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Daring New C5 Set To Make A Splash

Oh we do like to be beside the C5... Or at least, our spy photographers do. They have proved it by catching the world-exclusive shots of Citroen's daring new family car enjoying a day at the beach which you can see in this week's issue.

By Dan Strong

02nd June 2004

Designed to silence critics of the original - who said the 2001 model lacked visual drama and road presence - the facelifted C5 sports a challenging look. It's sure to meet with a wave of approval from die-hard Citroen fans.

Aimed at the likes of the Renault Laguna and Vauxhall Vectra, the C5 is charged with improving the firm's fortunes in what is currently a declining market sector. Taking its inspiration from the C-Airdream concept and forthcoming C4 small family car, it will lead Citroen's drive back to high fashion and big sales.

Key changes have been made to the front end, which now features the company's distinctive new grille, highlighting the classic double-chevron badging. The headlights are narrower and sweep backwards up the bonnet. Meanwhile, the front bumpers are lower and more rounded and, together with bigger wheels and tyres, add to the car's purposeful stance. At the rear, the revamped model is further improved. As our pictures in the mag show, smart revised lamp clusters cut into the bootlid and tailgate.

Other alterations include wider door mirrors and special chrome detailing. Sources close to the project have also revealed that the C5 will be extensively reworked inside. There will be a completely new dashboard and a smaller centre console - changed after consultation with existing C5 drivers who felt the original was too bulky. In addition, the instrument layout has been tidied up, and promises clearer, neater dials.

Better quality seat fabrics and new plastics aim to boost the cabin's luxury feel, which will be enhanced by brushed aluminium inserts. Under the bonnet, much of the current petrol range will be carried over. The line-up includes 117bhp 1.8 and 138bhp 2.0-litre powerplants, plus a 210bhp 3.0-litre V6.

The C5 could also use the 160bhp 2.2-litre from its sister model, the Peugeot 407, although insiders suggest this unit may not be available in the UK due to high cost and a lack of demand. The oil-burning range is set for a shake-up, however, and engines which have recently been announced for the 407 are likely to feature heavily.

The entry-level 90bhp 2.0-litre HDi diesel will remain, but the current car's 110bhp 2.0 and 136bhp 2.2 HDi units are set for the axe. They will be replaced by a pair of oil-burners that have been developed with Ford: the 110bhp 1.6-litre used in the Focus C-MAX and the Peugeot 307, plus a 137bhp 2.0.
The revised C5 is expected to make its world debut alongside the all-new C4 at September's Paris Motor Show, and will be available across Europe by the end of the year. UK sales are tipped to start in late October, with prices similar to that of the current range. This means drivers will be able to enjoy Citroen's cashback discounts and tempting insurance and servicing deals right from the launch of the new car.

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