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Citroen DS III 23 Injection (130 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 195 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1340 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 11.9 s). The top speed reaches 188 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.
23 Injection (130 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The most potent manual option, offering strong acceleration and a more engaging driving experience, ideal for enthusiasts.
Fuel Economy
Fuel injection provides a noticeable improvement in efficiency and responsiveness over carburetted versions, though still a classic engine.
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: 1971 - 1975).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Citroen |
| Model: | DS |
| Generation: | III |
| Modification (Engine): | 23 Injection (130 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1972 |
| End of production: | 1975 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 130 Hp @ 5250 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 55.4 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 195 Nm @ 2500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M23-627 More details about the engine M23-627 |
| Engine displacement: | 2347 |
| 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: | 13 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) |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 11.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 11.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 188 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10.3 kg/Hp, 97 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.9 kg/Nm, 145.5 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 11.3 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1340 |
| Max. weight: | 1840 |
| Max. roof load: | 80 kg |
| Max load: | 500 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 500 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 65 l |
| 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 |
Behind the wheel of the Citroen DS. How does it handle on the road?