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For The DS5 has an interesting cabin design and is very refined. There’s a version with a trick hybrid powertrain, too.

Against It has a punishing ride, rear legroom is tight and resale values won’t match those of established German rivals.

Citroën DS5 Hatchback
22 5stars

The Citroen DS5 isn’t without its strengths, but it’s hard to recommend an executive car that rides so poorly.

What Car? readers say

4.333333

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The full Citroën DS5 review


There are 10 Citroën DS5 versions available

Hatchback 1.6 e-HDI 115 A'Dream DSign EG 5dr TBA
What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Hatchback 1.6 e-HDI 115 A'Dream DStyle E 5dr TBA
What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Hatchback 2.0 HDi 160 DSign 5dr £23,700
What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Hatchback 1.6 THP 200 DStyle 5dr £26,295
What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Hatchback 2.0 HDi 160 DStyle 5dr £26,295
What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Hatchback 2.0 Hybrid4 200 Airdream DSign 5dr £28,100
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Hatchback 1.6 THP 200 DSport 5dr £28,355
What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Hatchback 2.0 HDi 160 DSport 5dr £28,355
What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Hatchback 2.0 Hybrid4 200 A'dream DStyle 5dr £30,600
What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Hatchback 2.0 Hybrid4 200 A'dream DSport 5dr £32,700
What Car? says:2 stars out of 5

Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

It’s hard to recommend a petrol Citroen DS5, even though the 197bhp model is quick and has an entertaining exhaust note. Fuel economy and running costs will just be too high.

That leaves the diesels - but it’s pretty easy to discount the more lowly motor, the 1.6, because it’s extremely slow and is available only with Citroen’s awkward ‘electronic manual’ gearbox.

So the pick of the range will come down to either the 2.0 diesel - with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed auto - and the Hybrid4, which takes the same engine but throws an electric motor on the back axle into the mix.

The Hybrid4 is technically interesting, and boasts some impressive fuel economy figures and CO2 emissions. It also rides slightly better, because its rear suspension set-up is more sophisticated. However, it’s also the most expensive model in the range, and it has less boot space than the other models, so the sweet spot in the range is the regular 2.0 HDi.

Reader test team says:

Citroën DS5 Hatchback 2.0 Hybrid4 200 A'dream DSport 5dr

I dont understand the poor review this gets for handling, just got one as a company car to replace my VW Scirocco, considering its size it handles…

Emyr Poole

4 out of 5 stars

Citroën DS5 Hatchback 2.0 HDi 160 DStyle 5dr

Had this on extended test drive as possible replacement for my C5 Tourer and I loved it. Like the other review I have no idea why What Car? gives it…

Jim Connor

4 out of 5 stars

Citroën DS5 Hatchback 2.0 Hybrid4 200 A'dream DSport 5dr

Recently drove a top spec H4 Dsport on an extended test drive and cannot understand the poor rating given by Whatcar on this site. The hybrid system…

Mike Dunn

5 out of 5 stars
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Citroën DS5 Hatchback

Read the definitive Citroën DS5 Hatchback review from the expert What Car? team. Check specs, prices and compare with similar cars.

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