Graham Hill’s Review Of A New Car And It’s French
Saturday, 6. August 2011
I’m going to hate saying this but I’m a bit of a fan of Citroens. I know they’re French and they haven’t had the greatest of reputations over the years but also being French they are very comfy, something you appreciate more as you get older, and many of the cars look quite good fun. I like the DS range of cars because they look great and actually drive well. So my review of the week is the latest addition, the DS5. It has lots of sporty touches and those Christmas tree style lights that I like.
Unlike the C5 it comes with 5 doors looking like a cross between a hatchback and estate but with some very cool lines. The car comes with some very quirky leather seats that have the design of a metal watch strap and is one of the few cars that still fits a panoramic sunroof.
The car, aimed at executive types, whoever they are, has some very good quality fitments inside with plenty of room for 5 adults. At the bum end there is a lot of space, can’t call it a boot really so I’ve called it the bum end – OK? The real shocker here is the revolutionary stuff under the bonnet.
It is a diesel electric hybrid with the diesel driving the front wheels through a 163BHP 2.0l HDi engine while a 37bhp electric motor turns the rears. The car generates a whopping 200bhp shifting it from 0-fast (62 mph) in 8.8 seconds but get this. CO2 emissions are down to a tax free and congestion charge free 99g/km.
There are 1.6 and 2.0 non hybrid versions in petrol and diesel but I was well impressed with the hybrid! Prices when launched will sit between £20,000 and £30,000 for the top of the range leathered up hybrid! By Graham Hill
Michal Popiel Says:
I’ve always liked Citroens. They’re a bit different! I know this brand is not considered as the top end;) but… I recomend everybody to try the new Citroens… you can be very positively surprised.