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Citroen DS III 21 ie (125 Hp) Automatic
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)
III Overview:
Citroen DS (III). With 183 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1360 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. The top speed reaches 177 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.
As a vehicle from the early 1970s, the Citroen DS III predates modern crash safety standards and testing protocols like Euro NCAP. Safety features were rudimentary by today's measures, focusing more on structural integrity and basic occupant restraint systems common for its era.
21 ie (125 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A very capable engine with electronic injection, offering smooth power delivery and comfortable automatic shifts.
Fuel Economy
Improved efficiency due to electronic injection, making it a relatively sensible choice for its power output.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Unrivaled ride comfort from hydro-pneumatic suspension
- • Iconic, timeless design and styling
- • Advanced engineering for its era (e.g., swiveling headlights, fuel injection)
- • Spacious and luxurious interior
- • Strong classic car appeal and appreciating value
Cons:
- • Complex mechanicals can be expensive to maintain and repair
- • Fuel economy is poor by modern standards
- • Lack of modern safety features
- • Finding skilled mechanics for the hydro-pneumatic system can be challenging
- • Rust can be an issue on unrestored examples
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(III: 1970 - 1971).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Citroen |
| Model: | DS |
| Generation: | III |
| Modification (Engine): | 21 ie (125 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1971 |
| End of production: | 1972 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 125 Hp @ 5250 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 57.5 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 183 Nm @ 2500 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 2175 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5 l |
| Coolant: | 11 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 90 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 85.5 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed: | 177 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10.9 kg/Hp, 91.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.4 kg/Nm, 134.6 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1360 |
| Max. weight: | 1840 |
| Max load: | 480 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 500 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 65 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4874 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1803 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1470 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 3125 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1516 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1316 mm |
| Front overhang: | 1016 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 733 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 | 3 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Front suspension | Hydro-pneumatic element |
| Rear suspension | Hydro-pneumatic element |
Your first impression of the Citroen DS in one word? Go!