Citroen C5 Tourer 1.6 HDi 16v VTR 5dr Car Review - March 2012

The C5's 1.6-litre diesel engine produces 110 bhp at 3600 rpm and 177lb-ft of torque at 1500 rpm. Acceleration is not bad, with the car reaching 0-62 mph in 11.9 seconds but the Citroen's strong suit is comfort. The ride is very comfortable indeed and bumps and potholes on the road are ironed out effortlessly by the Citroen's soft suspension.

With the most basic trim level, the C5 Tourer 1.6 HDi VTR lacks some of the advanced equipment of other models within the range. However, there is still a fair amount of kit for buyers to look at and standard fixtures includes: power steering, central locking, stability control, climate control, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, cruise control and an advanced stereo with MP3 connectivity.

Bluetooth connectivity is not an option on this model and neither are alloy wheels, rear parking sensors or a leather interior. A metallic paint finish on the outside will cost an extra £490.

In terms of comfort, this car is virtually unrivalled and is considered ideal for long journeys. The suspension helps to prevent imperfections in the road from being a problem and the internal cabin is generally spacious. The build feels of a high standard and this is a good indicator of reliability.

In terms of safety, the C5 2.0 HDi 16v Exclusive is fitted with driver, passenger and front side airbags as standards to protect the occupants. An alarm and immobiliser are also fitted as standard to protect the car from theft and the standard addition of stability control and cruise control means drivers should experience few problems when driving.

In terms of practicality, the five door access means that getting in and out of the car is easy, making it ideal for families. Boot space is more than reasonably at 505 litres with the seats up, expanding to 1,462 litres when the seats are folded down.

Priced at £20,995 this large family estate has a reasonable price tag considering its class. That being said, it is far from the most expensive model on the market and with low running costs and high fuel efficiency, many buyers could see it as the ideal long term investment.

Insurance premiums should be affordable for the average family, falling under insurance group 20, and the road tax costs should also be manageable under road tax band D.

This means that those after a high performance vehicle with decent storage capacity and a comfortable interior may find the C5 Tourer 1.6 HDi VTR an attractive proposition. Those after a lower initial payout, however, are more like to look to competitors for budget models.