Seems like I've bought a DS5

[GiveMeABreak]

That's usually the time when I swot up on the handbooks!

[GiveMeABreak]

What's an XR3? Is it some kind of inferior automobile?

Yes, and here it is:

XR3i

I believe Jeremy Clarkson used to play about in one - says it all really!

[Xantippa]

Hard to believe that DS5 would be quieter than C5 X7 Sedan Exclusive with same tyres.

[GiveMeABreak]

With a bit of luck, Rick will have the facelft model with the revised suspension, as the original models were slated for being very hard. Fingers crossed..

[daviemck2006]

What's an XR3? Is it some kind of inferior automobile?

Yes, and here it is:

IMG_0968.JPG

I believe Jeremy Clarkson used to play about in one - says it all really!

Much preferred an astra gte. Far superior car.

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[GiveMeABreak]

Yep, many moons ago when I was a sales rep, we had a choice of Ford or Vauxhall and I choose the Astra over the ford easily. When I had been there for about 6 months, I convinced the MD to look at the Citroen BX 14 TGE as an alternative for the company car fleet. When I showed him spec for spec and the leasing costs, he was amazed and the rest is history - all new reps / replacement rep mobiles then got the BX! Sods law though, I left before my new Astra was due for a BX replacement!

[daviemck2006]

My first astra was a 1.3gl, second one a 1.6sr. My mate had a 1.8gte and that was going to be my next car but got wife and kids so it was a cavalier sri that came next.

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[sonoramicommando]

They're not random. They control interior lights, panoramic roof blinds etc, like most cars. They are just laid out a little differently . Most cars have them clustered round the main interior light. DS have just expanded on that and introduced a nice overhead console complete with Ray-ban pockets.
It might be a "marmite" thing, but I like it.
Not sure what you mean by "dashboard switches mounted through the steering wheel"

"Random" is a subjective word - I'm glad you are enjoying the new car and if you are happy with the switch layout that's all that matters.
What I'm saying is though, just because you have your roof blinds on the ceiling doesn't make it the most logical (or necessarily convenient or practical) place to put switches there. Just my opinion only.

[qprdude]

I've never actually seen sun roof or roof blinds anywhere else but overhead on any car in over 46 years of driving. I suppose there must be though. Can't think of a more apt place to have these switches at the moment. Aren't all sun roofs and sun blind switches near the operating motor?

[Richard_C]

Cabin crew doors to manual and cross check please ..... (as they say on BA) So if your passenger opens the door before you put the handbrake on, does a massive inflatable chute pop out from the cill?

Seriously though, I have always though the roof was the right place for some switch gear, passenger can reach it as well. Could be tempted myself once percussionist son has left home and I no longer need a big box on wheels.

Probably a good time to negotiate deals, near month end so all chasing volume targets and wanting to get any leftover March new reg trade ins away. Years ago I got a stonking deal on a Xantia, dealer very flexible as long as I registered it 31 May not 1 June.

I know someone with a DS5, well pleased with it and extra well pleased because it has a touch of class and isn't a BMWAudiMerc.

Enjoy.

[ekjdm14]

I've never actually seen sun roof or roof blinds anywhere else but overhead on any car in over 46 years of driving. I suppose there must be though. Can't think of a more apt place to have these switches at the moment. Aren't all sun roofs and sun blind switches near the operating motor?

Xantia S1 certainly has the sunroof switch on the centre console next to the handbrake, although I think the XM and ZX both had roof mounted switches... Personally I prefer the Xantia layout, but I do rather like the DS5 ceiling too.

[Hell Razor5543]

Didn't Pontiac do something similar wither the Knight Industries Two Thousand?

[KennyW]

Curious to learn more and your thoughts Rick as the experience is gained.

Kenny

[qprdude]

OK. I've had it a week and have very much mixed feelings,
First, and worst, the suspension! (or lack of) Moving from Hydractive on the C5 has been a huge shock. Very hard and now I have to slow down for speed bumps.
For Citroens, so called "Luxury" model, it isn't!
I wanted an auto and I fancied a change so nobody's fault but my own.
So far, I have no ambient lighting under the dash and in door pockets
Less seat adjustment options than the c5
NO LUMBAR SUPPORT ON PASSENGER SEAT?? Luxury my a..e
Still no postcode search on sat nav
Sat nav voice no longer gives street/road names
No adjustable centre front armrest
Rear fold down armrest has no opening or cup holders like the C5
Even less storage cubby's than the C5
Poor rear view,
Can't see any puddle/pavement lights . C5 had 4 ( a light lens under the exterior mirrors but can't find how to set them up)
Can't see any footwell lights. C5 had 4
Road noise on bumpy bits, worse than the C5.
No spare wheel, and absolutely no space for tools in the boot (used to set them all round the spare in the wheel well of the C5)
The boot isn't nearly as big as they claim. In Cubic Cms it probably is, but only if you remove the parcel shelf and stack everything up.
The Boot lip is even higher than the C5 one.
Short bonnet means difficult access to engine components at a quick glance
No rear and side window blinds, but the glass is heavily shaded.
That's the bad bits or the bits not yet found.

Good bits?
Well it's an auto and the box seems smooth enough. Sequential gear change works fine too.
Seems fairly quiet on decent roads
Keyless start stop is good. Keyless entry good too
Bend main lighting AND cornering front spots.
Brakes are far superior to the C5
Lights are far superior to the C5 ( they were very poor)
Interior is quite a nice place to be.
Well appointed cabin.
Front seats are very comfortable and supportive.
Steering seems more responsive and positive . Much less body roll.
Quick. Even the auto is rapid compared to the C5. Seems to have plenty power through the gears.
3 part overhead glass roof with electric blinds seems a bit silly, but does let a lot of light into the cabin.
Beautifully sculpted body but not as sleek as the c5
Reversing camera and acoustic front sensors (camera seems very good) Never had front sensors but great on the DS5 as the bonnet disappears from view)


So to recap. The DS5 may be Citroens luxury/ premium effort, but it falls way short of that in my humble opinion. I would have thought that the top end car would have had more toys as standard, instead of options. Big mistake in not giving it Hydractive 3 suspension. I'm quite enjoying driving it though, and might even find some toys that I've missed. Looking forward to a motorway trip but that is a couple of months away.
Oh yeah, a bit of advice to the reviewers, Honest John etc. There IS a tailgate button on the outside. It's hidden next to the Reversing camera lens above the number plate. They have all said there is only boot access from the key-fob or the interior switch. No pictures yet, sorry.

[Quackers]

No ambient lighting?!? What are they thinking, thats the coolest thing on the X7 C5's , cannot believe they did not put that or the pavement lights on the DS5.

So basically the C5 and DS5 are the wrong way round, the C5 is the premium model?