Citroën DS 1967–1975 car dimensions: 5026 mm long, 1803 mm wide and 1530 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,435 kg. Braked towing is 1,250 kg.
The cabin has deep sofa-like front and rear bench seats that sink comfortably like armchairs. Optional air conditioning was available as a factory or accessory fit, especially on export models, with standard heating and ventilation controls. No electronic driver aids feature. Jump seats in the rear fold into the floor for up to eight occupants total.
Boot space reaches 1900 litres maximum with the rear seats folded for a flat load floor. The two-part tailgate opens with the lower section extending the floor, and jump seats stow flat into the cargo area.
Payload is 640 kg with the self-leveling hydropneumatic suspension keeping the ride height constant under load and the chassis strengthened for estate use. Towing is rated at 1250 kg braked and 500 kg unbraked.
The cabin feels open and airy with a high ceiling and flat floors. Front and rear seats are deeply padded like sofas that cradle you. You sink in and stay supported through corners. The hydropneumatic suspension keeps the body level so the ride glides over bumps without wallow. Rear passengers sit higher for a clear view forward. Jump seats in the load area fold flat and add room for more people. Everything stays composed and quiet on the move.
Petrol engines from 2.0 to 2.3 litres.
Fuel tank holds 65 litres.
Front disc brakes inboard with dual circuits and load-sensitive rear pressure.
Three-point seat belts standard front and rear.
Single-spoke collapsible steering wheel and column.
Self-levelling hydropneumatic suspension with height control.
The Break runs on petrol with engines in the 2-litre to 2.3-litre range. Real-world use shows around 11 litres per 100 km. The 65-litre tank gives decent range for long trips. Front-wheel drive and the long wheelbase keep it stable when loaded.
Servicing centres on the shared hydraulic system that handles suspension, brakes and steering. Check fluid levels and sphere pressures regularly. The system uses LHM mineral oil. Pads and discs are easy to reach under the bonnet. No fixed interval is quoted in period pages, so follow condition and mileage.
Safety kit includes large inboard front discs cooled by air ducts, dual-circuit brakes that adjust effort by load, and a separate mechanical parking brake on the front discs. Seat belts are three-point front and rear. The single-spoke wheel and collapsible column reduce injury risk. Soft seals, padded seat backs and a forward spare tyre add protection. Directional and self-levelling lamps appear on later cars.
Living with the car means enjoying the self-levelling ride that stays flat with heavy loads or when the lower tailgate is down. Raise the body to change a wheel with the built-in stand. Keep the hydraulics clean and pressurised. The big load floor and roof rack make it practical. Parts remain available through specialists.
Length 5026 mm, Width 1803 mm, Height 1530 mm, Wheelbase 3125 mm (DS 1967–1975)
Sources: manufacturer data, auto-data.net, de.wikipedia.org, longstone.com.