Xantia

[captainhaddock]

DS5 interior especially the ceiling, shaking more when you close a door than my old XM diesel Robert so better wait for series II

[robert_e_smart]

I drove one at the Irish CCC rally after driving the XM. Ds5 suspension wasn't what we are used to. But the 200 bhp hybrid diesel set up was very nice.

[russ92xmsed]

The DS5 suspension and ride has been slated quite badly by the motoring press. Not sat in one, but the interior looks great. What the C6 should of had...well kind of! I don't understand why Citroen of all manufacturers, known for their comfort, are going the way of German style suspension. Not everyone wants that....

I suppose seat comfort is all about support. Nothing worse than a flat, unsupportive concrete hard chair.

[robert_e_smart]

Citroen are trying to supply a product that the market wants. Lets face it, the market didn't want a Xm, and it was a disaster. The DS5 mightn't be much more of a success, but its a step in the right direction of raising the profile of the brand.

One other comment on the DS5 that I forgot to mention was its cross over style body, and high up driving position compared to regular cars.

[CitroJim]

Citroen are trying to supply a product that the market wants.

Believes it wants through hype and clever marketing

It's a sad old market that wants rock-hard suspension and a driving position that resembles an old Transit van

No thanks. I want comfort.

[captainhaddock]

Actually, my old Transit Van was more comfortable than some other not classic citroens that I've driven.....
And face it, tha market lies in China. They don't care about the comforts of life, it's not in their culture.
I haven't seen 1 DS 5 yet in Ireland by the way.

[andmcit]

The whole concept of packaging the Traction Avant by using front wheel drive to drop
the engine and bonnet line and making a more compact engine compartment allowed
a lower driving position and CofG which contributed to the position of awe and respect
the car gained for it's road holding/lightweight. So what does Citroen now do because the
market demands it? Make the driving position of even it's smallest cars higher and higher
in a kind of kid's game of look at me 'I'm higher than you' oneupmanship and as Jim says
nearing 4x4/van driving positions. It's likely the suspension is now all 'sporting' and stiffened
up just to stop the damned things leaning and falling over?

[russ92xmsed]

The problem with these crossover concepts, is they don't really work in the real world. Look at the Avantime. At uni we had a lecture by the then vp of design, Anthony Grade. He admitted they got the Avantime and Vel satis wrong. The Avantime had no real footwell space and the Vel satis was too tall. With the DS5, just get the impression it was designed for the French government rather than what the real world wants. I still Like the DS5, it has some very nice features, but as Andrew has already said, it doesn't carry on Citroens philosophy.

Jim you are fright tho.... Proper seating position and sensible ride and suspension settings are what real people want. Lets face it, how many people know how to drive a car like Tiff Needle for example!

it's not the designers fualt, really, it's the marketing fools that feed the designers with what the public want. ake them out of the equation and let the designers design, might get some innovation back!

rant over!!!

[captainhaddock]

Agree but having said that, I never dreamed I would actually like the XM, years ago.. Could never get to grips with it after the CX styling but now, it's OK and had at least HP. OK, it can leak sometimes. Here and there You don't get that with donkey carts 18 th century springs and Renaults!

[russ92xmsed]

I've always had a thing for the XM since I was a wee nipper! Always thought the CX had such a happy gleeful face to it. So I went backwards...loved the XM first and 'found' the CX slightly later on. As I've said before, would love a mk1 (1982ish) Pallas.

So many cars I'd like to own!!