Citroen DS5 2018 Review

In Malaysia's D-segment sedan market, consumers are increasingly looking for a balance between luxury and practicality—they want features comparable to premium brands but are unwilling to pay high brand premiums. The 2018 Citroen DS5 1.6 THP targets this specific market segment, focusing on its unique French design, higher-tier feature list, and stable power performance as its core selling points. This time, we conducted a hands-on test to see if it meets family users' expectations for "balance."

From the exterior, the DS5 has a highly recognizable design. The front features a large honeycomb grille paired with sharp xenon headlights on both sides, while the L-shaped daytime running lights surround the edges of the headlights, offering a striking visual effect when illuminated. The side profile features smooth lines, with a waistline running from the front fender to the rear end of the car. The styling of the 17-inch wheels is simple and elegant, with tire specifications of 225/50 R17 that balance grip and comfort. As for the rear, the tail lights are horizontally designed and connected with chrome trim, which visually widens the rear end. The dual exhaust outlets on either side of the rear bumper add a touch of sportiness to the overall look.

Upon entering the interior, the luxury and technological feel of the DS5 stands out. The dashboard is wrapped in soft materials and accentuated with silver trim, offering a refined touch. The size of the central control screen is moderate, and its operation is smooth, supporting basic multimedia functions. The most noteworthy aspect is the configurations: a HUD (Head-Up Display) system is standard, eliminating the need to look down at the instrument cluster while driving. The front seats are electrically adjustable with memory functions and lumbar support, ensuring comfort even on long drives. The dual-zone automatic air conditioning system allows the driver and front passenger to set different temperatures independently, while the rear seats are also equipped with air vents to maintain comfort for rear passengers. However, the use of traditional mechanical keys for door locks appears slightly outdated compared to other models in this class.

In terms of space, the DS5's dimensions are 4530mm × 1871mm × 1538mm, with a wheelbase of 2727mm, placing it in the medium range within the D-segment. The front-row seating space is spacious; a passenger with a height of 175cm sitting in the driver’s seat will find ample headroom and legroom. The rear-row space is average; the same height passenger sitting in the back will have about two fist-widths of legroom and one fist-width of headroom, which is adequate for daily family use. The trunk offers a capacity of 468L, and the rear seats support split folding, allowing for expandable storage space, making it suitable for carrying larger items. The in-car storage compartments are thoughtfully designed, with door panel storage slots and a central armrest box accommodating everyday small items.

For its powertrain, the DS5 is equipped with a 1.6L turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 167PS and maximum torque available at just 1400rpm. During actual driving, the power response is quick at start, with smooth acceleration. When switched to sport mode, the throttle sensitivity increases, and stepping further on the accelerator delivers abundant power, with an official 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 9.6 seconds. This fulfills the requirements for daily commuting and highway overtaking. The transmission is an AT gearbox with clear shifting logic, providing an almost seamless gear-changing experience.

The handling and chassis performance are also commendable. The steering wheel is precise with minimal dead zones, and while driving, you can clearly feel the feedback from the road surface. The front suspension adopts a MacPherson independent suspension, and the rear is a torsion beam non-independent suspension, but it is tuned for comfort. When passing over bumpy roads, the suspension effectively filters out vibrations, so passengers inside the car don’t feel significant jolts. When cornering, the body roll is controlled within a reasonable range, offering decent stability. In terms of braking, the combination of front ventilated discs and rear solid discs provides a moderate braking distance. The brake pedal feels linear, inspiring enough confidence.

Fuel consumption is average, with an official combined fuel consumption of 7.3L/100km. In actual tests, urban fuel consumption is around 8.5L/100km, while highway fuel consumption is about 6.8L/100km, meeting the expectations for a 1.6T engine. As for noise control, engine noise and tire noise are relatively minimal during driving. At high speeds, wind noise becomes slightly more noticeable, but it does not affect normal conversations among passengers inside the car.

In summary, the primary strengths of the 2018 DS5 1.6 THP lie in its configuration and design: features like the HUD, electric seats, and dual-zone air conditioning are bonus points in its segment, and its interior luxury feel surpasses some competitors. However, the mechanical key and the type of rear suspension are its drawbacks. Compared to competitors like the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord, the DS5 offers richer configurations, but its brand recognition is relatively lower.

This car is suitable for families focusing on comfort and configurations—especially those who appreciate unique designs, prefer not to follow the mainstream, and need a vehicle that caters to daily commuting and occasional long-distance trips. It is not a model that pursues extreme sportiness, but rather one that emphasizes "balance" and "comfort" as a family car.

Overall, the 2018 Citroën DS5 1.6 THP is a "well-rounded" model with no obvious shortcomings. Its configuration and comfort performance are outstanding, making it a suitable choice for families who seek "luxury feel" on a limited budget.