Citroen C5

Styling/Image

Taking its inspiration from the C6 executive saloon, the elegant C5 manages to stand out from the crowd. It’s available as either a four-door salon, or rakish Tourer estate –and to our eyes, it’s the wagon that wins the style contest. Both versions are a big step forward over their ungainly predecessor. Build quality is high, if not yet quite a match for its German rivals.

Interior/Practicality

Standard equipment levels are high, with cruise control, seven airbags and stability control fitted to all models. The VTR+ adds 17-inch alloys, dual zone climate control and power fold mirrors. Cabin space is class competitive, while the Tourer serves up 1,462-litres of carrying capacity with the rear bench folded flat. The optional NaviDrive Pack (sat-nav and MP3 connection) is worth considering, as is the Parking Space Measurement System.


Engine/Performance

Only two petrol engines are available for the C5 - 127bhp 1.8i and 143bhp 2.0i – and both are smooth and refined. But most buyers will plump for one of the excellent diesel units instead. The 108bhp 1.6 HDi provides adequate performance, but returns over 50mpg. Pick of the bunch is the 136bhp 2.0 HDi, which will accelerate from standstill to 60mph in 10.6 seconds and still deliver 47mpg at the pumps. Those wanting extra performance can pick either the 170bhp 2.2 HDi, of the pricey 205bhp 2.7 HDi V6 versions

Driving experience

The C5 drives like nothing else on the road, thanks in large part to its superb self-levelling hydro-pneumatic suspension. Available on VTR+ and Exclusive models, it serves up astoundingly supple ride comfort. However, the Citroen isn’t as agile on twisty roads as some of its rivals and the steering lacks weight and feel. Entry-level models get traditional steel springs, which sharpens the handling a little at the expense of ride comfort – although it’s still remarkably composed over broken road surfaces.


Costs

Big Citroens have struggled to return good residuals in the past, but the new C5 could reverse the trend. With a 40 percent retained value after three years, the 2.2 HDi is at least class competitive. Business users will, however, be attracted to the smaller 2.0-litre oil-burner, as its CO2 emissions of 157g/km should attract a lower tax bill. Sadly, the rapid and refined 2.7 HDi returns a disappointing 33.6mpg, only just avoids falling into the top VED band and suffers the worst residuals of the range.

Safety/Environment

A five-star Euro NCAP rating and seven airbags as standard (nine if you order the optional rear lateral airbags) make the C5 one of the safest cars in its class. There are also two Isofix fittings (three on VTR+ and Exclusive), swiveling headlights and a standard traction control system. The optional lane departure warning system is also well worth a look.


Our Choice: C5 2.0 HDi Exclusive