citroen

C5/C5 Tourer

Available as a saloon or tourer, the C5 is the perfect combination of comfort, style, luxury and safety. All functions and controls are very close to hand in the cockpit and the class-leading specifications are first rate.

Test Drive

Citroen C5 Exclusive Techno Pack saloon HDi 180 6-speed Auto

There’s no denying the fact that through the generations Citroen has been a company that has never shied away from gambling on a car design – there have been some amazing, thought-provoking examples and others that have caused a gasp of dismay when first seen.

But one thing is guaranteed; the cars are full of character and have their own unique personality. And one particular model that stood out as a fabulous newcomer when it first hit the roads back in 2001 was the larger-than-life Citroen C5.

In those days when the ‘larger’ car was all the rage, buyers couldn’t get enough of the stylish French masterpiece with 45,502 first generation models sold between 2001 and 2004. The second generation version which ran from 2004 to 2008 saw quite a dramatic fall in sales with just 11,711 units sold.

But it’s the third generation (and current) version that has really suffered the biggest downfall with just 17,105 sales over eight years. And it’s because of that decline that the C5 sales books have now been closed to the right hand drive version of the versatile model.

Although we must move with the times, it does seem a shame because the car, despite being somewhat dated, still has plenty of all-round appeal and still boasts one of the smoothest rides over any bumpy or pothole-ridden surface. In fact, it was the original car that became renowned for its development of Citroen’s hydropneumatic suspension (now called Hydractive 3) which raised and lowered the car’s suspension to offer the most comfortable and efficient ride.

Approached from any angle, the C5 still stands out thanks to smooth, sweeping lines, 18-inch alloys, body-coloured bumpers, door handles and mirrors, chrome trim, Xenon directional lights and LED daytime running lights.

Step inside the massive cabin and there is heaps of space with ample room for three adults to stretch out in comfort in the back seats. Plus, there is an array of on-board technology that is included in the £29,560 asking price (increased to £32,520 with some options added).

Techno treats include a great sound system, dual zone air conditioning, cruise control, a colour touchscreen, sat nav, Bluetooth connectivity, part-leather upholstery, a reversing camera with parking sensors, mood lighting and lots more besides.

In fairness, the interior does look a tad dated these days with far too much hard plastic on show and you have to be some sort of contortionist to access the cup holder buried deep inside the central bin. But apart from those minor gripes, the C5 still delivers when it comes to performance.

The test car was fitted with a 2.0-litre 180bhp diesel powertrain mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. It could sprint to 62mph from a standing start in 8.7 seconds and maxed out at 138mph. The official combined fuel economy figure is 64.2mpg and carbon emissions are 114g/km.

During my week-long road test, I drove about 500 miles and there were plenty of features of the C5 that impressed me. Possibly the most note-worth were the car’s extreme comfort levels and the other was the economy on such a large vehicle – I was seeing an average of 59mpg which is very close to the official figure.

In busy, congested villages and town centres the C5 handled really well with the parking sensors and reversing camera proving most helpful when squeezing into tight spaces. In all honesty, the C5 proved far more agile and easy to manoeuvre than I had expected.

But it’s out on the faster lanes and motorways where it really excelled as it moved smoothly through the gears with a constant supply of power on tap at all times. The road-holding was very assured and there was virtually no engine, road surface or wind noise to be heard within the cabin.

Then when it comes to storage, the boot is generously sized with a capacity of 439 litres, a limit that can be increased further with the split-folding rear seats lowered. In addition, there is plenty of handy storage options scattered throughout the cabin.

It does seem a shame that the C5 will be discontinued here in the UK, but I suppose all good things have to come to an end and as a spokesman for Citroen explained: “Sales have declined in the past few years in line with the product life-cycle. The D segment has also reduced and now makes up only 4% of the market. Demand has moved to vehicles in other segments such as SUVs and MPVs. A combination of the current C5s sale performance and declining volumes in the segment explains our decision to withdraw C5 in the UK.”

 

Road test

Citroen C5 Tourer Exclusive HDI 160

Motorists looking for an estate car these days are not satisfied with a simple load lugger – there is more emphasis on style, driving dynamics, efficiency and on-board technology than ever before.

And that means the manufacturers have to produce vehicles that meet all these criteria yet still remain practical along the way.

One such vehicle is the Citroen C5 Tourer, which despite its larger-than-life dimensions is a comfortable, practical and economical model that is richly equipped with technology.

First opinions count too and the C5 Tourer looks elegant from any approach thanks to its smooth curves and streamlining, massive panoramic roof, LED daytime running lights, xenon headlamps, dark tinted rear windows, flashes of smart chrome trim and 19-inch alloys.

The interior is elegantly designed with a host of techno treats to be explored such as automatic dual zone air conditioning, smart leather upholstery and supportive seats that can be electrically-adjusted with a memory setting function. The front seats can also be heated and the driver benefits from a massage setting which is most welcome on longer journeys.

Elsewhere there is a pitch perfect sound system with CD player which is compatible with all modern multi-media devices, sat nav, a reversing camera, parking sensors, cruise control with speed limiter, Bluetooth connectivity and plenty more besides.

But there’s still no mistaking the fact that C5 Tourer owners will expect their car to be practical and versatile and it’s just that thanks to the huge boot with a capacity of 505 litres which can be increased to 1,642 litres with the rear seats folded flat.

A powered tailgate and flat loading area are additional factors of note.

The test car was powered by a 2.0-litre 160bhp diesel-driven engine with a six-speed manual transmission. It can sprint from 0-62mph in a very respectable 9.3 seconds and tops out at 130mph.

And according to official figures the car can deliver combined fuel efficiency of 55.4mpg with carbon emissions of 133g/km.

In busy city centres, the car cruises effortlessly through the congested traffic and despite its lengthy size, the C5 Tourer is both nimble and easy to manoeuvre with the parking sensors and rearview camera proving invaluable when squeezing into tight parking bays.

Then out on the faster open roads and motorways, the C5 Tourer really comes into its own as it accelerates smoothly and responsively through the six gears offering a constant supply of power on tap which helps you make light work of overtaking. In fact, it feels perfectly grounded and the precise steering and handling also impress.

However, the C5 Tourer is not without its flaws and during a 550-mile week-long test, two particularly irritating factors emerged.

The first is the positioning of the hazard warning lights button. It’s placed over on the passenger side of the car above the glovebox making it impossible to reach quickly without leaning across – which is certainly not ideal in an emergency.

The second somewhat annoying aspect is the cup holder. It’s located inside a central bin and is really awkward to access. And if you should place a tin of pop in there it can take some work to prize it free again!

These may sound like trivial matters, but the C5 Tourer is very likely to spend much of its lifespan clocking up the business miles where hazard lights can be frequently needed and the comfort of a drink stored conveniently should not be too much to ask for.

But those two issues aside, the car was an absolute delight to drive. It’s quiet, comfortable and seems to glide across the Tarmac with the highly-efficient suspension system ironing out the road surface creases along the way.

And it’s packed with a most comprehensive range of safety specifications too which helped it achieve the maximum five stars in the Euro NCAP ratings.

All in all, the Citroen C5 Tourer is a fabulous car which offers a perfect blend of practicality, luxury and driving dynamics – everything an estate car should be.

And it also carries a reasonably competitive price-tag of £26,780 (increased to £30,810 with options fitted).

Test Drive

Citroen C5 Exclusive Tourer HDi 200

Finding the ideal estate car is not an easy task. They have to be practical, economical, feature-rich and even look fashionable to keep up appearances and impress the right people on the school run.

Thankfully Citroen can tick all those boxes with its C5 Tourer. It boasts eye-catching streamlined good looks, stacks of techno treats, beautiful driving dynamics and notable economy along the way.

First impressions are vital and the C5 Tourer doesn’t disappoint thanks to its sweeping lines, roof rails, dark tinted rear windows and tailgate, 18-inch alloys, LED daytime running lights, twin exhaust pipes and numerous chrome effects on the bumper, boot sills, fog lamp surrounds, door handles and mirrors.

And once inside it’s hard not to appreciate the beautiful craftsmanship and abundance of creature comforts that greet you at every turn in the driver-focused cockpit.

For example, the test car featured an MP3 compatible sound system with CD player, dual zone air conditioning with pollen filter Bluetooth connectivity, sat nav, leather electrically-adjustable heated seats with memory settings, a reversing camera, interior mood lighting, cruise control and plenty more besides.

All occupants are treated to plenty of space and comfort levels are very high all round. And when it comes to storage the C5 Tourer boasts a larger-than-life boot that can accommodate 505 litres of luggage. This capacity can quicklybe increased to 1,462 litres thanks to split-folding rear seats.

The tailgate is opened and closed automatically and the low loading ridge makes it much easier to pack heavy or awkwardly-shaped items.

Of course, the likelihood is the car will be expected to eat up the long hours of motorway miles as well as being flexible enough to cope with an active family. The C5 Tourer lives up to those high expectations.

The test model was powered by a 2.2-litre diesel engine with six-speed automatic gearbox. During my week-long test I clocked up almost 500 miles behind the wheel and it has to be said, the car handled beautifully.

It can sprint to 62mph from a standing start in 8.6 seconds and has a top speed of 140mph. According to Citroen the combined fuel economy is a creditable 46.3mpg with carbon emissions of 159g/km.

On twisting country lanes, it gripped the Tarmac like glue and tight bends are conquered with ease with no body roll of note.

When notching up the motorway miles, there was a constant supply of power on tap and the acceleration through the six-speed automatic gearbox was smooth and responsive at all times.

Another plus factor is how quiet and well insulated the car is. Even at higher speeds there is virtually no engine or road surface noise

And the C5 Tourer was just as accomplished when being driven through busy city centre traffic too.

Its length of 4.8 metres means large parking spaces are essential but the reversing camera and sensors will make you look like an absolute expert when squeezing into tight spaces.

The top-of-the-range model also featured Citroen’s Hydractive 3+ system which offers extra control over the vehicle’s suspension with a sport button to increase the all-round driving dynamics.

All in all, the C5 Tourer is a striking piece of kit. It’s versatile, stylish and has a price-tag that won’t break the bank.

Add in the comprehensive range of safety specifications and the car is outstanding value with the top-end test car priced at £33,375 with a few extras added in.

Test Drive

Citroen C5 2.2 HDi Exclusive

There is always something a little bit special about a Citroen that helps it stand out from the crowd and the C5 is no exception to that rule.

Whereas less adventurous manufacturers try to steer well clear of anything not in the norm, Citroen always strives for a little unique flair and the C5 has it in the form of a front seat that boasts a back massaging feature.

To be honest, that little gem simply sets the tone for the level of quality throughout the vehicle. For example, the C5 boasts heated seats, a heat-reflecting windscreen, rear parking sensors, an adjustable leather steering wheel with mounted audio controls and an excellent on-board computer system.

And complementing the sophisticated steering wheel design, the instrument cluster is also state-of-the-art. Inspired by aviation technology, annular needles run around the three dials to increase the level of information available.

But the one shock I still had in store was the asking price. I expected the C5 to be tipping the £30k mark, but for just £22k, you get the top-of-the-range model complete with all the trimmings.

The drive itself was excellent both in and around town and out on the open road too where the 2.2-litre engine delivered ample power and the ride was very smooth as it accelerated through the six speed transmission.

Comfort levels are exceptional for all occupants and thanks to an almost completely flat floor, rear seat passengers benefit from very generous levels of legroom.

The C5 is kitted out with first class safety features including anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control, numerous airbags, a tyre pressure monitor and energy-absorbing side impact protection.

All in all, the C5 is a great vehicle and even if a long journey grinds to a standstill in a traffic jam then never fear… you always have that back massaging feature while you wait.