The Citroën DS III 23 Injection Automatic, produced between 1972 and 1975, represented a high-performance variant within the iconic DS (Déesse – Goddess) range. Positioned as a premium offering, it combined the revolutionary hydropneumatic suspension and design of the DS with a fuel-injected, 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine and a three-speed automatic transmission. This model aimed to provide a blend of luxury, performance, and the unique driving experience for which the DS was renowned. It sat at the top of the DS range, offering more power and refinement than the carbureted versions.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Citroen |
| Model | DS |
| Generation | DS III |
| Type (Engine) | 23 Injection (130 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1972 |
| End of production | 1975 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.4 kg/Hp, 96.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.9 kg/Nm, 144.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 130 Hp @ 5250 rpm |
| Power per litre | 55.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 195 Nm @ 2500 rpm (143.82 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M23-627 |
| Engine displacement | 2347 cm3 (143.22 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 93.5 mm (3.68 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 85.5 mm (3.37 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 8.75:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 5 l (5.28 US qt | 4.4 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 13 l (13.74 US qt | 11.44 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1350 kg (2976.24 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1840 kg (4056.51 lbs.) |
| Max load | 490 kg (1080.27 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 500 l (17.66 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 65 l (17.17 US gal | 14.3 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 80 kg (176.37 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 30 kg (66.14 lbs.) |
| Length | 4874 mm (191.89 in.) |
| Width | 1803 mm (70.98 in.) |
| Height | 1470 mm (57.87 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3125 mm (123.03 in.) |
| Front track | 1516 mm (59.69 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1316 mm (51.81 in.) |
| Front overhang | 1016 mm (40 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 733 mm (28.86 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11 m (36.09 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 3 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Hydro-pneumatic element |
| Rear suspension | Hydro-pneumatic element |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
INTRODUCTION
The Citroën DS III 23 Injection Automatic, produced from 1972 to 1975, was a flagship model within the DS range, representing the pinnacle of Citroën’s engineering prowess. The DS, launched in 1955, was revolutionary for its time, featuring a self-leveling hydropneumatic suspension system, power steering, and disc brakes on all four wheels – features unheard of on mass-produced vehicles at the time. The “23 Injection” designation referred to the 2.3-liter engine equipped with Bosch mechanical fuel injection, a significant upgrade over the carbureted versions. The automatic transmission, while not common on European cars of this era, was aimed at providing a more comfortable and accessible driving experience for discerning customers.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the DS 23 Injection was the M23-627 engine, a 2347cc inline-four cylinder unit. This engine differed significantly from the earlier DS engines through the adoption of Bosch mechanical fuel injection. This system, a multi-port design, precisely metered fuel into the intake manifold, improving efficiency and power output compared to the previous carbureted setups. The engine featured a cast iron block and an aluminum cylinder head, with two valves per cylinder operated by a single overhead camshaft. The 8.75:1 compression ratio was a compromise between performance and fuel quality. The three-speed automatic transmission, while providing convenience, was a relatively simple design compared to modern automatics. It utilized a torque converter and planetary gearsets to provide smooth, albeit not particularly quick, gear changes.
Driving Characteristics
The DS 23 Injection Automatic offered a unique driving experience. The hydropneumatic suspension provided an exceptionally smooth and comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road with remarkable ease. However, the combination of the 130 horsepower engine and the three-speed automatic transmission resulted in performance that was more relaxed than sporty. Acceleration was adequate, but not brisk, and the automatic transmission’s gear ratios were not optimized for rapid acceleration. Compared to the manual transmission versions of the DS 23, the automatic was noticeably slower. The automatic transmission did, however, enhance the car’s usability in city traffic and on long journeys, reducing driver fatigue. The steering, assisted by Citroën’s innovative power steering system, remained light and precise, contributing to the car’s overall ease of driving.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The DS 23 Injection Automatic was generously equipped, reflecting its position as a luxury vehicle. Standard features included comfortable seating upholstered in high-quality cloth or leather (optional), a wood-trimmed dashboard, and power-assisted steering. Optional extras included air conditioning, a radio, and upgraded interior trim. The interior design was typically Citroën – functional, stylish, and focused on driver comfort. The dashboard featured a comprehensive array of gauges, including a speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and coolant temperature gauge. The overall ambiance was one of understated elegance and sophistication.
Chassis & Braking
The DS chassis was renowned for its advanced design. The hydropneumatic suspension system, utilizing nitrogen-filled spheres and hydraulic fluid, provided self-leveling and adjustable ride height. This system allowed the car to maintain a consistent ride height regardless of load and to absorb even the most significant road imperfections. The front suspension utilized independent double wishbones, while the rear suspension employed a trailing arm design. Braking was provided by disc brakes on all four wheels, offering excellent stopping power. However, the rear brakes were often drum brakes, a cost-saving measure. The steering system, a rack-and-pinion design with hydraulic assistance, provided precise and effortless steering control.
Market Reception & Comparison
The DS 23 Injection Automatic was generally well-received by critics, who praised its ride comfort, innovative technology, and luxurious appointments. However, the automatic transmission was sometimes criticized for its lack of responsiveness and its impact on performance. Compared to other luxury cars of the era, such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the Jaguar XJ, the DS offered a unique and distinctive driving experience. Fuel economy was reasonable for a car of its size and performance, but not exceptional. Reliability was generally good, although the complex hydropneumatic suspension system required regular maintenance. The DS 23 Injection Automatic was significantly more expensive than the carbureted versions of the DS, making it a niche model aimed at affluent buyers.
Legacy
The Citroën DS 23 Injection Automatic remains a highly sought-after classic car today. Its innovative technology, distinctive styling, and exceptional ride comfort have earned it a devoted following. The M23-627 engine, while not known for its outright power, is generally considered to be a reliable unit when properly maintained. The hydropneumatic suspension system, however, requires specialized knowledge and regular attention to prevent leaks and maintain optimal performance. In the used car market, well-maintained examples of the DS 23 Injection Automatic command premium prices, reflecting their rarity and historical significance. The DS, in all its variants, is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential automobiles of the 20th century, and the 23 Injection Automatic represents a particularly refined and luxurious expression of Citroën’s engineering genius.
