Citroen DS5 DSport HDi 160

Choose the Citroen DS5 and you’ll get lots of standard kit and head-turning styling. However, a chassis that delivers a rigid ride and slow-witted handling let it down, while high CO2 emissions and poor residuals make it a costly choice.

Citroen has a long history of daring to be different, so it’s no surprise that the DS5 stands out in the normally conservative compact executive sector. But this rather unique model is arguably the closest car in concept to the new 3 Series Gran Turismo.

As with the BMW, the DS5’s tall stance blends coupe-inspired styling with MPV-like dimensions. In fact, beneath the shapely body lies the family-friendly Peugeot 3008’s underpinnings.

Bold details such as the chrome bonnet strips that run up to the mirrors, the huge double-chevron grille and sloping tailgate with integrated spoiler help the Citroen stand out. In DSport trim, snazzy 18-inch rims and LED running lights add to the car’s head-turning ability, as do the panoramic glass roof and £730 pearlescent paint.

The adventurous approach continues inside, where the bold design features buttons on a central spine set into the roof, plus an eye-catching, retro-themed dash clock. Quality is better than in cheaper Citroens, and it’s easy to see the modern designer look the company was aspiring to. The execution is poor, though.

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Over-complicated switches are randomly scattered, while the navigation is clumsy to use and the motorised sunblinds for the glass roof add complexity. Worse still, visibility is dreadful. The high sides and cab-forward design make placing the car on the road hard, and even with the quarterlight windows you get nasty A-pillar blind spots. The tiny rear screen makes reversing a challenge and, with the small side windows, contributes to the claustrophobic feel in the back seats.

On the plus side, the sculpted outer chairs are comfortable, and while there’s not as much legroom as in rivals, the flat transmission tunnel means passengers in the middle seat have some footroom. Also, although the DS5’s 465-litre boot is 55 litres smaller than the BMW’s, its 60:40 rear seats do fold fully flat.

On the road, the Citroen feels more like an MPV than a sporty executive saloon. Nose-heavy and lazy, with vague steering and grabby brakes, it provides little in the way of fun. This would be fine if the car had the relaxing ‘magic carpet’ feel made famous by the original fifties’ DS, but in fact it’s the most uncomfortable of our contenders.

Its unyielding suspension thumps into every imperfection, sending shudders through the cabin and causing the steering wheel to buck in your hands. Refinement isn’t a strong point, either, with too much road noise on the motorway.

At least the 161bhp output of the 2.0-litre HDi gives the Citroen a narrow performance advantage over the 318d. Yet it’s the heaviest car here and emits 133g/km, making it the most expensive company choice. The DS5 also has the worst residuals – so even with its unique looks and generous kit, it’s hard to justify.