Styled for excellence

FRENCH cars, usually come with styling that are alluring and yet unconventional compared with other car makers.

The DS5 and the C4 Picasso are among two of the great-looking cars from Citroen that convey presence and cutting-edge technology.

Citroen DS5

Named “Family Car of the Year” by the UK’s Top Gear magazine, the Citroen DS5 offers a new approach to the premium segment.

First presented as the C-Sportlounge Concept Car at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2005, the DS5 features an aerodynamic silhouette that is bold, assertive and accentuated by the very best of Citroen’s styling expertise.

The DS5’s steely gaze, underlined by its signature LED lights, distinctive chrome-finished sabre and rear wing design adds to a presence of elegance akin to an aerodynamic sculpture.

Inside, the DS5’s unique cabin features an aerospace-inspired design and styling which includes a cockpit-designed driving position.

Its sleek central console features a rear view camera, Arkamys audio processing with Denon HiFi connected to 10 loudspeakers as well as automatic dual-zone air-conditioning.

Under the roof, the tapering lines of the upper central console feature aircraft-styled overhead controls.

Furthermore, the DS5’s cockpit roof features three separate glass roofs (one each for the driver and front passenger and one for the rear passengers) that enhance the overall ambience in the cabin.

Other innovative features inside include a colour head-up display on a transparent blade, push-start ignition as well as keyless access including the ability to lock or unlock the DS5 by simply touching the door handle.

In addition, the DS5 includes electric front seats with memory functionality, lumbar and massage functionality for the driver’s seat, front and rear parking sensors, an electronic parking brake and automatic wipers.

For increased comfort, the DS5 comes in either Fauve Club leather with bracelet confection or Red Club leather with bracelet confection.

Under the hood, the Citroen DS5 is powered by a 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbo high-pressure engine with direct petrol injection that delivers 156hp and 240Nm of torque and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Its fuel consumption on a combined cycle is 7.3km per litre while CO2 emissions are limited to 169g per 100km.

Safety-wise, the DS5 is fitted with Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and electronic brake assistance (EBA) as well as front, lateral and curtain airbags.

Other features of the DS5 include Xenon headlamps and front fog lamps with cornering function.

The DS5 comes with 18-inch alloy wheels with black gloss diamond-effect. Colour options for the DS5 are Noir Perla Nera, Gris Galena, Brun Hickory and Blanc Nacre.

Citroen C4 Picasso

The Citroen C4 Picasso is first and foremost a car of astonishing design.

It takes advantage of the possibilities offered by the EMP2 platform to explore new forms of stylistic expression.

The dynamic effect created is both forceful and intense.

The side signature, a C shape in chrome gives the side view of the C4 Picasso its personality.

The side view with its sculpted panels convey an impression of smooth power.

The front end marks a renewal in Citroen styling, with a more assertive engine compartment and a new look for the chevrons, reaching out to touch the spectacular high-tech lights.

Slim LED daytime-running lights extend the line of the radiator grille, sitting just on top of the slender headlamps.

Fog lamps add the finishing touch to this original light signature. The rear LED lights feature a profound, futuristic 3D effect.

A new enveloping tailgate, aside from adding a dynamic touch to the rear, provides easy opening and access to a generous boot.

The C4 Picasso features an uncluttered loft-style interior ambience, an impression reinforced by the zenith windscreen.

The loft-style design of the C4 Picasso is also enhanced with quality materials and the attention to detail with the slate grey leather ‘Ondulice’ cloth.

This vehicle is on a par with the best for perceived quality.

Creating a new architectural benchmark, the modular EMP2 platform allows a longer wheelbase for increased cabin space.

While the C4 Picasso is compact on the outside while offering more space on the inside, it’s still an agile vehicle with a turning circle of 10.8m.

Brimming with ‘créative technologie’, the C4 Picasso comes with a full digital driving interface that is both intuitive and attractive.

The uncluttered dashboard is structured around two screens located in the central section: a 7.0inch touchpad and a 12.0-inch panoramic HD screen.

Driving aids dedicated to comfort and safety include park assist system, active cruise control, front and rear parking assistance, dynamic cruise control, reversing camera, lane departure warning system, blind spot monitoring system and driver’s seat with electric massage function and adjustable lumbar support.

The C4 Picasso is packed with technologies to provide assistance as part of a safe and relaxed driving experience.

These safety features are hill start assist and the electronic stability programme which consists of anti-lock braking system, electronic brake force distribution, electronic brake assistance and electronic stability control with traction control.

Other features include six airbags, automatic handbrake, automatic activation of hazard warning lights in case of rapid deceleration, ISOFIX and active seatbelt safety system.

Under the hood, is a 1.6-litre direct injection THP engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger that produces 165PS with 240Nm of torque.

Matched to a six-speed automatic gearbox, it gets to 100kph in 9.3 seconds and has a top speed of 210kph, making driveability a key strength of the C4 Picasso.

The new THP 165 engine’s specifications include fuel efficiency of 17.3km/l and a performance gain of 10hp in the process while cutting CO2 emissions to 130gm per km.

Proof of its success, the C4 Picasso has won numerous awards in Europe.

This includes ‘Best Import MPV’ in Auto Zeitung 2013, ‘Best MPV’ in Autobild Golden Steering Wheel 2013, ‘Most Attractive MPV 2013’ in the Autonis, ‘Best MPV’ in the Autorevue Award 2013 and ‘Best MPV’ in the Fleet World Honours 2015.

Available in four exquisite colours, Noir Onyx (Black), Blanc Banquise (White), Blue Kyanos (Blue), Gris Aluminium (Grey) and Rouge Rubi (Red), the Citroen C4 Picasso is priced at RM148,888 (on-the-road) and comes with a five-year warranty with unlimited

mileage.