When we designed our DS5 hatchback, the flagship of our premium DS range, we worked hard to create a sophisticated large car with real quality and an individual sense of style. So we’re delighted by the number of people who have applauded our efforts. The latest independent assessment comes from Diesel Car magazine, which crowned DS5 the Best Large Car in its 2012 Car of the Year Awards.
First of all, it’s the most exciting of big cars on the market. According to the judges, DS5 made all its rivals “seem just a touch dull by comparison”, while Diesel Car Editor Ian Robertson added: “Distinctively a Citroën, the DS5 breaks the mould to shatter large car predictability.”
This latest accolade follows earlier honours from Top Gear Magazine, where DS5 was their pick for best family car of 2011 and Car Design News.
As the award from Diesel Car underscores, DS5 is available with highly efficient diesel engines, making it one of the best diesel car available. It’s also our first production model to offer Hybrid4 technology – a full diesel-electric hybrid system that uses a battery and motor to supplement the engine. Working seamlessly together, the engine and motor join forces to provide improved power delivery, outstanding fuel economy and the reassurance of four-wheel drive in slippery conditions.
Despite our growing clutch of awards, we’re not resting on our laurels, of course. We continue to work on improvements to try to make even the best of our large cars better still.
From July, for example, we introduced stylish 17-inch ‘Houston’ alloy wheels as a no-cost option on our DS5 Hybrid4 diesel cars, when chosen in DStyle or DSport trim.
By specifying Houston wheels, customers can cut their car’s official CO2 rating from 107g/km to just 99g/km, matching the entry-level DSign Hybrid4 model. The resulting lower emissions make DS5 exempt from the London Congestion Charge and also cut company-car tax rates from 12% to just 10%. Plus, of course, the optional wheels will save fuel, reducing running costs and further trimming DS5’s already modest carbon footprint.
As those emissions figures demonstrate, our flagship DS has an appeal that runs much deeper than its award-winning style. With state-of-the-art hybrid technology at its disposal, DS5 doesn’t have to rely on good looks alone. It’s intelligent to boot.