What exactly is the DS5?
The DS5 is the third model in Citroiën's new DS family line after the DS4 five-door and DS3 three-door hatchbacks. Although the DS5 and DS4 share the same body style, the former boasts more interior space and versatility than its smaller, style-focused brother.
The DS5 measures 4.52m in overall length _ the size of a Honda CR-V _ while the DS4 and DS3 tallies at 4.27m and 3.95m accordingly. The DS5 is based on the Citroiën C4 Picasso mini-MPV, while the DS4 and DS3 are built on the conventional hatchback bodies of the C4 and C3.
The cabin has a distinctive look.
- Is the DS5's hybrid tech shared with Peugeot?
In principle, yes, and it's the 200hp diesel/electric (163hp/37hp) combination of the PSA Group we're talking about; the diesel drives the front wheels and electricity the rear ones.
But while the 3008 Hybrid uses a 2.0-litre four-pot diesel as the basis, the DS5 goes for a downsized 1.6-litre variation albeit a turbo.
Citroiën hasn't revealed any economy figures for the DS5. But if Peugeot's 26kpl average is any indication, then it's safe to say that the DS5 beats the Toyota Prius _ just like the 3008 Hybrid.
The DS5 is as long as a Honda CR-V.
- Will the DS5 come to Thailand?
Let's see. The DS3 came to Thailand last December at 1.59 million baht in 1.6-litre petrol form. The DS4 is slated to arrive at the end of this year with either a 2.0-litre petrol or 1.6-litre petrol-turbo unit at some 2 million. In theory, this means that the DS5 could come by late 2012.
The better news is that the DS5 can attract 10% excise duty given to cars with hybrid engines, as opposed to the 30% rate the DS3 and DS4 will be subject to. This means the DS5 could comfortably cost less than 2.5 million.
Okay, that price doesn't sound cool against the 1.3 million Prius, which is assembled in Thailand. But as an import, the DS5 easily puts the Mini Countryman (in 184hp Cooper S guise priced at 3.2 million) to shame.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
No comments:
Post a Comment