Revisiting the World of the Citroën DS | Citroën
Citroen DS Line | The Citroen DS Line
Revisiting
The World of the Citroen DS Line
A car that symbolizes Citroen's heritage like no other.—This is how Citroen defines the three cars known as the DS line. We test-drove the DS3, DS4, and DS5, all highly regarded for their distinctive styling and excellent handling, to contemplate the essence of driving pleasure.
Text by OGAWA Fumio
Live Photographs by ARAKAWA Masayuki
Back to Back - Revisiting the DS Line
What is the DS Line?DS3(Launched in Japan in 2010),DS4(Launched in Japan in 2011), andDS5(Launched in Japan in 2012) comprise the three models.
DS is the name of a large Citroen model first unveiled in 1955. The DS (said to be an abbreviation of the French word 'déesse,' meaning goddess) is a historic car, renowned for its unique mechanism featuring a hydropneumatic suspension, steering, and braking system, as well as its unparalleled styling.
In the current DS line, the number following DS relates to the body size.
The DS3 is a two-door compact hatchback, the DS4 is a spacious four-door hatchback, and the DS5 is a four-door hatchback with an even longer roofline. While perhaps niche, the three models are marketed with distinct positioning.
Furthermore, this news includes the addition of the "DS3 Sport Chic Ultra Prestige" model in April 2012, characterized by its beautiful interior and special exterior color, and in September, the "DS4 Chic 6AT" equipped with a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
Citroen states that the DS line is "not bound by convention, nor an homage to the past." After test-driving the three models back-to-back, we were reminded that each possesses its own individuality and occupies a unique position.
Citroen DS Line | The Citroen DS Line
Revisiting
The World of the Citroen DS Line (2)
First, let's test the DS3 Sport Chic Ultra Prestige
The DS3 is a compact hatchback with a two-door body measuring under 4 meters in length. It features a distinctive roofline and a bold B-pillar design, allowing for playful customization options such as two-tone roof and body colors, or patterned roofs.
The engine is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder, available in naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions. The former produces a maximum output of 120 hp, while the latter delivers 156 hp. In addition to the differing power outputs, the naturally aspirated engine is paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission, and the turbocharged engine with a 6-speed manual.
The model we test-drove was the "DS3 Sport Chic Ultra Prestige" (¥2.99 million). It features the 156 hp unit paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. Another distinguishing feature is the special specification for parts of the exterior, such as the roof, mirrors, and front grille, as well as the interior, including seats with a special color and a watch-strap-like pattern.
The driving impression is more fun than its appearance suggests.
The steering feel is smooth and refined, reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz vehicles. While there's a slight sense of weight (inertia) when turning from the center, the car traces its line accurately with relatively limited body roll.
The shift feel is also good, and it's genuinely enjoyable to drive using the engine's torque band above 2,000 rpm.
It's not just enjoyable, but also possesses a refined quality. It would be a shame to dismiss the DS3 as merely a quirky car for young people based on its styling. If the dashboard design were a bit more mature, it would be a car enjoyable even for those over fifty.
Citroen DS Line | The Citroen DS Line
Revisiting
The World of the Citroen DS Line (3)
The DS4 is Richly Detailed
The DS4 Chic (from ¥3.1 million) now features a new 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
With its window graphics mimicking a coupe, it might give off a slightly quirky impression, though perhaps less so than the DS3. However, it is actually a very well-rounded car.
The 1.6-liter turbocharged engine produces a maximum output of 162 hp. While it offers ample torque from low RPMs, the engine also revs well above 2,000 rpm, providing strong acceleration. This demonstrates that a well-executed torque converter automatic is perfectly adequate, even without being a dual-clutch system.
The steering wheel has a three-dimensional rim wrapped in supple, high-quality leather that fits comfortably in the hand. Its slim profile is also very pleasing (though this might be a personal preference). A minor point is that the cross-section of the rim has a slight edge where it meets the palm, which might cause fatigue depending on how one grips it.
The suspension works well, providing a smooth ride. Cabin noise is also kept to a relatively low level. The optional leather seats come in variations like "Two-Tone Leather" (¥3.35 million) and the "Club Leather" (¥3.47 million) we tested, offering attractive and sophisticated choices. This makes for a car with a mature and stylish flair.
Among the avant-garde lineup of DS models, this might seem the most understated, but its substance is considerable.
It is a model we can recommend.
Citroen DS Line | The Citroen DS Line
Revisiting
The World of the Citroen DS Line (4)
Is the DS5 the Most Avant-Garde?
The most "avant-garde" of the series is the DS5, the largest in body size. While the DS3 has a length of 3,965mm, the DS5 measures 4,535mm. It is powered by a 156 hp 1.6-liter turbo engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The DS5's most striking features are its imposing proportions with a long roofline and the chrome garnish on the A-pillars. It's said that clinics were held in the Chinese market to gather feedback for product development, and the non-functional front garnish might be a result of that. Setting that aside, the overall impression is one of great luxury.
Even the sound of the doors closing gives the impression of a car a class above the DS3 and DS4. Once on the move, the benefits of the longest wheelbase in the series at 2,725mm, along with the car's weight of around 1.4 tons, contribute to a comfortable and refined ride.
It is a car with a higher level of quality than its exterior might suggest. The quality of the interior controls is also high, making "comfortable" the perfect description for the cabin. One minor concern is the headliner console; it seems excessively designed with an overwhelming number of switches. Furthermore, its significant protrusion encroaches on headroom. This is the one aspect that feels like a flaw in an otherwise excellent design.
Spacious hatchbacks are surprisingly rare. While not purely utilitarian, the DS5, developed for a unique niche market, might be found surprisingly practical by many.
Citroen DS3 Sport Chic Ultra Prestige | Citroen DS3 Sport Chic Ultra Prestige
Body Dimensions | Length 3,965 x Width 1,715 x Height 1,455 mm
Wheelbase | 2,455 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,465 / 1,455 mm
Weight | 1,190 kg
Engine | 1,598cc Inline 4-cylinder Direct Injection DOHC Turbo
Maximum Output | 115kW (156ps) / 6,000 rpm
Maximum Torque | 240Nm (24.5kgm) / 1,400-3,500 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed Manual
Drivetrain | FF
Suspension Front/Rear | MacPherson Strut / Torsion Beam
Brakes Front/Rear | Ventilated Disc / Disc
Tires | 205/55R17
Fuel Economy (JC08 mode) | 14.1 km/ℓ
Price | ¥2.99 million
Citroen DS4 Chic 6AT | Citroen DS4 Chic 6AT
Body Dimensions | Length 4,275 x Width 1,810 x Height 1,535 mm
Wheelbase | 2,610 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,530 / 1,525 mm
Weight | 1,380 kg
Engine | 1,598cc Inline 4-cylinder Direct Injection DOHC Turbo
Maximum Output | 120kW (162ps) / 6,000 rpm
Maximum Torque | 240Nm (24.5kgm) / 1,400 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed Automatic
Drivetrain | FF
Suspension Front/Rear | MacPherson Strut / Torsion Beam
Brakes Front/Rear | Ventilated Disc / Disc
Tires | 215/55R17
Fuel Economy (JC08 mode) | 11.3 km/ℓ
Price | ¥3.1 million
Citroen DS5 Chic | Citroen DS5 Chic
Body Dimensions | Length 4,535 x Width 1,870 x Height 1,510 mm
Wheelbase | 2,725 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,580 / 1,605 mm
Weight | 1,550 kg
Engine | 1,598cc Inline 4-cylinder Direct Injection DOHC Turbo
Maximum Output | 115kW (156ps) / 6,000 rpm
Maximum Torque | 240Nm (24.5kgm) / 1,400-3,500 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed Automatic
Drivetrain | Front-wheel Drive
Suspension Front/Rear | MacPherson Strut / Torsion Beam
Brakes Front/Rear | Ventilated Disc / Disc
Tires | 225/50 R17
Fuel Economy (JC08 mode) | 11.3 km/ℓ
Price | ¥4.0 million (The model pictured includes optional Club Leather seats for an additional ¥450,000)