C5's alive with striking new look

	The latest C5 also draws on the C-Airplay supermini concept, with a front end which is dominated by a pronounced trapezoidal grille

This is Citroen's 'Mondeo', the all-new C5. Totally redesigned, the French saloon gets a fresh platform, a new air-suspension system and a high-quality interior which offers much more space.

But it's the car's looks which will really attract buyers. Capitalising on the momentum that was built up by the firm's amazing motor show concepts such as the C-Métisse hybrid (Issue 926), the new C5 debuts a new face for the French company.

The latest C5 also draws on the C-Airplay supermini concept, with a front end which is dominated by a pronounced trapezoidal grille. Its leading edges continue up the bonnet, framing the firm's trademark double-chevron badge.

The bold styling carries on with a sweeping roofline and concave rear window, cues which are both inspired by the C6 luxury saloon. With chunky wheelarches and a high tail, finished off by distinctive, angular tail-lights, it is a much more confident-looking model than its predecessor.

It needs to be, too. With Ford's racy Mondeo and Renault's stylish Laguna going on sale this year, competition in the large family car market will be tough. However, Citroen has set its sights high, benchmarking the new C5 against the Audi A4 and Volkswagen Passat. And we have already snapped a development mule which was in convoy with these cars.

Inside, the cabin boasts contrasting-colour trims, soft-touch materials and some real design flair. A bold chrome line divides the curvy dashboard, with a large colour screen in the upper half. Clear semi-circular dials feature in the instrument binnacle, while the steering wheel has a fixed hub on which controls for the stereo, speed limiter and cruise control are located. Optional extras such as Citroen's lane departure warning system and a head-up display will be seen on top-spec models.

Underneath the skin lies an all-new platform with a longer wheelbase. This promises class-leading space for passengers and their luggage. Ride comfort should also be first-rate, thanks to the latest Hydractive 4 air-suspension system. Engines will include punchy diesels such as the firm's new 173bhp 2.2-litre HDI unit and the Ford/PSA-developed 2.7 V6, as well as a range of petrol motors topped off by a 3.0-litre V6. While most models will come with six-speed manual transmissions, there will also be the choice of semi-automatic and fully auto gearboxes.

Getting its worldwide debut at September's Frankfurt Motor Show, the new C5 will arrive in the UK in early 2008 with a starting price of £16,000.