Citroen DS5 hatchback review - CarBuyer

[@hajwan11]

This car is really good! I'm a proud owner myself and people who says it's crap are just stupid. This car is phenomenal!

[@jackcarline5183]

Look at young unfamous matt !!!

[@GoogleUser-yp7vk]

As a owner of a 2013 Citroen DS5 2.0 D-Sport in Ireland for the readers I’d like to say a few things. 1) Everyone who gets into my car admires the clock. 2) Yes the back window visibility is poor. 3) The ride is smooth and soft. It doesn’t take the hardest of bumps very well. 4) There is a button over the number plate to open the boot. 5) The temperature gauges are behind the gear stick but didn’t ever become a problem for me. 6) Glove compartment is crap but centre console storage makes up for this. Everyone stops to admire it and I see people stare as I pass buy. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!!

[@paulclifford4469]

How did it stand the test of time?

[@GoogleUser-yp7vk]

Paul Clifford very very happy with it!

[@pr6229]

I'm in ireland also and after our c5 x7 is gone, the hybrid ds5 will be the family car I can't wait . Coolest looking car for a long time .

[@chilly6470]

@@paulclifford4469 ...... I wanted one of these for years and finally got round to purchasing one. I'm in love with it, so far. It definitely handles differently to any other car I've owned but, the engine is so smooth and quiet. I also much prefer the Citroen front grill as opposed to the new ''DS'' one.

[@colincrawford6612]

Bought mine used 2 years ago. I some times wonder why, then I look at it and remember why. It will never replace my C6 but then again its never broken down. I suspect that it will have a hard core fan base one day. With just a little bit more thought it could have been a great car. I can not see me getting rid of it any day soon.

[@WeMuckAround]

There is a boot release on the actual car. It's next to the number plate light, just a little black rubber square. Like so people can see! :)

[@Dreadpirateflappy]

Loads of reviews said there was no button, I recon they added it after some of the reviews. I love my DS5...one of the best cars I have owned.

[@MrButterscotch1]

Steve Nugent How are the rear seats? Have they just not been set up properly in this car/video? I'm quite keen on the DS5 but I do need reasonable rear room for 3 passengers. Thanks in advance for your reply.

[@Dreadpirateflappy]

Gary Shaw Not as spacious as other cars such as BMW 3 series or Mondeo, but it isn't bad. I have had three adults in the back no problems, I did have to ensure the sun blind was open (same as the video) as one of the passengers was quite tall. But I fit in the back no problem (5 foot 8) Ride is a lot more comfortable than reviews suggest as the suspension on most models is different from what has been reviewed (still not Mondeo quality but not as bad as people make out.) Cabin does make you feel very special, it feels very premium and looks amazing. Hope that helped.

[@MrButterscotch1]

Steve Nugent Thanks for the reply. I am certainly going to look at this as a possible next car. 2.0 HDI DSport.

[@Dreadpirateflappy]

Gary Shaw I got the 2.0 Dstyle. Engine is quite quick and feels very responsive.

[@twistdgk9602]

You can open the boot from the back so you don't need to use the key just saying because I have one get your facts right

[@gegok42]

DS5 review and Matt finally onboard?! You made my day.

[@sjpb1982]

It is nice to see something different from a mainstream manufacturer. I saw one on the motorway the other day and was genuinely jealous of it, I will definitely be looking at one for my next company car.

[@theuglyttruth]

bought it,,,saw only another one in 6 months,,,I do feel special and absolutely love it

[@ovidel46]

I think this car is a revolutionary step forward into the future... None of all the cars in the world is, was or ever will be perfect.. but... this car..is AMAZING.. go and touch it.. it will blow your mind with the design..

[@drnh4444]

I really really like the look of this car. Inside and outside... Nothing else like it at all and certainly has some presence when you see it on the road

[@Knobologist]

Great car. I've bought one today. 2013 model and can confirm the ride is not firm! I didn't notice any uncomfortable ride. In fact it was great. I asked the sales rep in Citroen today about the suspension, and he confirmed that they did change it from the 2012 model as many customers we're complaining. Awesome car, and turns many heads!

[@4039byrne]

what size alloys does your car have? as the one he drove had the massive 19" alloys on it which would make the ride a lot harder

[@gazzaoco]

Is it still going good any problems

[@thegoodnotbadorugly]

I've just had a 24 hour test drive in the D Style diesel. It looks fantastic both inside and out. It's like he says in the review it looks like a concept car. Everyone who saw it or sat in it was very impressed as it's so different to anything else on the road. I didn't have a chance to push it along country roads but I did notice that the ride was quite firm. None of that would put me of buying it if I was looking for a new car in that price range though. Try it, you'll like it!

[@annakalotidou2598]

I have a Ds5 and it's simply amazing!!! Every day I'm driving it I feel more and more comfy and impressed by the engine and from the executive design!! The only problem is that I couldn't buy the Hybrid 4...

[@MrCabbotage]

I love the quirkiness of Citroen. Very nice looking car and it's different to everything else on the road and that's why I'd buy it. Love the sunroof, love the dash, love the styling. How many people actually carry around a HUGE water bottle anyway, what's wrong with the regular 600ml bottles... I see far more people with those than the larger one. But I digress. Great car, I, for one, would definitely buy one.

[@smartolaro]

In 2022, this car still looks unique and attractive than many 2022 luxury cars.

[@julianpalmer7324]

not sure why Matt was so scathing. Ive had my 2016 DS5 for 5 years and have kept it because of its build quality, comfort and distinctive looks. Subjective I know but there is something soulless about the usual germanic compact execs. DS has dared to inject flare into their design and it works.

[@HologramJones]

The DS5 from 2016 is not the Citroen DS5 from before, starting with the improved ride on the former.

[@Dreadpirateflappy]

Picked up mine today, They must have changed some off the specs. Mine has a boot button next to reversing camera and the ride is as good as my old mk4.5 Mondeo, not sure if the suspension has been chaged (they did promise they would). Handbook does not fit in glove box which is a fail, although there is a space under the drivers seat. lovely place to be inside.

[@GPlinthon]

This car is real car, with a real personality, a pure descendant of the legendary DS. Not a mish-mash that unfortunately the German manufacturers are getting used to produce because there are enough eldery out there hunting a last-show-off before full retirement from life (cannot blame them, it is a good business).

[@WeMuckAround]

My dad works for Citroën and had had 3 DS5s and he says by far the best he's had is his DSport Hybrid4

[@sspope]

Compromised ride quality has been mentioned in other reviews as well, but this is the first time somebody has complained about handling as some reviews stated that this handles better than Ford Mondeo. The problem with Matt is that he judges handling by steering feel only.

[@WojciechBednarski]

You can open the boot without the key, there is a button above registration plate, quite hidden one but is there.

[@lwalters555]

It does have a rear outisde button for opening the boot, located near the number plate!!

[@lthswi]

I am a happy owner of a DS5 115 hdi. Don't agree with following negatives stressed in the test: visibility to the back ? Not a problem, you get used to it and rear camera solves all problems. Can't open trunk without the key ? Not true - you can open it via button next to steering wheel or by hand above license plate. You don't like the clock or some instruments ? That is a subjective opinion and I must say all of my guests made only compliments - at night the black panel option reduces light to a minimum - beautiful. I have now 1 year and 30'000km and it has not have a single problem: a reference for reliability ! The only ever critique I shall point out is the sometimes noisy suspension on bad or uneven roads, biut I heared this has been corrected since then. Highway is DS5's territory and is a DELICE !

[@1SUPR3M3]

+Juzh123 Please share your experience with DS5 you bought

[@FrederickGFX]

Beautiful car. I wish we had it in the US.

[@eternalhalloween1]

What I noticed here is that with many other reviews, Mat goes on about the positives for a while, and then comes up with one or 2 negatives. With this car, he didn't go on about the positives very long before he went into the negatives. (And the negatives seemed to take up more time.)

[@TarmacElite10]

Congratulations Steve, mine is on order, I just can't wait! Had the car on a 24hr test and never found the steering vague or rough, even on our crap Irish roads. Ergonomics are superb, tailgate opens with a button above the number plate. Analogue clock is a nice touch. Maybe the 19 inch alloys on this test car made it rough, the 18 inch on the test car I had were fine. Anyway, dare to be different and buy this car!!

[@simonstegel]

I travel by car a quite a lot and I don't mind the "massaging seats". I first saw the DS5 at Frankfurt Auto Show and I loved it. I drove it some time ago and there was one thing that really bugged me and for me it could be a deal braker. I'm not a fan of cupholders as Mat BUT there is absolutely no cupholder in the center area so I really cannot imagine travelling 800miles and having to reach the "big bottle" in the door compartment. I would trade the sun roof for 2 cupholders every moment.

[@M9A5P]

I like how Matt quite often recommends diesel models, while Rebecca always shows a slight preference to petrol ones, for being more fun...

[@WaiWu]

Will buy this car in a heartbeat if it's in the US.

[@Nood4159]

It's 10 times more beautiful when you see it with your own eyes, it looks lower and sportier. Videos and pictures just don't do it justice.

[@MrSpeedy99]

Carbuyer , you might want to put an annotation up or a new video since a few facts are incorrect, for example, the boot can be opened from outside, without use of the key. There is a switch just under the boot.

[@AdrianC12345]

Notice I said amazing looking/feeling. When I say looking I mean that it looks so outrageously gorgeous, so different than other people carriers. And when I say feeling, I mean the feeling of how special the interior is. It's just so gorgeous, beautifully built, and so many tiny details like the leather patterns on the seats, the door handles, the ribbed rims, the huge chrome sword-things on the front wings. It's just a jewel to look at and to be inside, the fact that it's practical is a bonus!

[@Dreadpirateflappy]

it is stiff, but not as stiff as everyone moans about, it handles corners really well but you can feel the bumps a little more than in a mondeo, it is nowhere near uncomfortable though. I have had it a few months now and still love it 100%

[@davidbrett-everest3326]

I test drove a petrol one of these on country roads and didn’t feel safe at all. Every time the rear wheels hit a bump the back of the car skipped around. The plastic fake chrome fittings kept falling off especially around the gear stick gaiter. It was very comfortable inside and very very quirky. A nice cabin but I couldn’t commit to it because of the problem with it skipping around when hitting bumps.

[@turbulentmk]

I don't know if it's the colour or just not photogenic, but a real DS5 looks amazing in real life.

[@Dreadpirateflappy]

I bought one last year, absolutely love it, still get positive comments all the time about it.

[@allinonefib]

Maybe they chose the possible ugliest looking one

[@ewanwallace1]

Saw my first one of these today in the colour of the car in the video. Looked even better than I thought it would in the metal. Surprisingly sleek and almost compact looking for such a large car.

[@Kookanoodles]

I've read somewhere that the suspension is set up differently depending on the engine and trim level.

[@MrButterscotch1]

Is the criticism of the rear space fair or is it actually a bit more roomy than shown?

[@Felix96xy]

Four Passat driver were watching that video! Great review and such a handsome car!

[@NoneOfMeHaveDID]

I hope you're right (my last car was a Peugeot and apart from reliability I loved it). Don't trust foreign reliability surveys, though, as some times cars going to different markets are quite different under the skin...

[@lalalo41]

You CAN open the trunk from outside. There is a switch at the number plate

[@daghanakin]

I own a ds5 1.6 156 bhp. It has decent head and leg room behind. It doesnt feel cheap at all.. The ride has a good balance btw firm and comfy. Loads of equipment. Ergonomics are fine. A little thirsty avg @ 25 mpg.. Great alternative to a merc, audi or a beamer..

[@Godfred78]

I have the 2013 2.0 diesel automatic and its great! The steering issue he is talking about is either fixed on the 2013 model, or i simply not agree? There is a button over the licenseplate to open the back hatch. I dont understand the complaining about the springs either. I run mine on 19 inch wheels, and it a nice ride. Abit firm yes, but thats just the way i like it ;) Anyway, it is an odd car, and takes a little bit getting used to, but hey! many great things are like that. ;) I don't like the rear view mirror thou. It blocks my vision abit, so if you are over 6 feet tall it would definitively bother you. and if you have 6 feet tall kids in the back? well... there will not be enough room for them.

[@Dreadpirateflappy]

Same, I have the 2013 2.0 diesel auto as well!! I reckon they changed some things after reviews, like the boot button etc. I agree with the rear view mirror, it is in a rubbish place. overall though I am really happy with the car.

[@6r4ff3r]

I love the quality of a german too. I tested a Polo 9n for two times and sometimes i have a 2009 Caddy in house (it's from work) and i love the quality of the germans. It's all in details. But emotionally i'm a Citroën fan since i was young. My daddy owned an 1992 ZX for 11 years and no critical problems. I have a 2000 Saxo for 4 years and no critical problems too.

[@tyraela115]

Somewhat true. The thing is that they`ve choosen more firm suspension settings and more direct steering (atleast DS3 and DS4) for the DS line. A different philosophy but ofcourse there`s still "ordinary line. The thing is DS3 is on platform 1 (C3, C3 Picasso, 208 etc.), DS4 and DS5 are on platform 2 (C4, C4 Picasso, 308, 3008, 5008 etc.). So we have yet to see a DS line model on platform 3 which also has hydropneumatics (C5, C6 etc.). For more information type in youtube The DS Line's Genesis.

[@sspope]

"Dare to be different, Citroen did. And for that reason... ...I salute them" ^^the best carbuyer quote yet? That was really awesome :D

[@uhugvjkbkjh]

tricky to decide which engine choice to go for; the auto 160 which most reviewers say is the best- this drops the fuel consumption down over the manual far more than it shd, likewise 0-60 time really suffers too. That starts to make the hybrid look the better option, if you can live with the transmission glitches (sports mode is ok). Many dealers can't shift them and will have demos with next to no miles and offer 8 grand off the list, possibly more

[@TravMenace]

There is a button on the back of the car to open the boot by the way. Small though.

[@LostStylus]

Mat is alive and kickin'!!

[@TheEGGtech]

Yeh, that's only with the optional Denon hi-fi audio system though I think.

[@WilliamTECH1991]

All CarBuyer reviewers are excellent, perfect English, very understandable speaking tone, just really really great!!! I would like to see a Toyota GT86 review, it would be fantastic ;) Also, if it isn't asking too much, the redesign Avensis would be very cool to me!!

[@hondatrix]

Matt, serious question, Do those massage seat have a happy ending option?

[@FBDBmusic]

Not sure about an earlier comment suggesting the DS5 is "all looks and no go..". The Citroen DS5 1.6 Blue HDi 120, even although it isn't the top of the range engine, has really smooth torque. Even in top gear (6th), if you breath too heavily on the accelerator pedal, you'll find another 15 - 20 mph have suddenly appeared from nowhere. The dangerous thing about it is because it's so smooth, you could find yourself on the wrong side of the 70 limit without realising it. It's a bit like the starship Enterprise going into warp drive without the crew being crushed by the G force! It's always possible that others will disagree but the above opinion is just how it is on my vehicle.

[@Montagoo]

finally matt is back

[@Kol2388]

Matt is back!

[@Deniskn95]

Guess who's back! Back Again! Matt is BACK! Tell a friend! ;D

[@di44ito]

Can the bluetooth play music or is it only for talking?

[@joetjiam]

Whats wrong with your latest Ceed preview? why become private? Was trying to show it to a friend :(

[@Dreadpirateflappy]

I have mine for almost 3 years now. Great car. I don't think I would buy another Citroen though (not that DS is part of Citroen now anyway) It really does feel a nice place to be when you are driving this car. Gonna be sad when I trade it in. Easily one of the best looking cars on the road.

[@OfficialArulSmurfz]

How's the fuel consumption and steering feel? I was plan on getting one! :)

[@brianhilmiu4923]

what about the automatic gearbox of this model?is it good,fast and smooth?Does it makes problems?

[@MrFeruiz]

Mat where did you get your jacket? It's really nice!

[@AndisRoze]

yessss, you're back! And I was waiting for a DS5.

[@toyotaprius79]

Citroen has always been different for generations. It's no surprise that they made the DS range..

[@gsahrens]

I am normally not impressed by French cars but this CITROËN DS5 is just amazing.. I had the opportunity to test drive a DS5 and a Audi A4 at the same day and the DS5 has a REALLY good quality.. The Interior is very impressive and I liked better then the A4

[@RaulBrv]

Why can't we get this as a one time deal in the U.S.? It's such a good looking car. Here, take all my money and my first born. TAKE IT NOW!

[@Kookanoodles]

In a car such as the DS5, what you want is refinement, comfort, an engaging but relaxing drive, all that stuff. Performance simply doesn't matter as long as it's good enough. Not a single buyer of that type of car gives a crap about 0 to 100 times, and they're right. It's simply not what this car is about.

[@echorse]

How about reliability and cost of maintenance? How much is Citroen different from say Audi in that matter?

[@EnviroMr]

i loved your rant about the massage seats! "they more just breathe in and out!" LOL

[@zuti071]

it look amazing in person.work of art.

[@Bugumir]

The only brand that can pull off 'style-over-substance' is Alfa Romeo. Citroen has been trying for decades and failed yet again. Great review and thanks for pointing out the crippling downsides on a car that could otherwise charm the majority of clients into buying it.

[@derbigpr500]

When I say quality I mean from what kind of materials the car is put together, how those materials are put together, attention to detail, feeling of solidity, etc. And DS5 will last a long time. I don't see a reason why it would not. Materials are excellent, its built as solid as a tank...and check the latest ADAC reliability ratings to see that latest French cars are in the top of reliability charts.

[@FunTime-tx9br]

? Wait a minute, this chap is normally good with his reviews, what happened this time? That was a totally fake review. Probably the worst review he ever did because its simply so far from the truth. Citroen do one of the smoothest rides out there today along with mercedes.

[@00kirbyd]

I know they love telling you the seats fold down, somehow they're living in the 1970's still and this is amazing new technology.

[@theadamh123]

@thakurhitesh10 yes most cars in the uk are hatchbacks, this car is unusual though because car at this price in the uk are usually saloons.

[@NoneOfMeHaveDID]

Provided we get the same model. For example, the most reliable car according to UK charts (reliabilityindex) is the Picanto who is quite low on the ADAC chart.

[@tyraela115]

Oh c`mon guys as far as quality is concerned Citroen has become very good in this department very quickly. It`s 2012. Face it. We used to own BX, AX, ZX and Xsara and no problems just regular service intervals so you know I`m talking from experience.

[@derbigpr500]

Thats because the ranking still take into account the old models as well, which werent so reliable. New models from Citroen, Renault and Peugoet all got perfect reliablity marks since 2007 or 2008 up until now. For example, Megane III is the most reliable car in the segment together with Mercedes B class, Audi A3 and BMW 1. Same goes for Peugeot 308.

[@judahdaneshtaol]

When will you review the Mazda CX 5?

[@michaelb7862]

Having driven one of these I found the vehicle to be too wide in some village streets in France. Overall I very much liked the car and the HUD (Only HUD I’ve ever used) By the way, does anyone know of an aftermarket projected Heads up display unit that shows the speed in km/h, speed limit in km/h, GPS navigation directions, and ideally additional info for instance low fuel warning, lane departure info, reverse cam vision, or other things?

[@habib077]

What year was this car manufactured? What's the base model price? (UK)

[@rogerathpytb]

ds5 is really amazing. i am the owner in china and bought it in 2013 after it's fabricated in shenzhen china

[@gavrosehill3477]

I'm sorry but I have that car and there is loads of head and leg room in the back and I'm 6.2". Also the ride is not that bad, you didn't mention that it had a sport setting on the car hence the firmer ride!!

[@stephendoherty8291]

Worth noting that full length sunroofs let in alot of heat and glaring sunshine. They also require extra strong pillars to cope with the lack of strength in a glass roof. Adding extra blinds to cope with the heat/sunlight robs headroom and blinds usually break. Seems dismissive to say the hybrid is rubbish without much explanation. Now that we know diesels are not as clean no matter how good the TDI2.0 was.

[@Dymundback]

Will the Peugeot 208 GTi be among the tested? :)

[@RovexHD]

Saw one today. Eye-catching. best looking car on the road ?

[@amrayoub]

how we know ? Is there a thing to measure reliability like NCAP for safety ???

[@macbitz]

Wow when Matt is sitting in the back, those headrests barely come up to the bottom of his neck. They'd have to extend up to the ceiling to be of any real use. Overall I like what Citroen are trying to do here, but a few bits do look they're quirky for the sake of being quirky.

[@thomassegaert]

is ther no vauxhaul/opel in america?

[@cluelessjoe]

The only thing holding me back from buying the DS5 is the suspension.....i really wanted the hydractive suspension for comfort

[@izil1fe]

Great review as always Mat!

[@lightningleaf23]

DS is a premium brand that's the point to distinguish from normal Citroen's. So it's not surprising the interior is as good as the so called premium " brands "

[@MrSpeedy99]

Juzh123 What's it meant to have instead of plastic?

[@MrSpeedy99]

I guess it has perks that other cars don't offer- including the three part sunroof and those comfy watchstrap seats! I just wish they made a similar specced car in estate and saloon form, i just love the looks

[@TassieLorenzo]

+Juzh123 BMW is the same...

[@MrSpeedy99]

Juzh123 not necessarily. Brands such as BMW are more expensive simply because their are using the public's perception of them to get more profit out of their cars, even though they are less reliable.

[@NoneOfMeHaveDID]

Can I add "I wave them goodbye"? I also appreciate original thought, but I am not prepared to go the step further and buy a car that sacrificed quality (effective, not appareances, which are good on the DS5) for originality.

[@guraknugen]

I think I will rather keep my C5 for another couple of years. The Hydractive Ⅲ+ is outstanding, and I would miss it pretty bad. And I like the C5 steering wheel…

[@NoneOfMeHaveDID]

New cars often seem reliable. I did notice an apparent improvement on French cars (maybe more on Renault than PSA, but the latter was not as bad as the former), but some questionable choices make me sceptical. Most reliable cars are also rational, logicly developed and functional. Not sure cars like the DS5 or the 208 fit the bill. Maybe the 308 is a bit better. I consider reliable a car not showing its 10-15 years age, so today I'd look at R-reg to 52-reg cars. Time will tell for newer cars.

[@rolandmetayer7210]

I live in Canada. About four decades ago,Citroen sold their cars in Canada. They do not sell them anymore in Canada. As a child I found Citroens to be beautiful cars. I would like for Citroen to come back to Canada,but I don't believe Citroen will ever export their cars back to Canada. So sad ! !

[@Techno-Charge]

Ds5 looks amazing, but this design creats more blind spot, especially in the front.

[@ckryses3962]

I would always go for mazda cars with blind faith.. i love them.. mazda never fails to amaze.. mazda cx5 and mazda cx7 is great as family car..

[@MrFuture798]

ohhh matt thank god ur back...

[@Stiggy37]

So is the suspension so stiff indeed?