• First diesel hybrid Citroen
• Zero road tax and low BiK rates on Hybrid4 models
• Prices starting from £22,400

Prices and specification have been announced for the Citroen DS5.

The DS5 is Citroen’s flagship car and the third member of its premium DS range. With it, Citroen are aiming to target buyers of not only core D-segment saloon such as the Ford Mondeo, but also more upmarket executive models like the Audi A4.

The exterior design of the DS5 is in keeping with the rest of the DS range, with a chromed grille and pronounced air intakes. A combination of silver and gloss black trim detailing accentuate the lines of the car, whilst the wide track gives it a purposeful stance. Style details such as the silver ‘sabres’ which run over the front wings, and the chromed exhaust tips, distance the DS5 from its more humdrum looking competition.

Inside, the cockpit has been inspired by that of an aeroplane, with its overhead switchgear. The three-piece sunroof and luxury seats (optionally available in Citroen’s ‘watch-strap’ design) add to the feeling of cossetting luxury, and the whole interior is bathed in ambient lighting from hidden LEDs.

In total there are nine different upholstery options to choose from, as well as eight paint finishes and six different alloy wheel designs.

Citroen’s diesel hybrid system, Hybrid4, makes its debut on the DS5. Utilising a conventional 163bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine and a 37bhp electric motor fitted on the rear axle, it emits 99g/km of CO2, meaning road tax exemption and a low Benefit in Kind business user rate of 10%.

The Hybrid4 system can be used in four modes. In Auto mode the car switches between the diesel and electric motor to optimise fuel consumption. The car can also be driven on electric power alone, at speeds up to 37mph in ZEV mode. When more power is required, Sport mode can be selected which uses both motors in tandem to maximise available power and improve acceleration. Finally, 4WD mode uses the electric motor to power the rear wheels in conjunction with the diesel motor powering the front, improving grip and stability in slippery conditions.

More conventional engine arrangements can be specified, including two diesels with a choice of 110 or 160bhp power outputs. A turbocharged petrol model is also available, which develops 200bhp.

The DS5 comes in three trim levels: DSign, DStyle and DSport. Entry level DSign models are equipped with keyless access and start, cruise control, automatic dual-zone air-con, Bluetooth and USB connectivity and automatic lights and wipers.

Mid-range DStyle trim adds to this with half leather seats, ‘eMyWay’ sat-nav with live traffic information, ‘eTouch’ emergency and assistance system, a cockpit roof with three sunroof panes and blinds, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.

Top-end DSport features full leather sports seats with electric adjustment and heating function, Xenon headlamps, front parking sensors and a colour head-up display.

Prices start at £22,400 for a 110bhp diesel model in DSign trim, rising to £32,000 for a DSport Hybrid4 model. Pre-orders are being taken now, with the first deliveries taking place when the DS5 officially goes on sale on April 2.

By Daljinder Nagra