Motors
Aerospace feel to new Citroen DS range
By Gerry Murphy
It is 60 years ago since Citroen introduced the motoring world to the DS range. Many can be still seen at vintage and veteran motor shows and on our roads. You will remember the flamboyant design with its long nose and half-covered rear wheels.
It sat down on its hunkers when parked, thanks to its hydraulic suspension, and rose up when driven. The rear lights were fitted high up on the rear pillars and it looked like something from the space age.
Citroen has again separated the DS range from the regular catalogue, a position taken to suggest that the DS range is now the luxury side of the brand and their collection of current DS models are as far removed from Citroen’s regular cars as the old DS was in the past. This week’s test car is the new DS 5, the flagship of the line as was the original back in 1955.
From all angles, the DS has a sophistication that you don’t see in other brands. Lavish chrome inserts, prominent body swoops and an ocean of glass are used to make it unique. Some of it works, but some of it is way over the top. For me there is too much going on, but the beauty contest involves the eye of the beholder.
Inside, they have also packed it with the latest technology, gizmos and gadgets in a way that makes it almost like a fighter jet on the ground. Even some of the controls are placed in the roof to add to that impression.
The main controls are grouped on two centrally positioned consoles, one at a low level near the gear selector and one overhead. Both incorporate specially designed buttons, dials and toggle switches that were inspired by the aerospace industry.
They want you to enjoy a high-tech driving experience with ‘Criollo’ semi-aniline ‘watch strap’ leather seats and a colour touchdrive interface, a new system that is supposed to provide easy access to all in-car functions, from navigation to music.
They wanted to simplify the interior layout, with 12 fewer buttons on the dashboard and facia. This latest-generation screen also includes new Mirror Screen technology. This function lets users copy smartphone content onto the screen and ensures all relevant apps can be used safely when driving.
However, rather than simplifying things, there are parts of the layout that do the opposite. There are times when one switch can do the job rather than two or three procedures that are needed here. One simple function like switching off the stop-start function takes three interventions.
And, when you do switch it off, it comes back on again the next time you switch off and on the engine. It means that you have to take your eye off the road every time you negotiate the system, which, I think removes some of the safety that they are trying to eliminate.
The 1955 Limited Edition that I have been driving is priced at €44,345 with the latest BlueHDi 180 S&S EAT6 Automatic powertrain, which achieves CO2 emissions of 116g/km. My fuel consumption for the week came in at 6.7L/100km, a figure that, for a car of its size, is quite acceptable.
The DS 5 will have its fans but will also have its detractors. For the fans, there is enough there to satisfy in terms of technology and design while others will continue to opt for the competition.
But, where would we be without Citroen and DS designers? It would be a much more boring motoring world without them.