A Diesel Engine That Adds Charm to the DS5

Excellent diesel engines are being introduced one after another by various manufacturers. France's Peugeot Group is no exception. Since January 2017, they have introduced diesel models to the Japanese market, including the "DS5" which also features a diesel model with excellent drivability.

The "DS 5 Chic HDi" is a 2-liter diesel model. Its 1,997cc four-cylinder unit produces a maximum output of 133kW (180ps) and a substantial maximum torque of 400Nm.

DS, as Citroën's premium brand, offers models with striking designs. It is still fresh in our memory that the "DS7 Crossback" was used in the inauguration parade of French President Emmanuel Macron.

Its roots trace back to the Citroën " " announced in 1955, which was favored by prominent figures in politics and business and simultaneously became the greatest icon in automotive design.DS".

While the current DS line reflects current trends and leans towards a more casual direction, it upholds the French spirit of pluralism, valuing distinctiveness, making it a spiritual successor to the original DS.

The DS5 embodies this DS spirit. Among the current lineup, it offers the most interior space and, despite its positioning that could be a four-door sedan, it features a four-door body measuring 4,535mm in length combined with a hatchback gate.

This can be seen as a modern interpretation of the original DS's styling theme, which had a two-box silhouette, meaning the separate trunk was not prominent.

That said, the diesel engine adds another layer of appeal to the DS5's character. This unit was first introduced in Peugeot models (such as the "308 GT" and "508 GT") in July 2016 and is popular in Japan. It pairs well with the DS5.

Not Quiet, But a Calming Sound

The DS 5 Chic HDi is equipped with a diesel turbo engine. Its advantage is a fuel efficiency of 17.3 km/L according to the manufacturer's specifications, but it also offers high drivability.

The DS5 itself features straightforward handling combined with a supple suspension. It was a model that excelled in comfort on highways, not to mention in urban driving.

The diesel engine model possesses characteristics that further enhance the appeal of the DS5. One of these is the powertrain.

It boasts a low-end torque that rivals the well-crafted diesel engines from other manufacturers, along with smooth rotational characteristics.

The linear acceleration, which responds precisely to throttle inputs, is highly commendable for giving the DS5 a more distinct character.

At low speeds, some diesel-specific noise can be heard, but at higher speeds, it blends with other sounds and becomes less noticeable.

While not perfectly silent, noise can be surprisingly calming depending on its direction and how it's managed. The acoustic engineers clearly understood this. I didn't feel fatigued by the sound even on long journeys.

Thanks to a maximum torque of 400Nm available from 2,000rpm, acceleration is excellent at any speed. The 6-speed automatic transmission is also sensitive to even slight throttle inputs, maintaining optimal engine speed.

As a result, I never felt any sluggishness when driving in the city, on highways, or on winding roads with inclines and declines.

The large-diameter steering wheel is slightly unusual. While it has a sporty, flat-bottom design, the flat bottom can catch your hand when you need to turn it significantly, which is a minor drawback.

Modern cars tend to increase steering responsiveness by tightening the gear ratio, but this can lead to overly quick responses, a somewhat negative aspect.

Perhaps the solution is to increase the steering wheel's diameter, but this remains a tricky balance to strike.

You Can Drive Endlessly

The DS 5 Chic HDi available in Japan is equipped with the Leather Package. It features leather seats with a distinctive "watch strap" pattern, reminiscent of a sports watch band.

The design of these leather seats has been a memorable feature since the DS5's debut. It conveys a sense of personal taste while also offering a welcoming experience for occupants. They are well-crafted seats.

They offer good support and are far more comfortable than they appear. Vibrations are effectively absorbed, allowing occupants in both the front and rear seats to sit comfortably. The semi-aniline leather, finished with dye rather than pigment, adds a touch of luxury.

The dashboard design, apart from the slightly small monitor display by today's standards, still looks contemporary even six years after its 2011 debut.

The sporty analog clock with its square face and the attention to detail, such as the power window switches, will surely stimulate the owner's pride.

The roof features semi-transparent glass, offering a great sense of openness, especially for rear passengers. Features that would be expensive options on German cars are often standard equipment, reflecting Citroën's hospitality.

Currently, the interior color scheme (including the seat upholstery) is unified in black, but they have masterfully achieved a sense of quality within this challenging palette.

Citroën clearly understands how to leverage material textures, unifying where necessary while introducing variation through different surface treatments and tactile sensations, thereby enhancing the interior's appeal.

The styling, with its voluminous front section that tapers towards the rear as the roofline descends, creates a sense of dynamism despite the relatively spacious body.

The DS5 also excels in packaging, offering ample interior space for occupants in both front and rear seats to travel comfortably. Yet, it retains a sporty character, clearly conveying the manufacturer's intention to provide an enjoyable driving experience.

The DS 5 Chic HDi Leather Package is priced at 4.97 million yen. While not an inexpensive purchase, for those who frequently take long trips, the return on investment appears to be substantial.

This experience reminds us once again of the former Citroën slogan: "Once you start the engine, you can go to the ends of the earth."

DS 5 Chic BlueHDi Leather Package | DS 5 Chic BlueHDi Leather Package
Body Dimensions | Length 4,535 x Width 1,870 x Height 1,530 mm
Wheelbase | 2,725 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,580 / 1,605 mm
Weight | 1,690 kg
Engine | 1,997 cc Inline 4-cylinder Turbo Diesel
Bore x Stroke | 85.0 x 88.0 mm
Compression Ratio | 16.7
Maximum Output | 133 kW (180 ps) / 3,750 rpm
Maximum Torque | 400 Nm / 2,000 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed AT
Drivetrain | FF
Tires | 225/50R17
Suspension Front/Rear | MacPherson Strut / Torsion Beam
Brakes Front/Rear | Ventilated Disc / Disc
Minimum Turning Radius | 5.6 meters
Fuel Efficiency | 17.3 km/L
Price | 4,970,000 yen