The latest exhibit on show at SMMT is a trio of the latest DS models from Citroën, along with a classic DS 23 Pallas from 1973, celebrating the UK launch of the DS5 in Spring 2012.
The new DS5 appears alongside its sister models, DS3 and DS4. The exhibition at SMMT is the first time the DS5 has been on show to the public after it appeared at Top Gear Live last year.
DS5 is the result of the Citroën C-SportLounge concept car, first presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2005. The interior design was inspired by an aeroplane cockpit, and full grain leather and aluminium appear throughout the cabin.
The car will feature the the world’s first full diesel hybrid powertrain – PSA’s Hybrid4 – combining a 163bhp diesel engine plus a 37bhp electric motor, developing a total power output of 200bhp.
Four powertrain modes allow the driver to choose between Auto, changing between engine and electric motor for optimum fuel consumption; Zero Emission Vehicle, using only the electric motor under 37.5mph; Four wheel drive, with the combustion engine powering the front wheels and electric powering the rear; and Sport, using a combination of both to provide a ‘boost’ effect. Despite the power available, the DS5 has a CO2 rating of just 99g/km, meaning that it is exempt from VED and available at low BIK tax rates.
The story of the DS line goes back to the Paris Motor Show in 1955; the two letters spoken together in French as “Déesse”, meaning “goddess”. By the end of the first day 12,000 orders had been placed, rising to 80,000 by the final day of the show, creating a 15-month waiting list.
The Citroën DS5 goes on sale to UK buyers in the Spring – more information is available at www.ds5.citroen.co.uk.
Click through the slideshow below to see all the photos from SMMT’s exhibition space.
