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Citroen DS III 20 (99 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)
III Overview:
Citroen DS (III). With 148 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1280 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. The top speed reaches 169 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.
20 (99 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
An adequate entry-level engine, providing sufficient power for daily driving but lacking the spirited feel of higher trims.
Fuel Economy
Slightly better fuel economy than the larger 23 engine, but still a thirsty carburetted unit.
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): | 20 (99 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1971 |
| End of production: | 1975 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 99 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 49.9 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 148 Nm @ 3500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | B20704 More details about the engine B20704 |
| Engine displacement: | 1985 |
| 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 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 90 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 78 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.75:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed: | 169 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 12.9 kg/Hp, 77.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8.6 kg/Nm, 115.6 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1280 |
| Max. weight: | 1760 |
| Max. roof load: | 80 kg |
| Max load: | 480 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 500 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: | 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 | 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 |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Front suspension | Hydro-pneumatic element |
| Rear suspension | Hydro-pneumatic element |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Citroen DS!