Photo: Catalin Garmacea
It was precisely one year ago at the 2014 Beijing Auto Show that Citroen revealed the DS 5LS R concept car, a performance version of the sedan it had already put into production. Sadly, surgically cutting the DS brand away and transforming it into an Audi rival has taken up all their time, so the production version isn't ready after a year.
However, we were pleasantly surprised with the quality and the design of the DS 5LS that was on display this week in Shanghai. It reminded us in many ways of the DS5 facelift, from the watch strap design of the seats to the metallic purple paint.
Is purple a good color for a premium car? Of course it is, both Porsche and Audi offer it on their large sedans, so why shouldn't the French.
The DS 5LS is designed to appeal to younger buyers, the types of people who read fashion magazines and are into the latest trends. That's why it's trying so hard to impress you, with its 3D taillights and sharp lines.
As nice as the outside is, you have to see the interior. It's a wash of beige leather with splashes of chrome and wood trim. The steering wheel is non-sporty, but the elegant design hides all the functions you expect. We've been told that the biggest improvement brought about by the 2015 model year is a larger touchscreen display.
Park assist functions have also been introduced, so now the chances of damaging that precious paint are much diminished.
This China-only sedan is available with three engine choices. There's the base unit, which is a 1.8 VTI pushing 140 horsepower, followed by two 1.6-liter turbo models, delivering either 163 hp or 200 hp. Ironically, the more powerful of the two offers the best fuel economy and lowest emissions.
In the near future, a 5LS 1.2T model will be offered. Using the latest PureTech turbocharged engine, the French plan to offer a 134 hp downsized solution.
Designed as a direct rival to the Audi A4, the 5LS is 4,7 meters long, can carry 466 liters of your luggage and is well equipped. Price starts at 146.900 yuan and ends at 246.900 yuan (from €22,000 to €37,000). We just wish the French would do something for the rest of the world.
Is purple a good color for a premium car? Of course it is, both Porsche and Audi offer it on their large sedans, so why shouldn't the French.
The DS 5LS is designed to appeal to younger buyers, the types of people who read fashion magazines and are into the latest trends. That's why it's trying so hard to impress you, with its 3D taillights and sharp lines.
As nice as the outside is, you have to see the interior. It's a wash of beige leather with splashes of chrome and wood trim. The steering wheel is non-sporty, but the elegant design hides all the functions you expect. We've been told that the biggest improvement brought about by the 2015 model year is a larger touchscreen display.
Park assist functions have also been introduced, so now the chances of damaging that precious paint are much diminished.
This China-only sedan is available with three engine choices. There's the base unit, which is a 1.8 VTI pushing 140 horsepower, followed by two 1.6-liter turbo models, delivering either 163 hp or 200 hp. Ironically, the more powerful of the two offers the best fuel economy and lowest emissions.
In the near future, a 5LS 1.2T model will be offered. Using the latest PureTech turbocharged engine, the French plan to offer a 134 hp downsized solution.
Designed as a direct rival to the Audi A4, the 5LS is 4,7 meters long, can carry 466 liters of your luggage and is well equipped. Price starts at 146.900 yuan and ends at 246.900 yuan (from €22,000 to €37,000). We just wish the French would do something for the rest of the world.
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