Citroen DS5 Review

In Malaysia's D-segment market, consumers are increasingly seeking a balance between features and value for money—requiring practical space for daily family use but also hoping for detailed experiences that rival luxury brands. The 2018 Citroen DS5 1.6 THP precisely targets this demand, not only continuing the French design distinction of the DS series but also slightly adjusting its price and enhancing its power output compared to the 2017 model. Priced at RM 182,349, it has become one of the more feature-rich options in its class. This review will focus on verifying whether its performance, practicality, and feature experience meet the core needs of family users.

Approaching the 2018 DS5, its unique design is apparent at first glance—the overall silhouette leans towards a coupe style, but the high body retains hints of an SUV's stance, making it highly recognizable in the predominantly conservative D-segment. The front features a large chrome-plated grille, paired with sharp xenon headlights on both sides. The L-shaped daytime running lights are embedded below the lamp assemblies and create a strong visual impact when lit. The dual waistline design on the side of the body extends from the hood to the rear. While the 17-inch wheel design is not aggressive, it is well-proportioned with the body. At the rear, the layered tail lamps are connected by a chrome trim, while the dual exhaust layout below enhances the sporty feel. The rear fog lights are integrated into the sides of the bumper, and the overall design is simple yet rich in layers.

Opening the door, the quality of the interior materials becomes one of DS5's highlights. The dashboard is covered with a large area of soft-touch materials, with fine stitching craftsmanship. The physical button region below the central control screen is clearly laid out, and the damping of the buttons and knobs is just right, making operation smooth. The 10-inch central control screen supports basic multimedia functions with an average response speed. The HUD (head-up display) is standard, clearly showing speed, navigation, and other information, enhancing driving convenience. The driver's seat comes with electric adjustment, memory function, and lumbar support, offering a wide adjustment range that reduces fatigue during long drives. The rear seats can be folded in a 60/40 split; the slightly raised middle floor does not hinder short-term seating for middle passengers. The dual-zone automatic air conditioning system cools quickly, and the independent rear air vents ensure backseat passengers’ comfort, with the front seats also featuring heating functionality, which is very useful in cooler weather.

In terms of space, the DS5's dimensions are 4530mm×1871mm×1538mm, with a wheelbase of 2727mm, placing it at a mid-level size within the D-segment. The front row offers a spacious seating area, and with a 180cm occupant adjusting the seat, there is still one fist of headroom available. The rear legroom is approximately two fists, and headroom is one fist, sufficient for day-to-day family usage. Storage capabilities are impressive; the front door storage compartments can hold two water bottles, the central armrest box has a deep compartment that can fit a phone, wallet, and other personal items. The trunk has a capacity of 468L, which expands to 1183L when the rear seats are folded down, making it very practical for transporting luggage or large items.

In the performance department, the 2018 DS5 is equipped with a 1.6T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power output of 167 PS (a 9 PS increase over the 2017 model) and peak torque of 240 N·m, mated to a 6AT transmission. During daily driving, the engine responds swiftly during start-up, with the throttle calibrated to be linear, providing a decent acceleration feel even with a light press. Mid-range acceleration is smooth, and the power is sufficient to meet highway overtaking needs, though there is a slight delay when downshifting after pressing hard on the accelerator. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 9.6 seconds, and our actual testing closely matched this data, which is entirely adequate for family users.

In terms of driving experience, the steering wheel of the DS5 feels relatively heavy, and the steering accuracy is acceptable. During cornering, the body roll is controlled within a reasonable range. The suspension system adopts a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension, which is tuned towards comfort. When going over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension effectively filters out most vibrations, and passengers inside won’t feel obvious jolts. The vehicle's stability at high speeds is good, and there is no noticeable floating sensation during lane changes. Fuel consumption performance meets expectations; under mixed driving conditions, real-world fuel consumption is about 7.8L/100km, slightly higher than the official figure of 7.3L/100km. However, taking into account traffic congestion during actual driving, this performance is considered average in its class.

In terms of driving comfort, the DS5's noise control is quite good. At high speeds, wind noise and tire noise are not significant. The engine noise becomes noticeable inside the cabin when the RPM exceeds 3000, but this rarely occurs in daily driving. The seats provide good support and cushioning, making long rides less fatiguing. The rear seats have an appropriate recline angle, and the middle passenger is equipped with a headrest, showing attention to detail.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2018 Citroen DS5 1.6 THP lie in its distinctive design, solid interior materials, and rich configuration — features like the HUD, electric seats, and rear air conditioning are considered above the mainstream level within its class. Furthermore, its price has dropped by approximately RM 7,000 compared to the 2017 model, further enhancing its value for money. When compared to competitors in the same category, such as the Volkswagen Passat 1.8 TSI, the DS5 offers more comprehensive configurations but has slightly weaker brand influence. Compared to the Toyota Camry 2.5G, its performance is similar, but its design is more distinctive.

This car is suitable for family users who value design aesthetics, practical features, and driving comfort, especially for those seeking a unique style without sacrificing everyday functionality. Its performance is sufficient for daily commuting and short trips, the space is adequate for five passengers, and its features cover most daily usage scenarios. If you are looking for a well-balanced mid-size car that stands out from the crowd, the 2018 DS5 1.6 THP is worth considering.