Citroen DS I 19 (83 Hp)
Overall Rating
Citroen DS:
The Citroën DS is a front mid-engined, front-wheel drive executive car manufactured and marketed by Citroën from 1955 to 1975, in fastback/sedan, wagon/estate, and convertible body configurations, across a single generation comprising three series.
Marketed with a less expensive variant, the Citroën ID, the DS was known for its aerodynamic, futuristic body design; unorthodox, quirky, and innovative technology. It set new standards in ride quality, handling, and braking, thanks to both being the first mass production car equipped with hydropneumatic suspension, as well as disc brakes. The 1967 Series 3 also introduced directional headlights to automotive mass-production....(Read more on Wikipedia)
I Overview:
Citroen DS (I). With 142 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1220 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. The top speed reaches 158 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The 1961 Citroen DS I predates modern crash testing standards like Euro NCAP, which began in 1997. Therefore, no official Euro NCAP safety rating is available for this generation. Safety features are rudimentary by today's standards.
19 (83 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers adequate performance for its era, capable of comfortable cruising with a top speed of 158 km/h. Not built for outright speed, but for smooth, effortless travel befitting its luxurious ride.
Fuel Economy
As a carburetted engine from the early 60s, fuel economy is not its strong suit, expecting moderate consumption typical for its displacement and technology of the time.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Unmatched ride comfort due to hydro-pneumatic suspension
- • Iconic and timeless design
- • Innovative technology for its era (power steering, disc brakes, swiveling headlights on later models)
- • Spacious and luxurious interior
- • Excellent road holding and stability
Cons:
- • Complex hydro-pneumatic system can be costly and specialized to maintain
- • Parts availability can be challenging for some specific components
- • Performance is adequate but not sporty by modern standards
- • Safety features are rudimentary compared to contemporary vehicles
- • Can be prone to rust if not properly cared for
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I Cabriolet Chapron: 1960 - 1961).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Citroen |
| Model: | DS |
| Generation: | I |
| Modification (Engine): | 19 (83 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1961 |
| End of production: | 1962 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 83 Hp @ 4500 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 43.4 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 142 Nm @ 3000 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 1911 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHV |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4 l |
| Coolant: | 11 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 78 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 100 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed: | 158 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 14.7 kg/Hp, 68 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8.6 kg/Nm, 116.4 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1220 |
| Max. weight: | 1700 |
| Max load: | 480 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 500 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 65 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4800 mm mm [20mm less] |
| Width: | 1790 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1470 mm mm [20mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 3125 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1500 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1300 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Front suspension | Hydro-pneumatic element |
| Rear suspension | Hydro-pneumatic element |









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