DS 5 ushers in new upmarket brand

Citroen has officially launched a new standalone brand in Europe as it unveils the revised 2015 DS 5. Available to purchase from the beginning of next month, the DS 5 be priced from under £26,000.

DS is positioned as a more upmarket and exclusive brand, and forthcoming versions of DS 3 and DS 4 will join the brand's line-up. The new car will go on sale through Citroen dealerships, although standalone DS outlets are planned for the future.

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DS’ sales and marketing boss, Arnauld Ribault, said: "We are unique in the market. We will appeal to people who want something different – independent thinkers. In some countries, we will have the same target group as people who have bought the Range Rover Evoque or Volkswagen CC – these cars are not rivals, but they are very different, distinct cars."

2015 DS 5 design

The revisions made to the DS 5 that you can see here give the car a bolder look in an effort to establish itself as a stylish alternative to other upmarket carmakers.

All Citroen logos and badges have been removed, and the car has a new front end, which will become DS’ signature look.

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Although the rear of the car is familiar, the front features a large DS logo that flows into the bright xenon headlights. A second DS badge is featured on the bonnet, and the top of the headlights feature patterns created from the DS logo. That feature is continued elsewhere in the car's design.

Interior

There's a new seven-inch touchscreen inside, which is intended to remove clutter from the dashboard. In all, there are 12 fewer buttons than before. The touchscreen operates all of the car's infotainment functions, including the sat-nav, and uses MirrorLink technology enabling Android smartphone screens to be replicated on the screen. Apple CarPlay will be available at a later date.

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The DS Connect system has been upgraded with a range of new systems, including the MyDS app, aimed at providing owners with a range of information and data.

The upmarket position of the DS 5 is underlined with the availability of a range of leather trims, including a new blue and black colour scheme with the 'watch-strap' style upholstery previously available in the Citroen DS5. Other highlights include electrically operated massage seats and a Denon stereo system upgrade.

Specifications

Harking back to the original DS, the DS 5 will be available in unique 1955 Edition spec, along with two other trim levels: Elegance and Prestige.

The 1955 Edition is finished in the new Ink Blue paint colour, and builds on the entry-level Elegance trim by adding ‘Criollo’ leather seats and LED Vision headlights as standard equipment. Only one engine variant will be available for the unique trim – a 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel.

Engines

A wide range engines will be offered, including a 162bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine with an automatic gearbox and four diesels, referred to as BlueHDi. The range comprises a 118bhp 1.6-litre available with either a manual or automatic gearbox, a manual-only 148bhp 2.0-litre and a automatic-only 178bhp 2.0-litre.

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The diesel-electric hybrid version will continue to be offered, badged as Diesel Hybrid 4x4 to highlight its four-wheel-drive ability. A 207bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine with a manual gearbox will join the range later in 2015.

Price and release date

The new DS 5 is priced from £25,980 for a 118bhp 1.6-litre diesel model in Elegance specification. The premium car will be available from July 1.

Full price list: