles to control the independent sunroofs above the driver, to the instrument display, the car feels like Bell and Ross and Boeing were involved in designing the inside.
Even the climate control buttons are far from conventional. It’s relatively easy and self-explanatory so you can get used to it in no time. However what could cause a minor irritation is the placement of the other climate control functions like recirculation and temperature. The temperature control is blocked by the gear knob so you do not get a clear view when adjusting it, especially the driver side control. It’s the same with the other climate control switches which are really tiny. It’s best not to operate them while on the move.
On The Move
Like any PSA product, the DS5 is best when you drive it. It rides slightly stiffer than its stablemates, however it never becomes harsh. Sound insulation is kept in check by both its aero efficiency and also the materials used.
The DS5 is powered by the much improved 1.6 liter turbocharged THP engine. Now it puts out 165bhp and 240Nm from just 1400rpm. Power is sent through the front wheels via a 6 speed automatic gearbox. This setup is already
This drive terrain gives a reasonable consumption figure without shortchanging you in performance. We could easily creep towards the 200kph mark with this engine. However, thanks to its peak torque kicking in at a low rpm, we could stretch RM20 worth of fuel from Bukit Bintang to Glenmarie in rush hour with plenty of fuel left in the tank. On average, we clocked a consumption of 8.6 liters / 100km, which is impressive for a car this size. On a long distance drive though, we suspect the figures could drop way below this if you were to cruise between 110 – 130km/h.
So what is the DS5
Besides all the brochure talk, we had to ask ourselves one question. What is this car really? Its neither a hatch nor an SUV. Not softly sprung roller nor a sharp handling coupe. This car is one of the most stylish runabout you could possibly buy in Malaysia, regardless of the price.
The DS5 is not just a car that moves you from point A to point B. It does that very well indeed, with a roomy interior, spacious boot, a punchy engine and a good chassis with loads of safety features. What we can’t quantify with mere words however is how the experience feels like when you get behind the wheel of a car which has independently operating sun blinds. Which, are operated from roof mounted toggle switches. It’s the most amount of cool you can get on four wheels below RM200k.
Conclusion
This car has everything a PSA Product will give you. It’s got a Euro NCAP 5 star rated structure, ABS, EBD, a 7 inch touch screen infotainment system with 6 different ways to listen to music, plenty of leather, massage seats, and interior lighting from the Black Panther color pellet.
But unlike the more conventional Citroen and Peugeot cars, the DS takes style and substance marriage to a whole new level. For the RM193,290.21 price tag excluding insurance, you will not be able to find this much of car and style in the brand new market.
