The DS 5 1.6 BlueHDi 120 Stop&Start, produced between 2015 and 2018, represents a significant offering within the DS 5 range. Positioned as a fuel-efficient and practical option, this variant aimed to broaden the appeal of the DS 5, a hatchback that sought to blend French comfort with a touch of avant-garde styling. It falls within the second generation of the DS 5, built on the PSA Group’s EMP2 platform, shared with models like the Peugeot 308 and Citroën C4 Picasso. This particular engine and transmission combination was designed to appeal to buyers prioritizing economy and refinement over outright performance.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | DS |
| Model | 5 |
| Generation | 5 |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 BlueHDi (120 Hp) Stop&Start |
| Start of production | 2015 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 4.5-4.6 l/100 km (52.3 – 51.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.4-3.6 l/100 km (69.2 – 65.3 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 3.8-4.1 l/100 km (61.9 – 57.4 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 100-105 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 191 km/h (118.68 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 120 Hp @ 3500 rpm |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 1750 rpm (221.27 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | BHZ DV6FC |
| Engine displacement | 1560 cm3 (95.2 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 75 mm (2.95 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88.3 mm (3.48 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.75 l (3.96 US qt | 3.3 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1428-1559 kg (3148.2 – 3437.01 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2020 kg (4453.34 lbs.) |
| Max load | 461-592 kg (1016.33 – 1305.14 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 468 l (16.53 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1288 l (45.49 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1400 kg (3086.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 745 kg (1642.44 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 4530 mm (178.35 in.) |
| Width | 1871-2128 mm (73.66 – 83.78 in.) |
| Height | 1505-1539 mm (59.25 – 60.59 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2727 mm (107.36 in.) |
| Front track | 1575-1582 mm (62.01 – 62.28 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1599-1609 mm (62.95 – 63.35 in.) |
| Front overhang | 996 mm (39.21 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 807 mm (31.77 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.2 m (36.75 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 215/60 R16; 215/55 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 16; 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the DS 5 1.6 BlueHDi 120 Stop&Start is the PSA Group’s DV6FC engine, specifically the BHZ variant. This is a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder diesel engine employing common-rail direct injection and a turbocharger with intercooling. The engine benefits from advanced technologies like a particulate filter to meet stringent Euro 6 emission standards. The engine produces 120 horsepower at 3500 rpm and a respectable 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque at 1750 rpm. The Stop&Start system automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stationary, improving fuel economy in urban driving conditions. The engine’s architecture is relatively simple, contributing to its reliability, but the common-rail system and turbocharger require careful maintenance.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6 BlueHDi 120, paired with a six-speed manual transmission, delivers a comfortable and refined driving experience. While not particularly sporty, it provides adequate performance for everyday driving. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes around 11.1 seconds, and the top speed is 118.68 mph. The engine’s torque is readily available from low revs, making it easy to navigate city traffic and maintain speed on the highway. Compared to higher-powered DS 5 variants, such as those with the 2.0 BlueHDi engine, this version feels less urgent, but it offers significantly better fuel economy. The gear ratios are well-chosen to maximize efficiency and provide smooth transitions.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The DS 5 1.6 BlueHDi 120 typically came with a good level of standard equipment. This included features like air conditioning, a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and alloy wheels. Higher trim levels offered upgrades such as leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, and advanced driver-assistance systems like lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking. Interior upholstery was generally cloth on base models, with leather options available on higher trims. The dashboard layout was characterized by a unique watch strap-inspired design, a signature element of the DS brand.
Chassis & Braking
The DS 5 1.6 BlueHDi 120 utilizes a McPherson strut front suspension and a semi-independent coil spring rear suspension. This setup provides a comfortable ride quality, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road effectively. The braking system consists of ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, providing adequate stopping power. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard. The suspension tuning is geared towards comfort rather than sporty handling, making it well-suited for long-distance journeys.
Market Reception & Comparison
The DS 5 1.6 BlueHDi 120 was generally well-received by critics for its fuel efficiency and comfortable ride. It was seen as a practical and economical choice for buyers seeking a stylish and refined hatchback. Compared to the more powerful DS 5 variants, it offered a lower price point and better fuel economy, but at the expense of performance. Against competitors like the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus, the DS 5 stood out with its distinctive styling and luxurious interior. However, some critics noted that the infotainment system could be complex to use.
Legacy
The 1.6 BlueHDi engine has proven to be a relatively reliable unit, although, like all diesel engines, it requires regular maintenance, including oil changes and filter replacements. The Stop&Start system can sometimes experience issues, but these are generally minor. In the used car market, the DS 5 1.6 BlueHDi 120 represents a good value proposition, offering a comfortable and economical driving experience at an affordable price. Its distinctive styling and well-equipped interior continue to appeal to buyers looking for a car that stands out from the crowd. The engine’s fuel efficiency remains a key selling point, particularly in an era of rising fuel costs.
