DS Automobiles DS 5

Strikingly individual looks
Economical engines
Good standard equipment

DS 5 Hatchback (2015 - )

For buyers with a sense of style and individuality, and a desperate desire to be different, the DS 5 will undoubtedly strike a chord. However, its looks, low running costs and generous equipment aren’t enough to detract from the shortcomings elsewhere – the ride, in particular – which lead us to recommend you head to one of its rivals.

Our verdict

Is the DS Automobiles DS 5 a good car?

How we rated this car out of 5 on the following

DS Automobiles DS 5 interior

Space, materials, boot size and comfort.

DS Automobiles DS 5 performance

Power, handling, fuel and range.

DS Automobiles DS 5 how good does it look

DS Automobiles DS 5 practicality

DS Automobiles DS 5 drive

DS Automobiles DS 5 reliability

DS Automobiles DS 5 equipment

Our expert review

See what our expert review team say about this car

Interior Performance Appearance Practicality Driveability Reliability Equipment

Area of interest:

We’re delighted that the DS 5’s designers have had the audacity to try something really different inside the car, but the cabin is certainly not a total success. On one hand, the bold design will surely appeal to buyers put off by the conservative looks of the DS’s predominantly German rivals; but, on the other hand, the quality isn’t that great, with lots of the minor switchgear (for instance, the buttons for the infotainment system and air-con controls) feeling rather cheap. Likewise, although there’s plenty of good-quality material on view, much cheaper stuff is never far away – around the base of the centre console and forming the doorbins, for example. To make matters worse, the high centre console and low ‘rib’ in the roof between the two sunroofs combine to make the driver feel claustrophobic, while anyone over six feet tall will find headroom tight; and, last but not least, the thick, split A-pillars severely restrict the driver’s view out.