Citroen repositions DS range

Citroen has used the Australian launch of the DS3 Cabriolet to announce changes to its other prestige DS-branded offerings, the DS4 and DS5 model lines.

The VW Golf-sized DS4 offers a distinctive coupe-like profile that offers 368 litres of boot capacity and space for five passengers. Five variants are available in Australia, with base prices as follows:

- DS4 DStyle 120kW Turbo Petrol Auto $34,990 (a $1000 reduction compared with 2012)
- DS4 DStyle 120kW Turbo Diesel Auto $37,990 ($1000 increase)
- DS4 DSport 120kW Turbo Petrol Auto $37,490 (new for 2013)
- DS4 DSport 120kW Turbo Diesel Auto $40,490 (new for 2013)
- DS4 DSport 147kW Turbo Petrol Manual $39,490 ($500 decrease)

The previous DS4 entry-point, the DStyle manual, has been dropped.

Automatic models all benefit from the adoption of a traditional torque converter six-speed automatic transmission rather than the robotised manual gearbox offered in 2012.

The petrol DStyle comes with a high level of standard equipment, including cloth and leather trim (with a massage function for front seats), LED daytime running lights, 17-inch alloy wheels (with 16-inch spare), cruise control with speed-limiter, stereo with MP3, CD and Bluetooth capability, six airbags, retractable sunblinds, rear parking sensors, electrically foldable and heated door mirrors, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights and wipers, dual-zone climate-control and blind spot monitoring.

Buyers opting for the DStyle diesel gain an electric handbrake but lose the 16-inch spare, getting a space-saver in its place.

The DSport trim brings 18-inch alloys, heated front seats, leather trim, sat-nav and a coloured multi-function display. Opt for the 147kW version and 19-inch alloys also come your way, with a puncture repair kit in place of a spare.

Available options for the DS4 include metallic paint ($800), pearlescent paint ($1000), leather trim for the DStyle ($2000) and watchstrap/two-tone leather for the DSport ($1500).

Under the tagline ‘Citroen DS5: Dare to Surprise, Always Attract’, the larger DS5 is described as ‘not a hatch, not a coupe, not a sedan’. Its rivals include the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series.

Having been recently awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating, the DS5 range is now augmented by a diesel version after being released to Australia in petrol-only form last year.

Both the 115kW turbo-petrol and 120kW turbo-diesel are offered in high-grade DSport trim, with the sole transmission option being a six-speed automatic.

The $48,990 petrol variant forms the entry point and comes with black leather trim, heated front seats with massage function, LED DRLs, 18-inch alloys with a 16-inch spare, electric handbrake, cruise with speed-limiter and memory function, radio with MP3/CD/Bluetooth, front/rear parking sensors, interior LED mood lighting with illuminated vanity mirrors, electric folding/heated mirrors, sat-nav with reversing camera, dual-zone climate-control, auto directional headlights auto wipers, colour head-up display, keyless entry and start, and a three-part glass roof with electric sunblinds.

The $51,990 diesel loses the spare wheel in favour of a puncture repair kit, while options include a Hi Fi system ($1000), metallic paint ($800), pearlescent paint ($1000) and watchstrap leather trim ($2700).

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