Citroen has revealed the pricing and specification details of its highly-anticipated DS5, the first model in its line-up to make use of hybrid technology.
The latest model in its upmarket DS sub-brand, the DS5 is a D-segment model which will take Citroen into the premium executive sector for the first time. With five doors, five full-size seats and up to 465 litres of boot space, the French car maker hopes that the model will offer the right mix of quality, space and fuel economy to appeal to the competitive business car sector, taking on with the likes of the Volkswagen Passat, Vauxhall Insignia and Audi A4.
In terms of powertrains, the new DS5 will be available from launch with a choice of four engines; THP 200, e-HDi 110, HDi 160 and the new 200bhp diesel electric Hybrid4.
The hybrid model uses a combination of a 2.0 HDi diesel engine delivering 163bhp combined with a 37bhp electric motor fitted to the rear axle. Thanks to this combination of diesel economy and electric power, the DS5 HYbrid4 is rated as emitting just 99g/km CO2 meaning it is exempt from VED, the London congestion charge and, for business users, attracts a BiK tax rate is just 10 per cent, missing out on the +3% supplement usually added to diesel models.
However it is not just the HYbrid4 model which offers strong economy. The e-HDi 110 Airdream with a new-generation Stop & Start micro-hybrid technology that reduces CO2 emissions by up to 15 per cent when driving in congested urban areas.
There will eight choices of body colours to choose from with pearlescent or metallic paint options and six stylish alloy wheel designs from 16-19inches in diameter. The DS5 is offer in three trim levels too; DSign, DStyle and DSport. Ownership starts at just £22,400 for the e-HDi 110 DSign, rising to £32,200 for the range-topping Hybrid4 DSport. The most popular models are forecast to be the HDi 160 DStyle manual and automatic versions.
Standard kit includes electrically foldable door mirrors, front fog lights with cornering function, keyless access and start, cruise control with speed limiter and memory settings, front and rear electric windows with ‘one-touch’ operation and anti-pinch, automatic digital air conditioning with dual-zone temperature setting, automatic rain-sensitive windscreen wipers, automatic illumination of headlamps and electrochrome rear view mirror and Bluetooth system with USB socket.
A sales mix of 85 per cent diesel, 5 per cent petrol and 10 per cent Hybird4 is anticipated. The sales split is forecast to be approximately 30 per cent retail and 70 per cent fleet/business.
New Citroën DS5 is available to pre-order now, with first deliveries from the official ‘on sale’ date of 2 April 2012.
