Which one?
THE 2.0-litre diesel is the one to go for, and is equally good as a manual or an auto. In Citroen guise, the 1.6 e-HDi came only with an automated manual transmission (dubbed EGS6), which can be jerky and spoils the whole driving experience; the same is true of the Hybrid4.
In DS guise, the 1.6 diesel was offered in manual form, and this is a much better bet. The entry-level DSign comes with cruise control and a speed limiter, electrically adjustable, folding and heated door mirrors, dual-zone climate control, cornering lights, plus automatic headlights and wipers. The DStyle adds navigation, part-leather trim and a three-part glass roof with electric sun blinds. The range-topping DSport adds electrically adjustable and heated front seats, leather trim, xenon headlights, front parking sensors, a head-up display, plus electric adjustment for the driver’s seat.
Alternatives
AS a new car the DS 5 was up against some tough premium competition. But as a used buy you’ll have to settle for an older, highermileage or lower-spec example of one of
INTERIOR Design-led cabin means there are plenty of stylish touches, but storage space is sacrificed as a result
those alternatives, or consider something less premium. Take the former route, and you’ll be looking at the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class, Jaguar XE or Lexus IS, all of which are worth shortlisting; the latter two came in saloon form only, while the three Germans were also offered as estates.
You should also consider the Volkswagen Passat, but if you want more car for your money, we’d look at the Skoda Octavia or Superb, the Ford Mondeo or the Vauxhall Insignia, all of which offer very good value.
Verdict
IN many ways the DS 5 is appealing, but it’s also flawed. When it was new, one of its biggest problems was that it was a French executive car, and British buyers have long been suspicious of those, worried that they’ll lose their shirt when the time comes to sell them on.
True to form, the DS 5 hasn’t held its value all that well which, of course, only makes it more appealing as a used buy. The 2.0 HDi