How divine is driving the new DS?

Citroën since his most famous historical re-used abbreviation, the cars sell better. Because the French were so consistently interpret their models in the DS version quite different. Especially when new DS5

"Our car should be able to keep up with the Germans, to be without a copy," says the engineer responsible

First tests show that litter the same comforts you expect of a Citroën DS is not offered

Perhaps it there, yes, the headliners, the Olympus of the icons of the past. Only allowed to park here, who has done significant. A VW Beetle there is an NSU Ro80, the first Porsche 911, and surely the Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing. Also two Citroën models have earned their place - the corrugated and flat duck 2 CV DS. Whose letters are commonly interpreted as "Déesse". And because in the language of the neighboring country "goddess" means Monferrini Pierre denies not that he sometimes had nightmares.

Monferrini is the one responsible for the new generation with the magic letters DS, which aims to build on the great tradition of the brand, which will be different, especially as the rather staid Citroën models of recent decades. Especially the new DS5. "We have set ourselves a high goal," says Monferrini, "we wanted to build a car that can compete with the German manufacturers and still no copy is for example an Audi."

The DS5 is in fact not be classified as light as the other two members of the DS family. The DS3 is clearly a variant of the C3 in the Polo format at home, has a pleasing, bold bodywork and is a cult. Similar claims of the larger DS4, which the rival Gulf C4 serves as the base. But while the five-match? To the staid middle class C5 cars under any circumstances. "The DS5 belongs in any category," says Monferrini, "he can be considered as four-door coupe-sedan with a sporty attitude as well as combined with a high roof or as a modern family cruisers - what the customer wants to always see in him."

The face of only 4.53 m long stainless-friendly Citroën reveals the athlete who is very short bonnet into the windscreen on a flat, and smooth body line ends in a glass reaching up into the roof flap. The potential panoramic image in the rearview mirror is, however, divided by a cross brace from the outside to identify a small rear spoiler.

Flamboyant, almost playful also the interior. A wide center console separates driver and passenger, numerous buttons and switches are waiting for their duties, even as some are in a plane placed in the headliner. Pierre is proud Monferrini on the quality of materials and displays on the decor on the doors and dashboard. "Correct Metal", he says, "no plastic that looks just like aluminum."

Without doubt, there is no other car in France, which was designed in such a loving and costly. Here is a DS5 can certainly compete with BMW and Mercedes. In some places, the attempt is a rebirth of the "Goddess" but also mystery: A dozen slices does not manage to ensure proper visibility, especially the view is to obliquely forward and slightly behind getting used to. Well, there is also a rearview camera (1490 €, in conjunction with navigation system and parking assistance).

Technical highlights of the program is the DS5 hybrid version: Here a 163-hp diesel engine for driving the front wheels is in charge, an electric motor sends its 37 hp to the rear axle. This way results in a four-wheel car. On the monitor, which otherwise is used by the navigation system, the driver can monitor the way in which the DS5 is on the road. In the autumn reduced service on the Cote d'Azur succeeded quite often, exhaust fumes on the road. Citroën calls as normal consumption 3.8 liters per 100 kilometers, purely electric driving is four kilometers long possible.

In theory, anyway. Because in practice turns the diesel engine to even the slightest touch of the accelerator. And compared to the silence of the battery drive unusually loud. Only when it precedes it faster, the engine sound under the general road noise. Nevertheless, the technical solution is convincing, costs including an electronically controlled six-speed gearbox and also the proud surcharge of € 5,000 compared to a conventional DS5.

Here is the two-liter diesel with those same 163 hp is the best choice. When cornering dance in the Maritime Alps, he made his plays at low speed high torque. It also revealed a surprise: This is not a Citroën sedan chair as once the historic DS, which was famous for its hydro-pneumatic suspension. The great-grandson of today, however, is bone hard, reporting every joint, every bump on the occupants immediately. In addition, the power steering requires a firm grip of the driver, because she wants to rush back quite stubborn and over again in their original position. Here the sporting values ​​were clearly overstated.

Later, says Pierre Monferrini, customer surveys that were the reason for the tight coordination of the DS5. When asked for an electronic chassis control system, which holds a comfort vote, must fit the Citroen man. The same is true for many assistance systems which Audi offers some extra cost. Distance radar blind spot sensor or automatic parking is not found in the price list. "We are working to use those systems," promises Monferrini and concedes that as yet still a gap opens up to the German premium brands.

Thus, the DS5 is currently only a very small step for mankind, the car, and yet a great one for Citroen. With the concept of one's own family in addition to large-scale models C1 to C6 to create the traditional brand has a face again emancipated themselves from the overbearing mother Peugeot and appeals to new customers. The little recorded about two-thirds DS3 customers who had never bought a Citroën. DS4 when it's good half. The initial success, Citroën courage to plan more DS models. Thus, a DS1 in the small town operate the topic of mobile lifestyle. A coming great DS6 could be in demand particularly in China, which are built from 2013, the DS5 will. Which starts in the spring of 2012 in Germany, and the prices are between 29 700 and € 44 240 € for the fully equipped hybrids. Even the top versions even offer a significant price advantage over comparable-equipped German premium class. Peter Weis, the former boss of Citroën Germany, is the potential harvest but can not retract, he was just sent into the desert. Because unlike other brands Citroën was in Germany in the current year, down only slightly. As well as helping the good start of the DS models nothing. Finally, the normal cars are still sold.