This stylish large family car is available as either a saloon or Tourer (estate model). There is only one petrol engine offered, a 1.6 litre unit that was developed with BMW, but there is a choice of three diesels, a 1.6 litre, 2.0 litre or 3.0 litre V6. They all provide good pace, although the 1.6 litre diesel is the most fuel efficient. All engines are also smooth, and the diesels are well refined so engine noise is never a concern in the cabin, especially when the laminated side glass is chosen which blocks outside noise remarkably well.
Insurance Groups: 20 - 35
MPG Range: 27 - 66
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Citroen C5 Overview
Comfort is the main priority in the C5 which unusually offers two suspension settings depending on the spec level. The top trim and automatic models get a hydropneumatic system which has been a common feature of the big Citroens over the years, and is responsible for the excellent reputation the company has for ride quality. Though this system does claim to give added comfort, the quality of the ride in standard models is already so good it would be hard to notice a significant difference. The seats are supportive and comfortable, making long journeys a joy.
Room is plentiful in both the front and rear, four adults should fit with ease, and only the tallest of passengers should have any concern. Despite being a saloon, the concave design of the rear ensures the boot opening is large enough to be truly practical, whilst the 439 litre capacity is among the largest in its class.
The interior is well designed and gives a real feel of class, with the use of quality soft touch materials. The steering wheel features a fixed central hub which is home to button for a number of the cars functions, and remains in place whilst the rest of the steering wheel is turned. This can take some getting used to but is a neat touch. There are however a number of small buttons around the dash which may seem a little confusing at first.
Background
The first generation of the C5 began production in 2001, as a replacement for the Xantia, as the company’s large family car offering. Initially it was made available as a 5-door hatchback and estate, and received a facelift in 2004 to match the front end appearance of the C4.
The new generation began production in 2008 after being officially unveiled in 2007. The hatchback body style was dropped in favour of a 4-door saloon, but the estate model (tourer) was kept. It received some minor tweaking in 2011 to keep the appearance model with the introduction of features such as LED lights.
Summary
The C5 is a large family car with comfort as its primary concern. It may not be the best handling car available, but refinement for this price is almost unrivalled, making it the ideal choice for long journeys. It is also one of the safest cars on the market, having received the Euro NCAP 5 star rating in 2009.
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