Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Citroen DS Break 23 (115 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)
Break Overview:
Citroen DS (Break). With 183 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1435 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. The top speed reaches 171 km/h. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Citroen DS Break was produced long before modern crash testing standards like Euro NCAP existed. Safety features were rudimentary by today's measures, focusing on structural integrity and basic restraints, not advanced crumple zones or airbags.
23 (115 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 2.3L M23-623 engine provided adequate power for the DS Break, offering smooth acceleration suitable for comfortable highway cruising rather than sporty driving. Its 115 Hp was competitive for a large family car of the early 1970s.
Fuel Economy
As a carbureted engine from the early 1970s, fuel economy would be considered poor by modern standards. Expect moderate to high fuel consumption, especially in city driving, typical for its era.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Unparalleled ride comfort due to hydro-pneumatic suspension
- • Iconic and futuristic design for its era
- • Spacious interior and large cargo capacity in Break variant
- • Excellent road holding and handling for a large car
- • Historical significance and collector's appeal
Cons:
- • Complex hydro-pneumatic system requires specialized maintenance
- • Fuel economy is poor by modern standards
- • Parts can be expensive and harder to source for specific components
- • Safety features are rudimentary compared to contemporary vehicles
- • Potential for rust issues if not well-preserved
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(III: 1971 - 1975).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Citroen |
| Model: | DS |
| Generation: | Break |
| Modification (Engine): | 23 (115 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1972 |
| End of production: | 1975 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 115 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 49 Hp/l [152mm more] |
| Torque: | 183 Nm @ 3500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M23-623 More details about the engine M23-623 |
| Engine displacement: | 2347 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5 l |
| Coolant: | 11.3 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 93.5 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 85.5 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.75:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed: | 171 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 12.5 kg/Hp, 80.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.8 kg/Nm, 127.5 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1435 |
| Max. weight: | 2075 |
| Max. roof load: | 80 kg |
| Max load: | 640 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1900 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1250 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 65 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 500 kg |
| Permitted towbar download: | 30 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5026 mm mm [152mm more] |
| Width: | 1803 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1530 mm mm [60mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 3125 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1516 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1316 mm |
| Front overhang: | 1016 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 885 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 145 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 12 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 | 5 |
| 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 |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Front suspension | Hydro-pneumatic element |
| Rear suspension | Hydro-pneumatic element |
Driven it? Loved it? Hated it? Share your honest review!