The inventions of French engineers have distinguished themselves by often ingenious simplicity in the past (with exceptions). Whether that is the case also in the field of hybrid vehicles remains to investigate. We want to do in comparison to current world leader Toyota.

Citroen together with Peugeot rely on the diesel engine and expects even more savings. Toyota is facing it rather hesitant, focuses on specific controlling and thus saving at the gasoline engine. Below the line this is naturally more cost-saving.

Citroen uses the unchanged drivetrain front and supplemented it with electric drive rear. This results in additional all-wheel qualities but increases the weight compared to Toyota, however, where two electric motors are so integrated into the drivetrain that there still comes out a continuously variable automatic transmission.

Enthuses one not necessarily for all-wheel drive is now already enormous the double cost saving from Toyota. In addition, the all-wheel drive loses in the hybrid one of its main key selling points: there are possible only 800 kg towing capacity. Of course, considerable is also the difference in curb weight which despite significantly higher system performance not just quicken the driving performance.

The electric motor on the rear axle and the battery let shrink the luggage space to the dimension of the compact class. Tests ascertain from the paper values deviating reality. This e.g. applies for the driving performance, the e.g. the specified, impressive total torque not seem to confirm. Also the interaction between the front and rear drive is criticized.

This all leads to a moderate consumption which barely can be compared with that of the Toyota because of the vehicle class. The savings compared to his brother without hybrid the DS 5 can prove. But whether the 5000 Euro extra charge ever will be recouped remains questionable. 09/12