Citroen DS5 in South Africa

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You might have heard about the Citroen DS5 earlier this year when it was in the running for the World Design Car of the Year Award at the New York Auto Show. Well, there is a good chance that you will hear a hell of a lot more about this spunky flagship model in Citroen’s DS range because it has finally arrived in South Africa and will certainly be turning heads on roads all across the country.

The Citroen DS5 will give South Africans the choice of both petrol and diesel engines, but it’s unclear at this stage whether the all-wheel drive hybrid version will reach South Africa. On the engine front, the familiar 1.6-litre turbopetrol is available either with a six-speed automatic gearbox kicking out 115kW with 240Nm, or with a six-speed manual gearbox that produces 147kW with 275Nm of torque. For the diesel heads out there, the 2-litre HDI turbodiesel should suffice, pushing out 120kW with 340Nm of torque and is also mated with the previously mentioned gearbox setups.

Possibly the most striking aspect of the Citroen DS5 is its fresh and appealing design features, making it an attention grabber of note. The beauty on the outside has been applied to the interior too with watchstrap-pattern seats covered in the very finest Bavarian leather, offering a superbly comfortable ride. The DS5 also sports a uniquely different sunroof that is divided into three wells of light that can be adjusted individually as passengers see fit.

Two trim levels are available, depending on the engine, namely ‘Style’, the cheaper option, and ‘Sport’ which comes with some additional features such as full-colour heads up display and a rear parking camera. What’s even better, the DS5 offers comfortable seating for five people and comes with ample boot space equaling 468 litres, perfect for those long distance family holidays. Now for the important part, the prices,

THP 155 Automatic Style - R344 900

THP 200 Manual Style - R374 900

THP 200 Manual Sport - R395 900

HDi 160 Sport - R399 900

Prices include a three-year, 100 000km warranty and five-year, 100 000km service plan.

What do you think of the all-beautiful Citroen DS5?

Range Rover Evoque Impresses Worldwide

Tweet Since its debut at the Geneva Motor Show last year, the Range Rover Evoque has experienced tremendous success worldwide. Not only is the Evoque the smallest and lightest Range Rover ever made but it’s also the most efficient, that’s a big smiley face on Range Rover’s forehead.

My response upon sighting the Range Rover Evoque for the first time was “what the hell is that?” The tapering exterior styling threw me off at first but then I had a long hard look at it and finally concluded that I actually like the Evoque, and there is much to like. The large panoramic sunroof offers passengers a unique view of the world outside while being pampered by the luxurious interior that makes the Evoque so special.

Reviews reveal that the Evoque drives like a dream, offering more than enough power for the average person and delivers a smooth ride on almost any terrain. The Range Rover Evoque also seems to be a master on dirt roads overcoming challenges easily and without hassle. All-round the Evoque is destined to do well worldwide and sales are already through the roof.

The Range Rover Evoque has also been nominated for World Design Car of the Year Award to be announced at the New York International Auto Show this week, coming up against the Citroen DS5 and the Volkswagen Up!. With curves like that, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Evoque steals the show.

What are your thoughts on the Range Rover Evoque?

Citroen DS5 for World Design Car of the Year Award

Tweet The Citroen DS5 is the third model to rise from the DS range and Citroen seems to have done something right with the new Citroen DS5. The superb styling of the DS5 is something to look at and it’s no surprise then that the DS5 is in the running for the World Design Car of the Year Award, with the winners being announced at the New York International Auto Show this week.

The road to victory won’t be easy though as the Citroen DS5 will be going head to head with the Land Rover Evoque and the Volkswagen Up!. There’s no doubt that this will be a tough decision to make but the DS5 may just have what it takes.

The DS5 range is the first Citroën model to feature HYbrid4 diesel hybrid technology, providing enhanced performance with a CO2 emission of 99g / km. The advanced HYbrid4 system delivers 149kW with four-wheel drive capability with an acceleration boost function for the open road.

The interior is classy and modern, offering drivers the best that Citroen has to offer and proves to be a smooth, effortless ride on the road. The Citroen DS5 also offers heaps of space with a 465 litre boot compartment and seats five people comfortably.

The Citroen DS5 will be available in South Africa in mid 2012.

Do you think the Citroen DS5 has what it takes to win the World Design Car of the Year Award?