Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Citroen C5 Saloon review

At last, Citroen has a family car to be proud of.

Overall Auto Express Rating

3.0 out of 5

Find your Citroen C5
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Hassle-free way to a brand new car
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Customers got an average £1000 more vs part exchange quotes
Advertisement

Driving
You’ll find yourself immediately relaxed by the latest Citroen C5, as it’s so soothing to drive. The engines never emit more than a distant hum, and power delivery of the HDi diesels is relaxed. Performance is a secondary consideration – which is just as well, as the heavy saloon isn’t that fast, even with 2.2-litre and 2.7-litre V6 diesels fitted. Nevertheless, the Citroen’s suspension gives it a unique feel, particularly the gas set-up of costlier variants, which is focused entirely on comfort. However, there’s no hint of athletic ability, with vague steering and soft suspension. At least roll is limited and grip is good. No, the Citroen’s most at home on motorways, where it seems to glide along. Suspension is less able to deal with sharp ridges and potholes, but overall it’s very relaxing.

Marketplace
Talk about a transformation. This C5 is as striking as its predecessor was dowdy. This is vital, though, as buyers in this sector aspire to German brands. Citroen needed to work hard to attract them – and has made the C5 into a handsome family car. The pronounced creases and bonnet ridges are especially effective. It’s a little angle-sensitive, though, while strong body colours and large-diameter alloys are needed to disguise its sheer size. The French model is longer than a Ford Mondeo, and almost as wide. Unlike the first-generation variant, the current C5 is a saloon, with a Tourer estate model available in the summer of 2008. Trims follow the familiar pattern of SX, VTR+ and Exclusive, with the engine range majoring on HDi diesels – 1.6-litre, 2.0-litre, 2.2-litre and 2.7-litre V6 versions are available. Petrol buyers have only the old-fashioned 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre petrol units to choose from, but in time these will be replaced. Rivals include the Mazda 6, Ford Mondeo, Renault Laguna and Volkswagen Passat, in what is a tightly-fought sector mainly populated by fleet users.

Owning
The interior is quirky, with an individual and interesting design, but the promise of German build quality hasn’t quite materialised. We like the fixed-hub steering wheel and well-shaped seats, but all the cubbies are too small, and the materials don’t seem any more tactile or easy on they eye than those in the C4 hatch. Passenger space is also limited, with less legroom than a Ford Mondeo, plus tight head and shoulder room. A big boot opening is better, though, with the distinctive curved rear window aiding access to lots of floor space. And the C5 also has value on its side, with a lengthy standard kit list, while long-term running costs are manageable thanks to OK fuel economy (though its weight means real-world returns are not quite as good as they could be) and a big improvement in retained values.

Engines, performance and drive

0

MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

0

Interior, design and technology

0

Practicality, comfort and boot space

0

Reliability and Safety

0
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay
Road tax documentation
News

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay

Drivers with newer cars will now pay £10 more per year, although the biggest gas guzzlers fare even worse
28 Mar 2024
Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power
Dacia Sandero - front
News

Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power

Both the Sandero and Sandero Stepway ranges have been tweaked, gaining more safety features to meet the latest regulations
26 Mar 2024
Car Deal of the Day: updated Skoda Enyaq at 0% APR and a free home wallbox charger thrown in
Skoda Enyaq iV - front cornering
News

Car Deal of the Day: updated Skoda Enyaq at 0% APR and a free home wallbox charger thrown in

Skoda’s family-friendly EV with 348-mile range is our Car Deal of the Day for 26 March
26 Mar 2024