Some say its computing power could fly the Space Shuttle, and that it once out-polluted a Hummer. All we know is, it’s called…the Toyota Prius? The cheeky little car has revolutionized American roads in the last decade by both saving gas and stirring up debate as to whether it is actually good for the environment. Despite that, its tiny 4 cylinder engine and advanced battery pack have managed to smother all competitors, both in terms of sales and gas mileage. Toyota plans to capitalize on its success by expanding the Prius hybrid line, with the new Prius V and Prius C. However, new designs with the same type of drivetrain can hardly be called innovative. What, then, is the logical next step for a large automaker that wants green-cred?
2012 Citroen DS5
French automaker Citroen thinks it has the answer, and it’s called the DS5 HYbrid4.
The DS5 itself is the third in the DS-line, which is an upmarket sub-brand (sort of like Lexus/Toyota). The HYbrid4 distinction is what truly makes the vehicle special, by using a 2.0L diesel to a couple of electric motors. Citroen’s hybrid system distinguishes itself from Toyota’s and other’s in several ways. First, it uses a vastly more efficient diesel engine instead of a gas engine. Second, as the 4 in the name hints at, the system drives all four wheels. It accomplishes this by having the two electric motors drive the rear wheels and the diesel engine driving the front wheels. Thus, this type of hybrid system is called a “through-the-road” hybrid, where the two forms of propulsion have no direct connection except via the road surface that the tires touch.
The light bars in the rear tail lights are a premium feature, originating from the likes of BMW.
The payoff is not just a technological wonder to marvel at. The DS5 HYbrid4 sips diesel at a lower rate than the Prius sips gasoline, while providing 50% more horsepower (for a total of 200) and four-wheel drive capability, with 600 more pounds to haul around no less! Why all the extra weight? The diesel engine and dual electric motors undoubtedly contribute, as do the available 19-inch wheels. The interior is loaded to the gills with technology and cool design. The seats are watch strap replicas wrapped in full grain leather, and dual center consoles above and below the driver give the cockpit an aeronautical feel. The theme continues with other futuristic touches such as square digital gauges, a flat bottom steering wheel, and BMW-esque light strips in the rear tail lights. Safety and convenience features such as a heads-up display, lane departure warning, backup camera, etc, are a given in this class of vehicle.
The inviting interior has an unparalleled level of detail among mass production vehicles.
Downsides? Sure! New technology is always expensive. Hybrids are expensive, and diesels are expensive. Diesel hybrids are new technology, and as such, are ungodly expensive. Although the DS5 and Prius are about the same length, the DS5 HYbrid4 is expected to cost 1.5x more than the Prius in the United Kingdom, or the equivalent of ~$51,000 U.S. (note that cars are much pricier in the UK). Early reviewers have harshly criticized the ride. Finally, French cars have never been known for their reliability, especially when new technology is concerned. However, there is only one Earth, it is our job to save it, we only get to live once, and warranties exist for a reason. The DS5 HYbrid4 is one helluva cool hybrid (finally!), and it is unfathomable why such a concept couldn’t take off with the American public.
We worry about all the high-tech items going bonkers, as they have in Citroens past.
Photos courtesy of NetCarShow.com
