The new joint venture between Chang-an Auto and Citroen (CAPSA) is quite possibly one of the more exciting ones in China, rather than producing the usual three box sedans that Chinese consumers were once so fond of, CAPSA are eager to bring in their flagship DS5.

The DS5 is already sold in China but the DS dealer network is spotty at best, the DS3, DS4 and DS5 are all on sale in China as imported products but as with all imports, prices are high and sales are low. These spy shots seem to indicate that pre-production is well underway at the new partnership in Shenzhen, we can expect that the DS5 will be launched in the middle of 2013 and could likely be priced in the 230,000RMB to 300,000RMB price range, putting it below Audi, BMW and Mercedes on-par other semi premium brands such as Buick and Volvo.

Interestingly the DS name has gained a Chinese name. According to Chinese regulations for automotive names, all Chinese made cars should carry the manufacturers name in Chinese on the rear of the car. The DS range has now become 长安蒂艾仕 (Chang-An Di Yi Shi) which seems to be a strong name meaning official of the emperor, remember that the DS5 is also the official car of the French president. Good name, no?

Power hasn’t yet been discussed by CAPSA or the Chinese media, a flagship 1.6T along with naturally aspirated 2.0L or 2.3L engines are likely but we can rule out any diesel hybrids in the short term.