Review Citroen DS5 hatchback

"The Citroen DS5 is one of the best Citroens of recent years thanks to its impressive all-round ability and top-notch cabin but it faces stiff competition." The Citroen DS5 is the third ‘DS’ offering from Citroen and is aimed at the executive segment – putting it up against models like the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Insignia. But the Citroen offers something different. It looks like a mix between an estate and a hatchback with a jacked-up ride height and boasts styling that's certain to turn heads. The interior is top-notch too with options like watch-strap leather sats and aircraft style switches that sit above the driver's head. It's a real step up in quality and style compared to Citroens of the past. Underneath the bonnet, the most important powertrain is the Hybrid4 which – on some models claims tax-free CO2 emissions and impressive performance. A 1.6-litre diesel with 109bhp and a non-hybrid version of the 2.0 HDi also feature. The petrol options – both 1.6s – put out 153bhp and 197bhp. Drive4.6 /5 Diesels are good and handling is surprisingly sharp Most buyers – as many as 85% – will opt for the diesel DS5s and there's a good reason for that. The HDi 163 feels quick enough for the majority of the time as well as being quiet and efficient too. As well as two petrol engines Citroen also offers a diesel-electric hybrid called Hybrid4 which teams an electric motor with the diesel engine for higher fuel economy. In corners the DS5 handles incredibly well, with plenty of grip and almost no body roll. As well as being a comfortable cruiser, this is a car that's fun to drive too. Comfort4.2 /5 Ride isn’t pillowy soft but supportive seats make for impressive comfort With a focus on handling the DS5 has actually been fitted with quite firm suspension. On the move it feels stiff but strangely never uncomfortable as the excellent seats do their bit to soak up lumps and bumps. The cabin quality is top-notch – even among established premium brands like Audi – and engine, wind and road noise are all nicely muted too. Reliability4.2 /5 Cabin feels solid and plenty of safety systems feature as standard At the time of writing (October 2011) the DS5 is such a new model that it's hard to comment on relibiality. On the plus side, the cabin feels extremely well put together and the engines and chassis have proved themselves to be reliable elsewhere in the Citroen line-up. Safety should also be top notch but there is no EuroNCAP rating yet. An eTouch service also features, which allows you to call – and be located by – emergency services if you breakdown or have an accident. Practicality4.1 /5 Impressively large boot – but Hybrid4 model gets limited space The DS5 looks a little bit like an estate and it has the practicality of one too. Boot space with the rear seats up is 465 litres – which is about the same as a BMW 3 Series Touring. Be aware though that if you opt for the Hybrid4 model boost space plummets to 325 litres as hefty batteries need to be stored underneath the boot floor. Space for passengers in the rear of the cabin is pretty good but tall adults may struggle a little for headroom. Value for money4.4 /5 Hybrid4 is cheapest to run but most expensive to buy The cheapest model to run will be the Hybrid4 which – when combined with 17-inch alloy wheels – boasts a tax free CO2 emissions figure of 99g/km. Fuel economy on this model is also well above 70mpg. All of the diesels are cheap to run though, including the most powerful 163 HDi but its best to avoid the petrol THP200.