The following is a re-edit of a piece posted by MotorMartin on DriveTribe under The Junk Yard banner run by Tony Yates, perhaps better known as @Xinterceptor.
Historically, DS have always looked different and interesting, a tradition upheld by the DS 5 which, it has to be said, looks like nothing else on the road today. Boldness and strength of conviction have clearly dictated the direction that DS have taken with the styling of this, their largest offering and my my, doesn’t it look fantastic. Those large Chrome Sabres running across each of the front wings are certainly devisive but when combined with the accompanying Chrome Side Rubbing Strips and deep Perla Nera Black metallic paint, the overall effect is striking in the extreme. The de rigueur black privacy glass across the rear of the car adds to the air of elegance that the DS 5 exudes and helps to create what DS say is the muscular flow and balance of the exterior. I love the look of this car, in my mind it successfully mixes the looks of a traditional estate with the more aggressive, go anywhere stance of a crossover SUV.
Inside you’re greeted by extremely comfortable heated, Sand Beige Leather seats with driver electric lumbar adjustment, massage and memory functions which match the ambience that the DS creates perfectly. Two centre consoles that group all main controls and driver information precisely where you need them, mean that everything you need is on hand and available with the minimum of effort.
Where the DS 5 really takes your breath away is in the design and use of the dashboard, controls and centrally realised touchscreen ,including, as it does, Sat Nav, DAB radio and music streaming controls. What impresses most however, is the fantastically extravagant analogue clock just to the left of the steering wheel, an elongated design that encompasses all of the idiosyncrasies that DS are rightfully celebrated for and I love it. With aircraft style switches above your head and throughout the central console the interior is a place that you will not tire of, a place where you interact with the years of culture and sophistication that remain behind that iconic nomenclature sat proudly on the front grill and throughout the sophisticated interior.
The BLUE HDi diesel technology under the bonnet of this DS 5 meets and exceeds the very latest Euro 6 standards yet still delivers 178bhp at 3750rpm and a hugely satisfying 295 ft/lb torque at 2000rpm, all the while delivering up to a claimed 62.8mpg and emitting CO2 of 117 g/km.
Suspension that keeps the DS flat through the bends and quick and accurate steering allows you to point the DS exactly where you want it to go which, when combined with the excellent levels of torque available from just 2000rpm allows you to sweep through the corners with ease. The 1997cc inline 4 cylinder diesel engine pulls the DS 5 from 0-62mph in a surprising 9.2 seconds and allows for swift, yet safe, overtakes if and when the need arises.
It’s most definitely a proper DS.
Where will you go?