Ask the average driver if he thinks “green” cars are good-looking vehicles and chances are he’ll probably say no. Chalk this stereotype up to the Toyota Prius petrol-electric hybrid, which boasts stellar efficiency, but can hardly be described as having movie-star looks (despite being driven by numerous Hollywood celebs).
But if you’re an eco-conscious driver who wants to indulge in green motoring without sacrificing aesthetics, then you should check out the DS5 1.6 e-HDi hatchback pictured here. Externally, the key difference between this diesel-powered variant and its 1.6-litre petrol sibling are their wheels – the former rides on 17-inch rims, while the latter is equipped with 18-inch wheels as standard.
Climb aboard, however, and you’ll find that the variances are more pronounced. Noticeably absent from the e-HDi model are the watch strap-patterned leather seats and heads-up display system. In contrast to the carbon fibre-like trimmings in the 1.6 petrol, the 1.6 diesel features brushed gunmetal accents instead.
The biggest difference between these variants, though, is in their performance. While the 1.6 petrol has a sportier character, the 1.6 diesel is all about smoothness and economy. The turbo-diesel unit, which produces 115bhp/270Nm, is fairly quiet on-the-move and only clatters when it’s cold.
Citroen claims that the e-HDi powerplant is good for up to 23.3km/L as compared to 13.7km/L for the petrol motor. Although I only managed 13km/L over three days of driving, this figure is nevertheless impressive, given my heavy right foot. Had I been gentler with the throttle, I estimate that 16km/L would be achievable.
Helping increase the diesel engine’s frugality is the carmaker’s new Efficient Tronic Gearbox (ETG), which is the updated version of the Electronic Gearbox System (EGS) still used in the DS4 crossover. Although ETG is still an automated manual, it is considerably more seamless and responsive than the EGS unit. Under normal driving conditions, gearchanges are barely perceptible, and the manual override function feels a lot quicker, too.
Also markedly better is the car’s ride quality, which is more pliant and forgiving than the DS5 petrol. This is solely due to the smaller wheels, because according to Citroen, both variants use the same suspension components and have similar damper settings.
Smooth, efficient and good-looking, the DS5 e-HDi is probably just the ticket for eco-conscious drivers who wish to make an environmentally friendly fashion statement.
SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE 1560cc, 16-valves, inline-4, turbo-diesel
MAX POWER 115bhp at 3600rpm
MAX TORQUE 270Nm at 1750rpm
GEARBOX 6-speed automated manual
0-100KM/H 10.1 seconds
TOP SPEED 191km/h
CONSUMPTION 23.3km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 112g/km
PRICE INCL. COE
$159,988 (after $15k CEVS rebate)
