Road test: Citroën DS5 BlueHDi 150 S&S 6-speed Manual Elegance

When Citroën launched DS as a separate brand, not many people seemed to notice.

Now it has had another go, and gathered 700 original DS models from the Fifties and Sixties to parade down the Champs-Élysées as part of DS Week.

The marque also launched a face-lifted version of the company’s flagship DS5 model, and has gone a long way towards fixing the car’s main problem from when it first appeared three years ago — the ride.

New shock absorbers and reworked suspension have greatly improved what is traditionally a French saloon’s greatest strength, but which just didn’t work properly in the original DS5.

It also has reworked front styling, with a smart vertical grille instead of the old Citroën chevrons, and a new bumper and bonnet. The overall effect is much smarter. There is a choice of petrol and diesel engines from 120 to 210hp, of which the BlueHDi diesels with 120, 150 and 180hp will probably be the big sellers. Swapping from a 180 to a 150, you are not immediately aware of a big power difference, and the 150 is also the sweeter unit.

The cabin is a marvel of French eccentricity, with comfortable “watch bracelet”-style leather seats, but not much rear legroom. Large front quarter lights and thick central pillars also restrict your view when pulling out of junctions. In the front you feel enveloped by the dashboard and centre console, which is littered with switches and has more than a whiff of aircraft flight deck about it.

It is a comfortable motorway cruiser and makes an elegant and civilised alternative to the usual premium German models that dominate this sector of the market. At £26,980 to £34,890, this is a pleasant and much improved car. But what a shame DS couldn’t re-launch itself with a brand new model.

Citroën DS5 BlueHDi 150 S&S 6-speed
Manual Elegance
Top speed: 127mph
CO2: 105g/km
MPG: 68.9
Price: £27,140