For a long time, the image of diesel cars has been clouded and deeply associated with air pollution - like a dark arched villain, smeared with a reputation as black as tar.
But as with most things on our planet, man soon found a better way to ignite the second grade petroleum. And the Europeans are convinced (mainly due to cost benefits) of what diesel cars are capable of, which is why we see these oil burners making up a bigger bulk of the sales pie.
And while the local crowd is still warming up to the new genre, French carmaker Citroen has been active in the field, providing us with an interesting lineup of diesel cars, such as the C4 and the DS4. And it is no surprise that the flagship of the DS line - the DS5 - gets the diesel treatment too.
Up close and Personal
Other than the smaller 17-inch shoes (the petrol has 18-inch), the DS5 still has all the traits that make it a 'stylewagon'. And despite having sampled the petrol variant a year ago, the DS5 still exudes a sense of novelty.
But as with most things on our planet, man soon found a better way to ignite the second grade petroleum. And the Europeans are convinced (mainly due to cost benefits) of what diesel cars are capable of, which is why we see these oil burners making up a bigger bulk of the sales pie.
And while the local crowd is still warming up to the new genre, French carmaker Citroen has been active in the field, providing us with an interesting lineup of diesel cars, such as the C4 and the DS4. And it is no surprise that the flagship of the DS line - the DS5 - gets the diesel treatment too.
Up close and Personal
Other than the smaller 17-inch shoes (the petrol has 18-inch), the DS5 still has all the traits that make it a 'stylewagon'. And despite having sampled the petrol variant a year ago, the DS5 still exudes a sense of novelty.
The diesel's interior, however, is presented in a more subtle manner. First and foremost, it does without the sci-fi-inspired head-up display. The cushions are also more 'elegant' than 'chic' now, with horizontal folds replacing the tetris-like patterns found in its petrol stablemate.
Still, the cabin of the flagship DS remains to be a unique place. It carries a vibrant atmosphere and a sense of occasion, with credits going to the trio of sunroofs. And while it isn't the most spacious in its class, there's still proper space for four onboard, and five with a slight squeeze at the rear bench.
Still, the cabin of the flagship DS remains to be a unique place. It carries a vibrant atmosphere and a sense of occasion, with credits going to the trio of sunroofs. And while it isn't the most spacious in its class, there's still proper space for four onboard, and five with a slight squeeze at the rear bench.
The Drive
Sharing the same 1.6-litre turbocharged diesel unit with the C4, DS4 and the more recent C5, the DS5 manages 115 horses - good enough to slip into the Cat A banding come next month.
The turbocharged unit does with a slight lag on start up, but will have no trouble leaving most of the pack behind once the boost builds up. The strong pull is something that the petrol variant could only yearn for, but will never muster enough might to perform.
The DS5 also comes with the next generation ETG automated clutch gearbox. An improved version of the previous EGS, it is easier to work with thanks to the more predictable gear changes. That said, you will still have to learn the ropes (letting the accelerator loose during cog swops) for a smoother journey.
Another worthy mention is the DS5's fuel economy. Even without an eco-minded foot, the crossover returns a fuel efficiency of 15km/L - a notable figure for a car in its class.
Sharing the same 1.6-litre turbocharged diesel unit with the C4, DS4 and the more recent C5, the DS5 manages 115 horses - good enough to slip into the Cat A banding come next month.
The turbocharged unit does with a slight lag on start up, but will have no trouble leaving most of the pack behind once the boost builds up. The strong pull is something that the petrol variant could only yearn for, but will never muster enough might to perform.
The DS5 also comes with the next generation ETG automated clutch gearbox. An improved version of the previous EGS, it is easier to work with thanks to the more predictable gear changes. That said, you will still have to learn the ropes (letting the accelerator loose during cog swops) for a smoother journey.
Another worthy mention is the DS5's fuel economy. Even without an eco-minded foot, the crossover returns a fuel efficiency of 15km/L - a notable figure for a car in its class.
Of all the merits, the crossover does have its shortcomings. The steering, for instance, feels a little hefty, especially during parking manoeuvres. The ride also feels a tad firm - though never harsh - when driving over patched tarmac left by road works.
Conclusion
At press time, the DS5 diesel is asking for $159,988 - almost $30,000 lower than its petrol counterpart, helped by a $15,000 CEVS rebate. The car will also fall adeptly into Cat A COE under the categorisation revisions come next month.
And if Cat A cars map out to be more affordable in time to come, we reckon few other models can offer such blend of beauteous looks and cost practicality.
And to us, that itself is a winner in the making.
Conclusion
At press time, the DS5 diesel is asking for $159,988 - almost $30,000 lower than its petrol counterpart, helped by a $15,000 CEVS rebate. The car will also fall adeptly into Cat A COE under the categorisation revisions come next month.
And if Cat A cars map out to be more affordable in time to come, we reckon few other models can offer such blend of beauteous looks and cost practicality.
And to us, that itself is a winner in the making.
