Article German Cars Shine at JIMS 2011

[Human]

You treat me to lunch? China I owe you a big slap up dinner!

I will chat with the Meneer and get a DS5 for a weekend to evaluate. But I must share with you that I harbour reservations that whilst the DS5 looks premium, it's made premium (interior appointment will be lavish for the segment) but I worry will it drive premium. Now, dear members, what is it about the DS5 that would make me have such a reservation? Excellent Karma to be had for the one who gets it right!

AE test the DS5: Citroen DS5 | Car Reviews | Auto Express

 

[martinbo]

AE test the DS5: Citroen DS5 | Car Reviews | Auto Express

Okayyy... getting warmer But lets disregard the reviews for a moment. What is it physically about the DS5 that concerns me so?



A7: LOL - Man you are waaay too fussy!

 

[Giannis]

Don't tell me that this front overhang is because the engine is in front of the front axles?

 

[martinbo]

Nope It's a typical transverse layout over the front axle. Halfway there though...

 

[Giannis]

Are you worried because in the hybrid model, each axle is driven either from a diesel or an electric motor and that there's no central differential or transfer case?

 

[martinbo]

Much simpler than that. But such an interesting shortcut on such a premium car!

 

[Giannis]

Not a multilink rear suspension?

 

[martinbo]

"You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Giannis again."

Sorry bro, I did try!

You clever engineer you. It;s exactly that. Torsion Beam rear axle - on a premium shooting brake type vehicle of its size and extent of interior appointment? I'm flabbergasted. A 1.6 Golf has multi-link rear suspension, so too does a Focus. A car like the DS5 should ride as plushly as its interior suggests and the articulation limitation of a rear torsion beam is at odds with this otherwise upmarket offering. A prime example of style over substance? I'm afraid that it will be...

 

[Giannis]

It seems that Citroen calls it a "Flexible transverse beam", which is another word for bollocks suspension.