Facelifted Citroen DS5 revealed

Updated DS5, the first model to be sold simply as a DS, will reach the UK in June...

Facelifted Citroen DS5 revealed

Citroen's facelifted DS5 will go on sale in the UK in June, and has made its debut at the Geneva motor show. The first model to be badged solely under the DS brand, the upgraded DS5 will become a flagship for Citroen's premium offering in Europe.

What is it?
The DS5 is the first model to be sold in the UK under the newly created DS brand, having previously been sold under Citroen DS. Described as a flagship model, this updated DS5 gets new styling at the front and rear, new interior trim and more equipment inside.

What engines can I choose from?
Buyers can choose from a range of six powertrains at launch, including the 90g/km Hybrid 4x4 (renamed from the current Hybrid4 model), with all engines meeting Euro 6 emissions legislation.

The carried-over petrol options include the THP 165, which comes with start-stop technology and is coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission. The engine produces 165bhp at 6000rpm and 177lb ft, and returns 47.9mpg with CO2 emissions of 135g/km. A new 210bhp petrol option will be added in the second half of 2015.

The diesel contingent features BlueHDi 120, 150 and 180 engines. The BlueHDi 120 has headline outputs of 118bhp, 221lb ft and 100g/km of CO2, with fuel economy rated at 74.3mpg. Although available initially with only a six-speed manual transmission, a six-speed automatic option will be added in the second half of 2015.

Elsewhere, the BlueHDi 150 offers 148bhp, 273lb ft from 2000rpm and CO2 emissions of 103g/km. Fuel consumption is rated at 64.2mpg.

At the top of the range sits the BlueHDi 180, which offers 178bhp and 295lb ft, with CO2 emissions of 110g/km and fuel consumption of 65.7mpg.

What equipment does the DS5 come with?
The full specification for the updated DS5 has yet to be announced, but being positioned as a premium product does mean the standard equipment list should be comprehensive.

As well as the full suite of safety technology, which includes blind-spot monitoring, all DS5 models will get a new touchscreen interface, which handles all infotainment and navigation functions. The system, dubbed Touchdrive, also uses Mirror Link technology - so smartphone users can replicate many of their phone's apps and services on the dashboard screen.

How much does the DS5 cost?
Pricing for the facelifted DS5 will be announced closer to its market launch, but bosses have already said that customers are likely to pay more for a DS-branded product. So an increase over today's starting price of £23,260 is likely.

Can I get a discount?
Savings of between £5000-£7000 are common on the DS5, and this is unlikely to change for this first standalone DS model.

How good are its rivals?
Placing the DS5 into a single set category is difficult, but Citroen says it's currently winning DS5 customers from the likes of Volkswagen's Passat CC and the Range Rover.